One of a kind 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray ZL-1 convertible is on the block RM Sotheby’s auction in Phoenix, Arizona on January 16th.
The Monaco Orange drop-top is the only one of its kind. And it’s one of only two factory-documented ZL-1 Corvettes built for 1969, and the only convertible to receive the ZL-1 treatment, an option that gave the C3 a competition-grade 427-cubic-inch V-8 engine. to. He took it.
1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray ZL-1 Convertible (Photo: RM Sotheby’s)
Based on the L88 engine, the ZL-1 features 427 aluminum blocks and heads with an “open chamber” design for increased performance, as well as redesigned and improved engine internals. Based on the engines used in Can Am racing, General Motors offered the ZL-1 option for homologation purposes, not really intending to sell road cars to customers.
The $4,718 price (of which the ZL-1 package itself was $3,000), which was more than double the price of a base 1969 Corvette, helped dissuade customers from checking the ZL-1 box on their order forms. engine, buyers received performance-assist heavy-duty brakes, heavy-duty suspension and a Positraction limited-slip differential. Conveniences available on smaller Corvettes, such as heat, air conditioning, radio, and power steering, were not available in the ZL-1.
1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray ZL-1 Convertible (Photo: RM Sotheby’s)
This suited John W. Maher of Leechburg, Pennsylvania, who took delivery of this car on December 30, 1968. Intended to race the Corvette, he then participated in various hill climbs, autocrosses and drag races. in Western Pennsylvania until 1972.
Maher took the ZL-1 out of storage in 1989, restored it, continued to drive and show it, until finally selling the car in 2007. The ZL-1 has since been completely restored, earning the Bloomington Gold designation coveted by Corvette collectors. , but still has the original engine. Based on its rarity, well-documented history and the quality of the restoration, RM Sotheby’s expects the ZL-1 to sell for $2.6-3 million at auction. This does not include the rare Corvette variants, such as the later ZR2 convertible, which remain collectors’ favorites.
