50 Years of the Chevrolet Corvette

1969

Going from the 1968 to 1969 Corvette model, nothing changed much. The small-block engine displacement grew from 327 cu in to 350 cu in, and steering was decreased from 16 to 15 inches. Cosmetically the front grilles were now all black, and the “Sting Ray” designation was changed to “Stingray” as one word on the nameplates. As for the Vette in the picture, Jim Rathmann Indy 500 winner and Florida Chevrolet dealer offered the uniquely painted vehicle to astronauts for one dollar per year. Alan Bean, Pete Conrad, and Dick Gordon took Rathmann up on his offer. They formulated the paint scheme. Bean’s car is the only one of the three’s cars that is still around.