1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Targa
The Corvette Stingray announced in 1968, has been tagged the C3 model in deference to its position as the third generation of America’s only sports car. Drawing inspiration from the Mako Shark II show car, the C3 Stingray had pronounced ‘Coke-bottle’ lines that still manage to look beautiful and aggressive in equal measure. The styling was largely left untouched for the first few years of production and this was no bad thing, as the Stingray’s original shape was always going to be hard to better. For 1969, few changes were made – the Stingray script appeared above the side vents, the reversing lights were integrated into the tail lights and the ignition moved to the steering column.
Finished in its original, rare, and desirable color of Le Mans Blue with a new blue interior, this magnificent motorcar has been restored to exceptionally high standards and is fitted with its matching numbers 427 L36 V8 engine. The correctly coded paint and interior are verified by the data tag, making this Stingray an incredibly great find.
The old 350-inch small-block was ditched in favor of something considerably more modern: a 427 L36 V8 engine. The Restomod Store slid in a new camshaft along with better pushrods and topped off the LS3 with a Top Street Performance fabricated intake manifold. The LS vents through a set of Stainless Works long-tubes mated to a Hooker exhaust system with Vette side pipes. The combination sounds bitchin and puts 458 hp to the rear wheels. A Be Cool radiator sheds engine heat while a Classic Auto Air Sure Fit system modifies the cabin temps. For functional good looks there’s a complete Concept One pulley system and the engine is dressed in a set of coil covers from Clayton Machine Works. Backing up the LS is a Tremec T-56 six-speed, fitted with an LS7 clutch, which spins power back to the 3.73-geared posi rearend.
The interior of this Corvette is in excellent condition, executed in bluewith black carpet, a beautiful combination with Le Mans Blue exterior. The dashboard is in very good condition and all original clocks are present. This Stingray Targa also has an AM / FM Radio.
Styling changed subtly throughout the generation until 1978 for the car’s 25th anniversary. The Sting Ray nameplate was not used on the 1968 model but Chevrolet still referred to the Corvette as a Sting Ray; however, the 1969 (through to 1976) models used the ‘Stingray’ name as one word, without the space.