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"Full Inventory" (Projects, Completions and Personal Collection) |
 77 Lancia Scorpion |
 67 Camaro RS Conv. |
 68 Austin Healey Sprite |
 68 Cougar |
 69 Corvette |
 70 Opel GT |
 69 Marcos 3000GT |
 86 TVR 280i |
 73 TVR 2500M |
 90 Buick Reatta |
1969 Chevrolet
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From the owner's personal collection |
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| This Vette played a major roll in the naming of this business. Shortly after Bob bought it, his sister referred to it as "a white-trash midlife-crisis car". After going back and forth about it being a classic vs. a means of combatting a midife crisis, later that same day Bob registered the "midlifeclassics.com" domain name as a site to display his budding car collection. |
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It's sexy lines, "Coke bottle" center pinch and sweeping fenders are timeless. The early models of the third generation Corvette (C3) have always been Bob's favorite of the Corvette line - and perhaps of any affordable classic. The greenhouse rear window of the later C3s is - in Bob's opinion - less desireable. To him, the "flying buttress" look of the earlier models is definitly much better.
The 1969 is probably the most desirable of the C3 models. There were many functional improvements over the '68 model - some cosmetic, but most would be considered "bug" fixes and feature enhancements. The '68 and '69 were the only years of the C3s that had the "gills" on the sides - calling back to the "Mako Shark" prototype. 1969 also marked the return of the "Stingray" moniker - which was missing in 1968. Actually, on the C2 models, it was separated into two words (Sting Ray).
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This particular car came with the standard suspension package - which is actually quite comfortable. It's actually one the most comfortable-driving cars Bob ownes - so much so that it was one of his preferred commuters for several years in Los Angeles. It's also very rugged. It was once driven home 70 miles with a leaking heater hose on a hot day in stop-and-go L.A. traffic and never saw the coolant temperature reach the danger point. Probably the biggest complaint to be had with it is that the driver's side footwell gets extremely hot. This was a common problem with all C3 Vettes even when new. The solution is to use the A/C with the bulk of the airflow directed into the footwells.
Bob purchased this beauty in October of 2001 from the original owner in Santa Ana CA where it had been stored since 1995. Despite its original appearance, he quickly discovered that prior maintenance that had been performed on the car was substandard and several systems needed components replaced and serious adjustments. Worst of all was the realization that oversized wheels and tires had caused significant damage to the fiberglass fenders - which required replacement of the entire right front fender.
After being driven for a month to evaluate its condition, the car was parked for repairs and an interior renovation. Actually, what started as a stereo replacement became a major job because Bob (as usual) couldn't bring himself to put anything back together without it being just right.
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The interior was completely gutted and scrubbed clean. While the interior was out, all weather stripping and stainless steel trim was removed. The trim pieces were reconditioned. All weather stripping was replaced. Interior trim panels were cleaned and refinished. The door jambs were stripped and repainted. The carpeting was replaced after laying down full insulating high-tech underlayment. All console components were replaced with new units. Fortunately, the original seats were in good shape and only required a good cleaning.
The original AM/FM/8-Track stereo was replaced with a 100-watt USA-5 AM/FM stereo with integral CD controller head and a 6-disk CD changer. Notice that the stereo has a period-correct analog dial. Behind this dial is a digital display. Output is boosted by a 240-watt 4-channel amplifier and played through two 80-watt Pioneer pod speakers in the rear and two 4X6 front speakers.
Front and rear bumpers have been replaced with new units as were all grill pieces.
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The suspension required new shocks and replacement of the steering gear box. Handling is firm and stable, but not all that sporty by today's standards.
The powertrain is in solid shape after some serious tuning and the engine pulls strong. However, the engine is a warranty replacement from 1979 and is due for replacement with a slightly built motor with the correct-date block and heads.
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BEFORE YOU ASK ABOUT BUYING THIS CAR
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Please note that this car is a part of the owner's Personal Collection.
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It is not listed here for the purposes of selling it, so please don't call or email asking for a sale price. However, if you really do want to buy this car, feel free to make an offer. Do realize that this car was purchased as an investment and an addition to a collection. So, it will likely take a sizeable offer to pry it away from this collector.
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If you are seriously interested in a car like this one and have some patience, Midlife Classics can work with you to obtain and restore a car like this to your personal specifications.
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SPECIFICATIONS | ||
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MANUFACTURER: Chevrolet MODEL YEAR: 1969 MODEL NAME: Corvette Stingray MILEAGE: 110,032 (8/24/03) REG EXPIRES: 11/03 ENGINE & TRANSMISSION:
CHASSIS:
INTERIOR:
STANDARD FEATURES:
OPTIONAL FACTORY EQUIPMENT:
OPTIONAL AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT:
CUSTOM-MADE OPTIONS/FEATURES:
WORK DONE SINCE PURCHASE:
WORK REMAINING:
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| Send Mail to |
| bob@midlifeclassics.com |
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