At first glance, it might look like just another classic Corvette crossing the block on Bring a Trailer. But look closer at Lot #222451—a 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible L46 350/350 4-Speed—and you’ll see a car that carries both the quirks of its era and the resilience of a survivor.
Finished in Riverside Gold, this C3 convertible wears a hue that was once the least popular choice in Chevrolet’s palette. Dealers in 1969 reportedly offered discounts just to move gold cars off the lot, knowing many buyers would repaint them in flashier shades. Riverside Gold lasted only 10 months in production, making it a one-year wonder. Today, however, what was once overlooked now feels distinctive—a time capsule of late ’60s taste.
Remember those Harvest Gold refrigerators, anyone?
Now, this unusual blast from the past is being offered on Bring a Trailer, where the auction comes to a close Sunday with the high bid reaching $22,000 so far.
This Corvette received some TLC in 1993, when its 350 V8 was rebuilt, the suspension components updated, and the frame sanded and refinished. The car was repainted in its original gold, paired with Saddle vinyl upholstery and a black convertible soft top. Hidden headlights, those ever-popular chrome bumpers, and side exit exhaust pipes complete the period look. The seller acquired it in 2021, adding about 800 miles to the odometer, which shows just 2,000 miles since the refurbishment. Why is everyone reluctant to drive this car?
After all, the L46 small block was no slouch in its day—350 horsepower from a 350ci V8 with a four barrel Rochester carburetor. Paired with a four speed manual transmission, it gave Corvette buyers a potent middle ground between the base engine and the fire breathing big blocks. This example retains that spirit, with fresh oil and coolant changes in preparation for the sale.
The roar of that engine may be the only music you’ll need – or get – from this car, especially since the radio no longer works. You’ll lose track of the time behind the tilt-telescopic wheel, too, since the clock – surprise, surprise – also died long ago.
Back in 1969, Riverside Gold Corvettes were the girl nobody wanted to dance with. Today, they’re conversation starters—rare survivors that are sure to start a conversation at any car show. Personally, we like the shade and think it shows off the curves of this old gal rather nicely. So, would you make her the belle of the ball?
Source:
Bring a Trailer
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This thing checks a number of boxes for me such as the drive train, interior, and side exhaust, but I agree with the dealers that were selling them at a discount. The color is atrocious.
Having owned a tuxedo black 69 L46 convertible with the Muncie 4 speed a long time ago, I can say they are great Vettes.! Nice powerful engine that revs well and is faster then some may think…..I wish I could get mine back.! : )
Although not my favorite color it’s nice and I believe that’s the color of the 69 Vettes given to the astronauts that year, pretty cool !
Riverside Gold was the color of the 69 Corvettes that were given to the three astronauts. They also featured large black accents that gave the cars a weird stupid looking gold and black paint scheme.
I’d take it. I’ve owned four ’69s, with two of them Riverside Gold. Really, if the paint is good, it’s a beautiful car. My first was an all-original 427/390 Hp convertible. I gave it up unwillingly (laid off while building a house…priorities…wahhhh!). Looking for that car at present. My second gold car that I currently own is an original small-block convertible. It’s nothing special but it is a beauty! At least, the old geezers in my neighborhood and town seem to think so. The color can grow on you.
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