HZ-coded 350/300 with a stamping pad that matches the VIN. Automatic transmission. Awesome black-on-black color combination. Power steering and brakes. Solid birdcage. Newer stainless exhaust. An affordable early C3 with plenty of power and a great look.

Is there anything that looks better than a sinister black Stingray? The angular bodywork has aged rather well and the early cars, like this 1969 Chevrolet Corvette, are seeing some strong gains in the market. The shiny chrome bumpers are a big part of that, giving the car a classic look and enough bright trim to offset all that black paint. It’s probably worth noting that this car was originally code 990 Monaco Orange, but a few years ago it got a comprehensive respray in Tuxedo Black that we think makes the car look fantastic. We gave it a good buff and clean-up to make it look its best, and there’s just nothing like a shiny black car to get attention. It’s also worth mentioning that the headlights work properly, although the wiper door is fussy (which is quite common), and all the chrome and stainless trim is very good to excellent. There are no add-on spoilers or flares, no questionable pinstripe choices, just a nasty black ‘Vette that makes a statement wherever it goes. Pull the T-tops and go have fun!

The black vinyl interior is largely original save for the carpets, and it remains in fantastic condition. The high-back buckets are still comfortable and look right in the vintage Corvette cockpit. Once you’re settled in, you’ll find a comprehensive set of gauges, a tilt steering column, and an upgraded AM/FM radio in the center stack. All the gauges work except the clock and even the seat belt warning light with its cancel button is still operational. In fact, that’s why we like this car—it’s somewhat light on options but that means a lot less to break. No power windows and no fussy A/C system. However, it does have the standard fiber-optic headlight monitoring system, which, remarkably, is still operational. The newer carpets are protected by Corvette-logo rubber floor mats, which is a good idea for a car that’s going to be driven, and the cargo bay is big enough for a few bags on a weekend getaway. Solid T-tops fit snugly with good weather seals, making this a car that’s comfortable year ‘round.

The 350 cubic inch V8 made its debut in the Corvette in 1969, with this one being the 300-horsepower variant. The numbers stamped on the stamping pad match the VIN and it has a correct HZ suffix code, denoting a 300-horsepower variant with an automatic transmission. We don’t have any records on rebuilds, but as a small block Chevy, it’s probably the most reliable machine ever made by man and this one runs quite well. It starts easily, idles nicely, and pulls the coupe around with authority—even though it’s the “base” engine, 300 horsepower is nothing to sneeze at! It’s nicely detailed with Chevy Orange on the block, an aluminum intake, chrome valve covers, and an open-element air cleaner with the right decal on top. The water pump, alternator, and master cylinder are recent, and with a giant radiator up front, it shrugs off hot days on the road. The TH400 3-speed automatic is more than adequate for the small block’s output and feeds a set of 2.41 gears out back. The frame is solid, the “birdcage” areas are not rusted, and the areas ahead of the rear wheels look good—this is not a car that spent its life out in the elements. There’s a newer exhaust system that sounds great save for a minor exhaust leak at the manifold that goes away once it warms up, and it terminates in stainless mufflers and polished tips in back. Rallye wheels with spinner center caps look suitably sporting and carry a set of fat 245/60/15 Goodyear radials of indeterminate age.

Documentation includes the original owner’s manual.

This is one of those Corvettes that simply works right. You don’t have to fret over your “investment” or worry when you’re out on the road and the skies turn cloudy. It has a great pedigree that will preserve its value now and in the future, and you just can’t go wrong with a shiny black Corvette. Simple, rugged, and ready to rock, it’s a great tool for having fun in the summer. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.