Corvettes shared the same basic styling from 1968 to 1982. So what year is this one? We can start to narrow the model year down by the fact that the convertible was dropped after the '75 production run. So this is a '68-'75. Also note the non-A/C heater unit and nonpower-assist brakes; it's a bit of a stripper. We like that.
Of all the junkyard sightings, the most shocking-and uncommon-is a derelict Corvette. The mind reels at the sight of "America's sports car" in such a state of neglect. Here's one we found at the always ripe Curboy's Auto Wrecking (508/347-9650) in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Because this one has been so thoroughly stripped, we had to put on our detective caps and sleuth some details to determine whether we were looking at some mythical, million-dollar wonder (a third '69 ZL1 perhaps?) or just a common roadster, if any early Corvette can be called common.
Groovy Factoids
- The '63-'67 Sting Ray nameplate was shortened to one word for the '69 models. The restyled '68 was simply badged as a Corvette and did not carry any Stingray markings.
- The 327 was replaced by the 300hp ZQ3 350 as the base engine in 1969. END
The car's original red-paint status is confirmed by the 974 Monza Red paint code on the cowl tag. Going further, we know the 974 paint code was only used from 1968 to 1970, before reappearing again in 1974 and 1975 to denote darker shades of red. | 
Inside, we see the remains of the optional red-leather interior, a detail that's backed up by the 408 trim code on the cowl tag, which narrows this down to a '68 or '69 model (the 408 red-leather interior code was not used after 1969). A final observation reveals the ignition key on the steering column instead of the dash, a change that arrived in 1969. Add it all up, and we've got a red-on-red '69 roadster, one of 16,608 built. But what about the drivetrain? |
Inside the tub, the still-present clutch pedal bestows sacred stick-car status on this poor hulk. But is it a 427 or a 350 car? The smashed remains of the factory-issue tachometer reveal a 6,000-rpm redline, so we can rule out solid lifters and big-time factory power. But lacking its entire frame, springs, sway bars, and differential, we're out of clues on the Rat versus Mouse debate. We got you this far, now go to Curboy's and see it for yourself! | |