The most balanced engine for the 1969 Corvette was the L89 “big-block,” factory rated at 435 horsepower. The engine featured a four-bolt main block topped with a pair of high-flow, lightweight aluminum heads. Resting between the heads was an aluminum tri-power intake manifold with three Holley model 2300 carburetors. While the L89 was rated at the same 435 horsepower as the iron-head L71, the L89 was known to produce slightly more power thanks to its larger exhaust valves (1.84 inches compared 1.72 inches). It also weighed about 75 pounds less, thus reducing weight from the front end, enhancing road performance. A transistorized distributor was standard for all L71 and L89 engines. Only 390 examples rolled off the St. Louis factory floor with the L89 option, and those that did represent some of the fastest and most balanced C3s ever made.

This handsome Corvette was treated to a show-quality restoration to exacting specifications in 2016. It achieved the much coveted NCRS Duntov certification in 2017 with a score of 99.3. Having already achieved Bloomington Gold certification and NCRS Top Flight certification, it achieved “Triple Diamond” status at the Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals in 2016. Triple Diamond Corvette candidates are judged on a 1,000-point scale with deductions taken for any deviations from how the vehicle left the assembly line. A team of highly trained Corvette specialists go over every square inch of the vehicle, inside, outside, and underneath. They check date codes, part numbers, fit and finish techniques, and more, to assure that any Corvette to make the cut is truly one of the world’s best.

Handsomely finished in Tuxedo Black with a Saddle interior, options include power windows, side-mount exhaust, Soft-Ray tinted glass, audio alarm, Posi-Traction 3:70 differential, and four-speed close-ratio transmission. This exceptional ’69 L89 presents a rare chance to acquire one of the best of the best Corvettes available.