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.
No Reserve 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe from the Dale Reed Collection will be auctioned Thursday, January 12, 2017, at the Mecum Auction in Kissimmee. No Reserve 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe from the Dale Reed Collection will be auctioned Thursday, January 12, 2017, at the Mecum Auction in Kissimmee. Photo Credits: William Wolf IV This No Reserve 1969 Corvette Coupe from the Dale Reed Collection was auction off on Thursday, January 12, 2017, at the Mecum Auction in Kissimmee. It sold for $57,000. The Mecum Auction started Jan 6, 2017, and ran through Jan 15, 2017, in Kissimmee, Florida. This featured Corvette is LOT T125 and is Silver with a Black interior. 1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE FEATURES: Tri-Power 427/435 HP V-8 engine HP460 ft/lbs of torque11.0:1 compressionSide exhaust4-speed manual transmissionPower brakesCortez Silver…
1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE L88 CONVERTIBLE Tank Sticker, Protect-O-Plate, Two Tops LOT S102 Goes on the block at the Monterey 2016 Mecum Auction ESTIMATE $600,000 - $750,000 Bloomington Gold Special Collection participant in 1988 and 2008Documented with the original tank sticker verified by NCRS historic document service, Protect-O-Plate and owner's manualOnly 116 L88s were built in 1969L88 427/430 HP engine with first design closed chamber aluminum headsM22 Rock Crusher 4-speed4.56 Positraction rear endJ56 heavy duty brakesK66 transistorized ignitionAuxiliary hardtop and Black soft topFathom Green with matching Dark Green interiorIn the spring of 1969, the original owner embarked upon a 6,000 miles round trip to AlaskaUpon return to Michigan, the car was sold and campaigned as a drag car by its second owner then stored until 1975The third owner purchased the car…
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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]
