‘69 L88 Convertible Auction
How much is a ‘69 L88 Corvette without the original L88 engine worth?
Per the selling dealer, this ‘69 Stingray convertible:
“is 1-of-116 L88s built in 1969, and it is documented in the L88 registry…It has a period-correct 427, not the original engine…selling well below market value because of original components missing from stock. Do your due diligence and assume [it’s being] sold ‘as is…[We] take no responsibility on authenticity. [We] paid an inspector to come verify the L88’s authenticity (besides engine). I have documents on discoveries, (see included pdf).”
A report following an examination of the car by an expert states that this Corvette has all of the other required options for an L88 car. Its L88-only M22 four-speed is stamped with the Vehicle Identification Number) that matches the VIN for the body. However, the car has some incorrect/missing parts as well as some parts that do not have the correct part numbers and or date codes.
This C3 has the L88 cold-air induction hood and the F41 heavy-duty suspension, but the rear anti-roll bar is missing.
Documentation for this car includes a post-examination findings report, an NCRS Shipping Data Report, and a photocopy of an L88 Corvette registry from 1997 that lists this car.
But to lend credence to the L88 claim, the report points out that there are two options on this car that were only on L88 models: an M22 transmission and J56 brakes. The report continues:
“In reviewing the Corvette there is no way to unequivocally state that it’s a real L88 car without a build sheet, Protect-O-Plate, tank sticker, or original purchase agreement. There may be documenting out there, but further investigation would have to take place…Most likely, this is an original L88 car, but all of the correct components would need to be found and the car would need to be restored.”
According to the seller:
“There are no problems with the vehicle, [it] drives great [and] everything works. The paint is intact, weathered in a few places…does have minor scratches…no body damage.”
The Saddle vinyl upholstery in the interior looks to me like it’s consistent with a lower mileage car; the odometer reads 32,586 miles, but the true mileage is unknown. There is a radio block-off plate, which would have been standard on an L88. (These cars were actually intended for racing, so Chevrolet didn’t offer creature comforts like AC and a radio.)
The Tuxedo Black exterior has been repainted and shows wear in some areas, but the body seems to be in good condition.
The information in the Features section says: “The seller indicates that the four-barrel L88 427-cu.in. OHV V8 is not original to the car.” It does have open-chamber aluminum heads on it and the intake manifold appears to be correct, but the carburetor is a replacement.
The rear differential is a G81 heavy-duty Positraction unit with 3:70 gearing.
A numbers-matching ‘69 L88 Corvette sells for over $400,00.00. How much do you think this Corvette with a non-original L88 engine will sell for?
Somebody threw out a bid of $50k early in the auction which ends Tuesday, Mar. 18th at 4:45 PM. Here is a link to the auction:
https://www.hemmings.com/auction/1969-chevrolet-corvette-rancho-cucamonga-ca-635024
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