The 1969 Corvette is an icon among enthusiasts. Its attractive “shark” body style and powerful V-8 engine still reside in the minds of ‘Vette lovers to this day.
The 1968 C3 Vette brought dramatic changes to both form and function. With anticipation high, the 1969 C3 Corvette had much to live up to. Keep reading to learn the history of this American icon.
[caption id="attachment_2471" align="alignnone" width="724"] 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray[/caption]
With the arrival of the 1969 Corvette came the revival of the “Stingray” name, now one word. The “Sting Ray” name (two words) originally appeared on the C2 Corvettes, starting in the 1963 model year and continuing until 1967. However, the name disappeared at the arrival of the 1968 C3 Corvette.
Badges could be found above the 1969’s slanting air vents and were visible on the front fenders. The name would remain on Corvettes up until 1976.
Subtle Refinements
Much of the 1969 Corvette was a carryover from the 1968 model year. However, the changes that did arrive removed many of the annoyances from the 1968 C3s and were well-received by consumers.
Interior changes included a smaller steering wheel, going from 16 inches to 15 inches, and the ignition was also moved from the dash to the steering wheel.
Exterior changes included a frame with increased rigidity, headlight washers, black front grilles, optional side-mounted exhausts, and single-lever handles. Some of these changes were for aesthetic purposes. Others, like the ignition placement, were due to new federal regulations.
It is also worth noting that this was the last model year where tires with red striped lettering were available. This was also the model year where white-lettered tires became an option.
1969 Corvette Exterior Color Choices
CODE
EXTERIOR
900
Tuxedo Black
972
Can-Am White
974
Monza Red
976
LeMans Blue
980
Riverside Gold
983
Fathom Green
984
Daytona Yellow
986
Cortez Silver
988
Burgundy
990
Monaco Orange
Engine Options
The 350-CID V-8 engine was the base engine for 1969. This option gave 300 horsepower. There was also a suped-up version with a firmer crankshaft and longer washer head bolts, an improved cooling system, and overall sturdier engine construction, which added an additional 50 horsepower.
Besides that, other engine options included a 427-CID big-block V-8 which came in four options. Two were 4-barrel versions, and the other two were 3×2 barrel versions. The 4-barrel versions produced between 390 and 400 horsepower, and the 3×2 barrel versions produced 430 to 435 horsepower.
There was also a crazy option that was the rarest of them all. The ZL1 engine was the first aluminum engine found under the hood of a Corvette. As a result, it was lighter and more powerful, and though rated at 430 horsepower, the actual number was estimated to be between 525-600 horsepower.
Did you know? Only two 1969 ZL1’s were ever sold. This is the rarest factory-built engine of all time that came with the $4,718 ZL1 option which included an all-aluminum 427 L88.
Engine
Size
Carb
Horse Power
L46
350ci
1x4bbl
350 hp
Base
350ci
1x4bbl
300 hp @ 4800 rpm
L71
427ci
3x2bbl
435 hp @ 5800 rpm
L89
427ci
1x4bbl
435 hp @ 6400 rpm
L88
427ci
1x4bbl
430 hp @ 6400 rpm
ZL1
427ci
1x4bbl
430 hp @ 5200 rpm
L68
427ci
3x2bbl
400 hp @ 5400 rpm
L36
427ci
1x4bbl
390 hp @ 5400 rpm
History of Design
The 1969 ‘Vette followed “the Shark” body style like the previous model year. Similarly, this was a design that greatly resembled the Mako Shark ll design. The Mako Shark ll came out in the 1965 model year, designed by Larry Shinoda.
Others who contributed to the 1969s design were Chevy head engineer Frank Winchell and the original designers of the C2 Corvette, Billy Mitchell and Zora Arkus-Duntov.
The two body styles available were the coupe and convertible options. The coupe came with a removable hardtop. Those who opted for the convertible could choose even further between a removable hardtop or a stylish soft-top.
Sales
The sales of the 1969 Corvettes were very high compared to the previous year. In 1968, 28,566 Corvettes sold; 9,936 were coupes, and 18,630 were convertibles. In 1969, 38,762 Corvettes were sold. Of those, 22,129 were coupes, and 16,633 were convertibles.
One of the reasons for this dramatic spike in sales was a labor dispute in the spring of 1969. This dispute stretched the production run for four additional months. This is also another factor contributing to the low number of sales in 1970.
Should You Buy a 1969 ‘Vette?
When considering purchasing a 1969 ‘Vette, it’s important to know its strengths and weaknesses. As much as was refined in 1969, many weaknesses still carried over.
Similar to the 1968 C3, the 1969 model had poor engine balance. The 350-CID, the 1969’s base engine model, lacked acceleration. The larger L88 engines and the monster ZL1 engine were fast; however, many don’t recommend them for street use.
Other weaknesses included poor visibility, especially blind spot visibility if the optional luggage rack was utilized.
Its strengths, however, were significant, especially when compared to the previous model year. For one, safety features were abundant. An anti-theft ignition system and anti-theft steering lock ensured your expensive Corvette would remain in your possession.
Other safety features included improved reverse lights, a warning light for when headlights didn’t fully open, shoulder and seat belt restraints, and an anti-glare instrument panel.
The 1969 Corvette also had noticeably less vibration. This could be credited to a stiffer frame. Stability also improved thanks to the increase in wheel size, from 7-inch wheels to 8-inch wheels.
So should you buy a 1969 ‘Vette? Absolutely! Parts for this vehicle are much easier to locate than for the 1968 C3. One cause of this is because of all the subtle changes in it. So if you plan on restoring one, it will give you a lot less headache. You can find some great C3 Corvettes in our Corvettes for Sale classified section on our blog.
The 1969 Corvette: Classic American Muscle
The 1969 Corvette was a welcome improvement on the original 1968 C3. Subtle improvements to the interior space and overall design were just enough to capture the hearts of all ‘Vette lovers.
This was also a car of many firsts. The 1969 Corvette was the first to bring back the “Stingray” name as one word. It was also the first to introduce an all-aluminum engine, a trend we see continued in modern-day Corvettes.
If you want to learn more about these icons of American history, subscribe to Vette Vue Magazine today!
Check out the articles below in the 1969 Corvette category on our blog.
Top 10 Most Desirable Production "Performance" Street Corvettes Calling all Corvette Enthusiasts! We have an exciting new list to share about some of the most sought-after Corvettes in the industry. Today, we’re breaking down the top 10 most desirable performance Corvettes from Chevy from the C1 through C7 generations. Whether you’re looking for vintage American classic muscle or sleek new Corvette power and agility, Chevy has produced a wide array of desirable performance Corvettes for you to enjoy. Check out our post where we take a deeper dive into each generation and highlight our favorite performance Corvette. HOME By K. Scott Teeters Marking a special moment in history, the new E-Ray Corvette made its public debut on January 17, 2023, precisely seventy years since the Corvette's original grand introduction at…
The best of all worlds. Join the C3 Vette Registry at the world's largest Corvette car show. Corvettes at Carlisle is held every August in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and has been running since 1982. Corvettes at Carlisle is the largest Corvette show in the world. - Photo Courtesy C3 Vette Registry Our topic today is C3 Vette Registry at Corvettes at Carlisle. Corvettes at Carlisle is held every August in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and has been running since 1982. It has evolved into the largest All Corvette show in the country. Corvettes at Carlisle is celebrating its 40th year, and the C3 Vette Registry will be on hand to celebrate along with many other Corvette clubs on August 25 - 27, 2022. Today we're going to discuss the C3VR and its role…
Rare, Ground-Pounding, Fathom Green 1969 L88 Corvette for sale at the Mecum Auction in Kissimmee January 8, 2022. UPDATE: THIS CORVETTE BID TO $340,000 BUT DID NOT SELL...THE BID GOES ON! Ground-Pounding Fathom Green 1969 L88 Corvette for sale at the Mecum Auction in Kissimmee 2022 Source: Mecum Auction's website The 35th Anniversary Bloomington Gold Corvette Show was held at Pheasant Run Resort and Spa, just outside of Chicago in St. Charles, Illinois, on June 26 – 29, 2008, the seventh year that the show has been held at this spectacular location. Only twenty (20) L88s were built in 1967, eighty (80) in 1968, and one hundred and sixteen (116) in 1969. The highlight was The L88 Invasion in the Special Collection at the 2008 event. The Special Collection was…
Take a trip down memory lane as we look at the third part of the original series in Vette Vues Magazine covering Corvette body kits and dress up parts. We are looking back at the various custom modifications on the C3 Corvettes that could be installed by an owner, contracted to a shop, or purchased as turn-key vehicles. Enjoy the journey! C3 - THE HISTORY OF CORVETTE BODY KITS & DRESS-UP PARTS By Wayne Ellwood Photo Credits: Facebook, General Motors, Jeff Page-Heartland, Eckler, Ben Labaree, Tony Mezzacca Motorsport, Chris Farkash, Wayne Ellwood This is the third re-post of the original series in Vette Vues Magazine. We are looking back at the various custom modifications that could be installed by an owner, contracted to a shop, or purchased as turn-key vehicles.…
C3 Corvette C3 Corvette Overview: The C3 generation from 1968 through 1982. The C3 Corvette, the third generation of the iconic American sports car, arrived in showrooms in 1968. Over its 15-year lifecycle, this car was a reflection of the changing times, mirroring the ups and downs of the American economic landscape. Prior to its release, excitement for a new Corvette model was at an all-time high. The previous generation of Corvettes, the C2 Stingray, was beloved for its stylish appearance and incredible performance. The new 'Vette needed to live up to its predecessor's legacy and sate the increasing appetite for American muscle cars. Read on to learn all about C3 history. In This Article Initial DesignThe DebutChanges AheadAn Anniversary RefreshShifting FocusSweeping ChangeReturn to FormEnd of the Line Initial Design…
This Blast From the Past is, "FAR OUT, Man!" By K. Scott TeetersPhotos by Kevin at the 2019 Corvettes at Carlisle event. Kevin is prepping his Corvette getting ready for the journey to Carlisle, Pennsylvania. While custom cars go all the way back to the early days of the automobile, it wasn't until after WW-II when the emerging car culture took the America by storm. Creative backyard mechanics started customizing their own cars and created the Custom Car Culture. The tricky thing about custom cars is that it is totally subjective. Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. One person's Dream Car is another person's nightmare. (What did you do THAT for???) In the 1950s car customizers emulated Detroit designers – restyling existing cars in the manner of…
1969 Daytona Yellow C3 Corvette on display in the NCRS Gallery at Corvettes at Carlisle 2011. The 1969 Corvette is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Let us take a look at some of the options as we look back to one on display in the NCRS Gallery at Corvettes at Carlisle in 2011. The 1969 Corvette was visually identical to the '68 except that the 1969 Corvette brought back the "Stingray" badge and it was now one word. There was a total production of 38,762, with convertibles totaling 16,633 and coupes - 22,129. There was a labor dispute in May of 1969 which caused the 1969 model year run longer. This accounts for the high number of Vettes sold and the low number in 1970 (10,668). This 1969 C3…
In this blog post, we are continuing our look at some of the unique Corvettes at the Mecum Kissimmee Auction that is going on right now (January 3-13, 2019). Would you like to own a 1969 L88 Corvette? Better yet, how about two? Mecum Auction in Kississimee is offering two Tuxedo Black L88s as a pair. Lot F151 will cross the block Friday, January 11 at the Florida auction . . . The World Largest Collector Car Auction! We've done a lot of coverage this year in Vette Vues Magazine on the L88s including extensive coverage of the Bloomington Gold L88 Explosion that took place in June at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (October 2018 Issue) where there were twenty-four 1969 L88s on display! As you will remember, 1969 was the…
1969 Corvette Ads - See The Ads That Changed Our Lives In this blog post, we are looking at the 1969 Corvette ads. Vette Vues Magazine readers love our Rear Vues column, where we take a look at vintage Corvette advertisements from old Corvette magazines and brochures and present them in digital format for you to enjoy. Below are some of the best Corvette advertisments from 1969. You might also enjoy some history of the 1969 Corvette. The 1969 Corvette was the second year of the C3 generation Corvette. The C3 Corvette was the second generation of Corvettes (C1, C2, and C3 are typically referred to as the classic generation). 1969 Corvette Overview Chevrolet assembled a total of 38,762 Corvettes in 1969, so clearly, people liked the new body style.In…
In this blog post, we look back to the September 2013 issue of Vette Vues Magazine when we featured Alan Bean's 1969 Corvette Astrovette. September 2013 Cover Vette Vues Magazine. The cover Vette is Alan Bean's 1969 Corvette Astrovette. Alan L. Bean's 1969 Corvette ‘Astrovette' Photographer: Danny Reed Alan L Bean's 1969 Corvette Astrovette Alan L. Bean, Lunar Module pilot for the Apollo 12 mission, starts down the ladder of the Lunar Module (LM) "Intrepid" to join astronaut Charles Conrad, Jr., mission Commander, on the lunar surface. 19 November 1969. By NASA Charles Pete Conrad Portrait of the prime crew of the Apollo 12 lunar landing mission. From left to right they are Commander, Charles "Pete" Conrad Jr. Command Module pilot, Richard F. Gordon Jr. and Lunar Module pilot, Alan…
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1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray[/caption]
1969 Corvette Dash[/caption]
1969 Corvette Front[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_25227" align="alignnone" width="1251"]
1969 Corvette Luggage Rack[/caption]
