1969 Chevrolet Corvette Vehicle Valuation Report

Overview

This report provides a detailed valuation for the 1969 Chevrolet Corvette, specifically the 2dr Coupe model equipped with the 8-cylinder, 350cid/350hp 4-barrel L46 engine.

Model Description

The 1969 Chevrolet Corvette saw minimal changes from the previous year, with the "Stingray" nameplate becoming a single word and appearing on the front fenders. This model year was a significant sales success, with total production increasing by 30 percent to 38,762 units. For the first time, coupes outsold convertibles, with 22,129 coupes and 16,233 convertibles sold.

The standard engine was a 300 bhp, 350 cubic-inch small-block Chevy V-8. An additional 50 bhp was available with the L46 option for $131.65. Four big-block 427-cubic-inch V-8 engines were also offered: the 390 bhp L36 (10,531 sold) with a four-barrel carburetor, and three triple-carburetor engines: the 400 bhp L68 (2,072 sold), 435 bhp L71 (2,722), and the L88 (nominally 430 bhp). The L88 engine was discontinued after 1969, with 116 built for this year. Two ZL1 L88 models with an aluminum block were also produced, costing an additional $4,718.

*Please note: All prices shown are based on various data sources, as detailed in Hagerty's 'About Our Prices'. For Hagerty clients, the values shown do not imply coverage in this amount. In the event of a claim, the Guaranteed Value(s) on your policy declarations page is the amount your vehicle(s) is covered for, even if the value displayed here is different. For policy discussions, please call 877-922-3391.

Historical Context and Specifications

While exact color production numbers for 1969 and 1970 are unrecorded, the proportions are estimated to be similar. Ten colors were available, with many names and tints carried over or changed. Notable color changes included Riverside Gold replacing Corvette Bronze, Polar White becoming Can-Am White, and Rally Red becoming Monza Red. Le Mans Blue remained the same, British Green became Fathom Green, Safari Yellow became Daytona Yellow, Silverstone Silver became Cortez Silver, Cordovan Maroon became Burgundy, and Monaco Orange was a new addition. International Blue was discontinued.

The base price for a coupe was $4,781, and for a convertible, it was $4,438. In 1969, 7,878 convertible buyers opted for a detachable hardtop, with 3,266 choosing a vinyl-covered version. Four-speed manual transmissions remained popular, with 16,507 M20 wide-ratio and 13,741 M21 close-ratio transmissions selected. A total of 101 buyers chose the heavy-duty M22 4-speed, and 102 opted for the heavy-duty clutch. Turbo-Hydra-Matic automatic transmissions were fitted to 8,161 cars. Side exhaust systems were chosen by 4,355 buyers, though many were later upgraded.

Luxury features saw increased adoption: 3,729 buyers chose leather interiors, 9,816 selected power windows, 22,866 elected power steering, 16,876 chose power brakes, and 11,589 opted for air conditioning. A tilt-telescopic steering column was fitted to 10,325 cars.

The double-acting door latch mechanism was modified, eliminating the push-button. Wheels were 8 inches wide, and the steering wheel diameter was reduced from 16 to 15 inches. All cars were equipped with headrests unless specifically deleted.

1968-1982 Chevrolet Corvette Stats

Equipment

Additional Info: Vehicle Length: 182.1 in, Wheelbase: 98 in

Vehicle's Condition Classification

#1. Concours

#1 vehicles are the best in the world. Imagine the best vehicle, in the right colors, driving onto the lawn at the finest concours. Perfectly clean, the vehicle has been groomed down to the tire treads. Painted and chromed surfaces are mirror-like. Dust and dirt are banned, and materials used are correct and superbly fitted.

#2. Excellent

#2 vehicles could win a local or regional show. They might even be former #1 vehicles that have been driven or have aged. Seasoned observers will have to look closely for flaws but will be able to find some. The paint, chrome, glass and finishes will all appear as excellent. The vehicle drives as a new vehicle of its era would.

#3. Good

#3 vehicles drive and run well but are not used for daily transportation. The casual passerby will not find any visual flaws, but these vehicles might have some incorrect parts. #3 vehicles could possess some, but not all, of the issues of a #4 vehicle, but they will be balanced by other factors such as fresh paint or a new, correct interior.

#4. Fair

#4 vehicles are daily drivers, with flaws visible to the naked eye. The chrome might have pitting, the windshield might be chipped and perhaps the body has a minor dent. Imperfect paintwork, split seams or a cracked dash might be present. No major parts are missing, but there might be non-stock additions. A #4 vehicle can also be a deteriorated restoration.