Topic: 1969 L88 authenticity
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
Greetings:
I have been doing some research on a 1969 L88 that is for sale. I have not seen the car but it is not road worthy. The owner claims it is authentic. I asked about the engine numbers and he explaind that the block had been decked. I asked what "decked" was and he said it was part of previous egine work by the last owner. He said that despite the numbers not being there, this an original L88 with the original block, heads, and intake. He claims that the car has less than 50k miles and anyone who knows something about vettes can authenticate the car by its options (f41, j56, rear end, lighter hood, radio delete). In addition, the car has no tank sticker. The car is also green, a very common color among L88s according to the owner. Car has a clear title.
My question, how can one make sure that this is an authentic L88? Is there any sure way of knowing? Vin number? What should I look for? Should a corvette expert or consultant be hired? I know that scams are plenty in the classic car market.......I am going to be very cautious. Any info that you may provide will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Former Member
Send PM
Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
Unless there's genuine provenance, I would consider the car nothing more than a Vette with a big block engine. There's probably far more L88 cars out there then Chevrolet ever actually produced at St. Louis.
Does it have the K66 transistorized ignition? If it's a genuine L88, L89 or L71 it will have it. Of course that can be faked by adding it. L88's also came with no heaters besides no radio. It should (but maybe not absolutely so) have the M22 "rock crusher" transmission, but a very few did have the TH400 automatic.
The owner may genuinely believe it's a real L88 car...it may have been convincingly represented to him that way when he obtained it, so don't immediately believe he could be lying...a big difference between lying and being incorrect due to being lied to himself previously.
For the money genuine L88's bring, tread very carefully here. I think you should find a genuine L88 expert...it would be money well spent before investing in a clone.
Does it have the K66 transistorized ignition? If it's a genuine L88, L89 or L71 it will have it. Of course that can be faked by adding it. L88's also came with no heaters besides no radio. It should (but maybe not absolutely so) have the M22 "rock crusher" transmission, but a very few did have the TH400 automatic.
The owner may genuinely believe it's a real L88 car...it may have been convincingly represented to him that way when he obtained it, so don't immediately believe he could be lying...a big difference between lying and being incorrect due to being lied to himself previously.
For the money genuine L88's bring, tread very carefully here. I think you should find a genuine L88 expert...it would be money well spent before investing in a clone.
Lifetime MemberDuncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20213
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Ever part that "identifies" an L88 can be duplicated on a small block car...Without the real numbers, or the original build sheet/window sticker/shipping invoice, it's gonna be extremely hard to authenticate.
The '68-9 L88s had heaters, by law. The '67s did not, tho.
Someone saying it is real just due to the installed equipment might be trying to pull a fast one, or, as Bruce says, might have been sold the same line when they bought it.
Kevin Mackay is the L88 guru...might try contacting him for more info/help in authenticating the car.
Kevin Mackay's Corvette Repair
The '68-9 L88s had heaters, by law. The '67s did not, tho.
Someone saying it is real just due to the installed equipment might be trying to pull a fast one, or, as Bruce says, might have been sold the same line when they bought it.
Kevin Mackay is the L88 guru...might try contacting him for more info/help in authenticating the car.
Kevin Mackay's Corvette Repair
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2429
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
As with everything else in life, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is...
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
2014216132127r.jpg)
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)