| Red Corvettes are always in demand. Pull up in this 1969 Stingray and you’ll have guaranteed front row parking from the valet, and nobody will want to tangle with you at stop lights. Such is the Corvette’s reputation, especially RED Corvettes. If that’s your kind of extroverted fun, this is your car. The paint was done a few years ago, but there’s no mistaking the brilliant shape of the all-new Stingray, which was unlike anything else on the road. This one has an honest, clean look about it, not restored to concours levels, but not a car that has been abused and flogged, either. Instead, it has an earnest patina that is often appealing to collectors, and folks who see this car will recognize it for the piece of vintage sculpture that it is. The Monza Red is eyeball-searing, a true bright red that stands out, even without the swoopy fiberglass bodywork underneath. Speaking of fiberglass, the finish on the car is good, with no signs of previous damage and work done by guys who were familiar with the material. Gaps are decent, about what you’d get if this were 1969, and it looks awesome going down the road. Chrome bumpers are a big plus for most enthusiasts, giving the all-American sports car some European flair, and a chrome trunk rack adds some much-appreciated carrying capacity. This car also sports a set of custom bullet-style taillight lenses, chrome “gill” inserts, and a set of correct Stingray emblems. Upgrades inside includes custom two-tone upholstery that replaces the often hot and sticky vinyl center sections with grippy gray velour, something you’ll appreciate when you’re out cruising this summer with the T-tops off. The backrests have been embroidered, and the door panels upholstered to match, giving it a very OEM look with a slight custom twist that you’ll dig. The black carpets are in excellent condition, nice enough to believe they’re newer replacements and not originals, and the factory gauges are all present and accounted for. A modern AM/FM/CD stereo has been fitted, with a pair of massive aftermarket speakers under the rear deck where they’re out of sight. Although the big blocks get all the attention, small block Corvettes are some of the best-driving performance cars you can buy, and they’re a screaming bargain to boot! This one makes awesome V8 sounds that are threatening enough to keep the kids in their Hondas at bay, and the dressed-up 350 under the hood moves the car with real authority. Power steering and brakes make it easy to handle, and the brakes themselves have just been fully rebuilt, so the 4-wheel discs deliver awesome stopping power. Long-tube headers feed a dual exhaust system that sounds great, and the chassis is solid and original, with no notable issues. Beautiful chrome Rally wheels were recently installed, and wear fresh 235/60/15 BFGoodrich rubber. There are two kinds of people on the planet: Corvette owners and everyone else. Color codes from the trim plate. Built date is Q06. 1,828 miles from the odometer. $22,995. January 29, 2012. |
