Stock-Looking C3 Convertible Is Packing an LS3 Surprise Underhood

If you like the looks of a stock C3 convertible but want modern mechanicals, this ’69 is certainly the best of both worlds.

Corvette restomods are a dime a dozen these days, though that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Personally, we love the combination of modern mechanicals with timeless styling, which is essentially like having your cake and eating it, too. But some folks aren’t fans of slapping large wheels on vintage Corvettes, nor those that tack on extra bodywork or other styling modifications. If you’re one that likes the idea of a newer drivetrain in an older, stock-looking vehicle, you’ll certainly like this C3 convertible that’s currently up for grabs at Bring a Trailer.

From the outside, you’d be hard-pressed to tell that this is anything other than a nice, stock C3 convertible. It’s finished in red with a white convertible top, side pipes, chrome bumpers, and 15-inch chrome wheels with center caps that are wrapped with 245/60 BFGoodrich Radial T/A white letter tires. The interior doesn’t give away much either, as it’s a simple and clean cabin with black upholstery, though there are a couple of modern updates including Vintage Air climate control, Autometer gauges, and a retro-look AM/FM/cassette stereo.

However, if you peek underneath, you’ll quickly realize that this is no stock 1969 Corvette. Instead, it’s been treated to a host of modern mechanicals, including a RideTech coilover suspension, power steering, and power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes. Power comes from GM’s ever-popular 6.2-liter LS3 V8, which has been fitted with a Billet Specialties Tru Trac serpentine system. The modern-day powerplant is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and sends its power to the rear wheels.

Personally, we aren’t huge fans of giant wheels or crazy body modifications on older Corvettes, particularly the early C3s and prior. These cars, in our opinion, are pretty much perfect in the looks department as-is, though we can certainly understand why people would want to upgrade the suspension and drivetrains for a bit more reliability and an overall better driving experience. If you feel the same way, this ’69 drop-top certainly represents the best of all worlds and would be our pick if we were in the market for a restomodded Corvette.

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Photos:Bring a Trailer

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