The transmission was not designed for quick shifting, so I was told to never expect to suddenly take off. I just had to remember to get the rev line up to at least 2,000 RPMs, and then move the gear to neutral, then into the gear I needed. These things have to be handled with care – you can’t just shift like you don’t care. You might think that these things are second nature, but not on a classic car.
![69 corvete rodstar 427 ford 69 corvete rodstar 427 ford](https://car-from-uk.com/ebay/carphotos/full/ebay986839.jpg)
#69 corvete rodstar 427 ford how to
After being given a bit of a lesson on how to start it – from pumping the gas pedal a few times due to its carbureted engine, to using the choke, to revving the engine a bit to build the oil pressure up, to driving around a bit to build the water temperature - I was almost ready to go. Starting the car was a ceremony of its own. Did it make it awkward to get into the car? At first, yes. The Corvette’s steering wheel itself was like holding onto a tractor’s steering wheel – it was so big for such a small car in comparison to what we have now.īut that was because back in 1969, power steering was just becoming an option, so to turn a car without power steering, you needed as much of a wheel as you possibly could have to turn. And because there is absolutely no back seat, you’d have one heck of a time getting in if you were any taller than five-foot-eleven. Sitting in the driver seat was like sitting on the ground - the car is so low. This car didn’t even come with power brakes. Traction Control? Stability Control? These were options you might have found on a Mercedes back then, but not on the Stingray.
![69 corvete rodstar 427 ford 69 corvete rodstar 427 ford](https://car-from-uk.com/ebay/carphotos/full/ebay310122.jpg)
![69 corvete rodstar 427 ford 69 corvete rodstar 427 ford](http://classiccardb.com/uploads/postfotos/1969-corvette-427-4-speed-convertible-original-paint-l88-hood-frame-off-5.jpg)
Power Windows? Costly option back in 1969, and why would you have it on a convertible? Air conditioning? Much too pricey. Another option he had put in was the manual choke – because, as he said to me, “…the automatic chokes were junk.”Īirbags? Nope. Originally, this car had no power steering, but the owner had the optional power steering from 1969 installed as part of the restoration.
#69 corvete rodstar 427 ford manuals
I’ve owned and driven manuals for close to 10 years, and this car is like nothing I’ve ever driven. Both of which were never touched in the restoration. This ‘69 ‘Vette is powered by a small block 350 V8 engine, which according to the original sale ticket, gave 300 horsepower and was paired up with a 4-speed manual transmission. He just recently got it back to near-showroom finish with an almost complete overhaul and restoration, and I was just handed the keys for the day. The owner of this classic car bought it brand new in 1969. This day was a day to drive a classic convertible: A 1969 Corvette Stingray Convertible.īuilt 43 years ago, the Stingray was the car to have, and at almost $6,500 with taxes, it cost practically a year’s salary at the time. Cool breeze, shining sun, clear skies – the perfect fall conditions to go out in a convertible.