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A unique 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray ZL-1 Convertible will cross the block at RM Sotheby’s auction in Phoenix, Arizona, on Jan. 16.
The Monaco Orange drop-top is the only one of its kind. And it was one of only two factory-documented ZL-1 Corvettes built in 1969, and the only convertible to get the ZL-1 treatment, an option that added a race-derived 427-cubic-inch V-8 engine to the C3. ‘ Vette.
1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray ZL-1 Convertible (photo via RM Sotheby’s)
Based on the L88 engine, the ZL-1 427 featured an aluminum block and head, the latter with an “open chamber” design aimed at increasing power, plus redesigned and improved engine internals. Based on the engine used in the Can Am race, General Motors is offering the ZL-1 option for homologation purposes, and does not really intend to sell any road cars to customers.
Helping prevent customers from checking the ZL-1 box on their order form is a price of $4,718 ($3,000 of which is the ZL-1 package itself), which is more than double the price of the base Corvette in 1969 engines, buyers get assisted heavy-duty brakes. power, heavy-duty suspension and Positraction limited-slip differential. The creature comforts available in lesser Corvettes, such as heating, air conditioning, radio, and power steering, were not available in the ZL-1.
1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray ZL-1 Convertible (photo via RM Sotheby’s)
That was fine for John W. Maher of Leechburg, Pennsylvania, who took delivery of this car on December 30, 1968. He intended to race the Corvette, and continued to compete in various hill climbs, auto crossovers, and drag races. in Western Pennsylvania until 1972.
Maher pulled the ZL-1 from storage in 1989, reconditioned it, and continued to drive and show it until finally selling the car in 2007. The ZL-1 has been fully restored, achieving the Corvette collector’s coveted Bloomington Gold certification. , but still has the original engine. Based on its rarity, well-documented history and quality of restoration, RM Sotheby’s expects the ZL-1 to sell for $2.6 million to $3 million at auction. It didn’t miss out on rare Corvette variants like the later ZR2 convertible, which remains a collector’s favorite.
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