SP Rides: The Silver Stingray
BY MICHAEL KITCHENS
Name: John Robert Stolfi
Age: 72
Occupation: Retired
Hobbies: Wife and cars
Year/Make/Model: 1969 Chevrolet Corvette 427
Color: Mako Shark Gray
The Chevrolet Corvette is a living legend, one of America’s domestic stalwarts that dates all the way back to 1953 but still causes heartbeats to thump at a frenetic pace. This 1969 Corvette 427 was based after the Mako Shark II concept car and its stunning visage remained in production until 1982.
For many, the Corvette is the ultimate dream car, and John Stolfi can be counted among its staunchest adherents.
Even more remarkable is that Stolfi is the sole owner of this stunning, adrenaline-pumping convertible Corvette. Purchased while he was on a tour of duty in Vietnam in 1969, Stolfi knew the car would appreciate in value. At the time, the ride was worth about $3,900; now, the car’s V8 427 engine alone is worth anywhere from $40,000 to $500,000 — depending on its specs and model. Upon his return from Vietnam, Stolfi enjoyed the car thoroughly while moving from place to place. Then, for about a 13-year period, the car was garaged and in various family members’ hands until it finally found a permanent home in Hawaii.
This generation of Corvette is known for its striking, curved yet muscular body with arched fender wells and a shark-themed design. Unlike most cars today, this Corvette’s front fenders have functional, engine cooling vents that aren’t there just for looks. Chrome accents grace the car — the front grill alone is unique and enduring while the car itself features a new convertible soft top. Refreshed with an all-over body repaint, this Vette gleams in Mako Shark Gray. Classic, vacuum-powered headlights are smoothly integrated into the front fascia while a vented hood provides cooling for the 4-barrel carburetor, 427 V8 engine that resides underneath.
This car weighed 3,500-plus pounds at the time of production, but the amount of ponies offered on tap meant that just putting the car into gear could be an experience. This car isn’t a modified monster — it’s a classic that Stolfi has taken the time to update with some modern conveniences. Power steering was an absolute must while a newer, more aggressive dual exhaust was added for some grunt. In addition, various tune-ups and parts were replaced to keep this classic rolling with the same menace as it first had off the showroom floor.
This baby resides on the original 1969 Rallye Wheels and features BF Goodrich Radial T/As for that classic look. A stereo was added for some updated sounds while the already impressive interior features stitched black leather seats and a serious cornucopia of gauges that monitor oil pressure, water temperature, ammeter, fuel gauge and even an analog clock. It’s obvious that this car meant business after leaving the factory.
Stofli believes this car is an icon that should be treated as an heirloom. His full intentions are to pass it on to his family. He’s always visualized this classic Corvette as being something that will forever grow in value. It’s obvious that it has done so in more ways than one.
