| The word survivor gets thrown around a lot these days, but even Corvette purists who practically coined the term will admit that this 3-owner 1969 Sting Ray with just 64,941 original miles definitely qualifies. With a matching-numbers drivetrain, factory paint, and a stunningly well-preserved interior, it proves that you just can't restore history into a car. Yes, that is indeed factory-applied Monza Red paint and while it isn't show car perfect, to a guy who loves originality it's downright beautiful. This 'Vette has obviously lived a very good life with caring owners who understood the importance of leaving well enough alone. That also means it was probably never used as a daily driver and there are no signs of major accidents or fiberglass surgery anywhere on the body. The red remains vivid and not faded by the sun, and that shine you see in the photos is no illusion, it still polishes up rather nicely. There are certainly signs of use, but they're appropriate to the car's age and mileage, and this car is a road map for how the factory did it. The chrome still sparkles on the front and rear bumpers, and the accessory luggage rack on the rear deck is actually a rather useful addition if you like long road trips in your fiberglass sports car. This is an easy car to like. At first glance, you'll think the interior is new. It just looks too nice to be nearly 45 years old. But no, those are original red seat covers on the stylish buckets, and they show only minimal signs of use and age. Likewise, the carpets and door panels look a fraction of their age and despite the fact that this is a T-top car, the various bits and pieces haven't been baked and faded in the sun. The gauges show crisp, clear markings and bright pointers, and you'll note that this car is loaded with options including factory A/C, power windows, and a tilt steering column. Yes, Corvette fans, the fiber-optic lamp monitors all work like they should, one of the cooler features of the early cars that vanished in later models. The only major change is a digital AM/FM/cassette stereo head unit in the original slot, but they were careful not to hack up the dash to get it in there. The seals on the T-tops are still supple, and with a removable rear window, this 'Vette offers 90 per cent of the convertible's open-air experience. The engine is the original, numbers-matching 300 horsepower 350 cubic inch V8, and anyone who thinks that you need a big block to have fun in a 'Vette needs to come drive it. It snaps to life easily and idles with a predatory rumble thanks to a throaty dual exhaust system, and despite the 350's penchant for modifications, this one seems to be quite stock. A chrome alternator matches the air cleaner and ignition shield, and the finned valve covers are welcome in a car with such a sporting personality. The TH400 3-speed automatic feeds the original rear end and you can easily see by looking underneath that this car has been someplace warm all its life. Proper Rally wheels with 225/70/15 Firestone radials complete a car that deserves to be enjoyed on a regular basis. 64,942 miles from the odometer. Color codes from the trim plate. Assembly date is O18. $26,995. February 1, 2014. |
