Up for auction is this 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe, finished in Monza Red over a black interior, with body color removable T-Top panels, and a 454 ci V8 with a four-speed manual. This example with many desirable options and upgrades is very clean, and has been driven 68,168 miles.

In 1969, the C3 chassis was only in the second year of production for this generation of Corvette, and was roundly praised for its design. These early examples with the slim chrome bumpers and reverse-rake tail are highly desirable, arguably the “cleanest” design version of this generation.

This particular example not only comes in the proper bright, confident color, but also comes equipped with great factory options that mark it out as a proper representation of America’s Sports Car.

The Monza Red finish is in excellent condition, glossy and consistent, and shows off the lines of the C3 Corvette very nicely. All chrome trim is in excellent condition - from the bumpers, side gills, badging, rear view mirror and window surround, it stands up to close inspection. The proper 15” rally wheels are present and clean, shod with BF Goodrich Radial T/A’s with white lettering. The T-Tops are in working condition, though the seller states that the car has been in storage for 12 years, and the seals may be too dried out to be truly watertight at this point.

The interior is finished in black, with high back bucket leather seats in excellent condition. Door panels and the dashboard are all clean and free from warps or cracks, and show no signs of fade or damage from the sun. Near the shifter and on the center console, there is some evidence of light scratches and general patina, but overall the interior is very presentable. The only addition that isn’t factory correct is the Blaupunkt Stereo mounted behind the factory faceplate, and functions properly.

This Corvette underwent a full restoration that was started by its owner in the late 1980’s, and completed in 2003 by The Vette Shop in Warminster, Pennsylvania. It’s equipped with a 454 ci V8, a Muncie 4-speed manual transmission, and a Posi-Traction rear axle. The N14 side exit exhausts were a popular option brought back for the 1969 model year, and this example comes equipped with them.

This example had a new engine block installed for an engine rebuild, with date codes marking it as being produced in the early 70’s, but is otherwise equipped as it was from the factory.

As a potential purchase, this Corvette is hard to beat. If you are a fan of the C3 generation, it has the proper specification, a great color, and is in very good condition. The restoration work was thoughtful and complete, and the car looks very presentable. The earlier C3’s have been rising steadily in value this year, as buyers look to find these clean-design, Mako Shark influenced cars again, so the timing should be right for picking up a great Corvette like this one.