Steve Bramati's (SBR) 1969 L88 Corvette Coupe!!!

[Xplantdad]

Hello,
After seeing all the cars at the Scottsdale auctions it has given me spring fever. I went into my garage and took some pictures of my 1969 L88 Corvette coupe that I have owned for 5 years.


This monza red 69 L88 coupe was sold new at Courtesy Chevrolet in San Diego Ca. A navy Rear Admiral special ordered it and kept until 1972 when it was traded in for a Blazer. I remember reading about this car as it was in a dozen magazines and a few books when a collector discovered the car in 1984 as he purchased it from the second owner. The car only had 21K original miles on it.


Fast forward to 2003, I owned a nice silver 69 L88 coupe but had always wanted the red coupe that I had read and heard about so many times over the years. I had mentioned this to Chris P. and told me right away who owned it and told me that it may be for sale. I knew that I had to do buy the red car and sell the silver one no matter what. Upon receipt of the car I was amazed at how original the car really was. Other than paint, battery, belts, and a hose or the two the car is original and the motor has never been apart. The car also comes with complete owner history, its tank sticker, POP and has been featured in 12 magazines and three books. The car also came with 3 photo albums and journals with entries made about the car dating back to 1972. The car has earned 4 NCRS Top Flight awards a PV award, 3 Bloomington Gold certificates, a survivor award and has been inducted to their Hall of Fame in 2008. It has been a privelige owning this car and I hope you enjoyed reading about it. Special thanks Chris P. for all his advice on the hobby and Lou G. for helping me keep the car running its best.


Best Regards,
Steve Bramati


http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/SBR/L88/tn_100_1628.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/SBR/L88/tn_100_0236.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/SBR/L88/tn_100_1630.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/SBR/L88/tn_100_0704.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/SBR/L88/tn_100_0706.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/SBR/L88/tn_100_0708.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/SBR/L88/tn_100_1626.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/SBR/L88/tn_100_0043.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/SBR/L88/tn_100_0710.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/SBR/L88/tn_100_0714.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/SBR/L88/tn_100_0719.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/SBR/L88/tn_100_0711.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/SBR/L88/tn_100_0715.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/SBR/L88/tn_100_1446.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/SBR/L88/tn_100_0727.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/SBR/L88/tn_100_0722.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/SBR/L88/tn_100_0724.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/SBR/L88/tn_100_0726.jpg

[1randy]

MY DREAM CAR!!!

[mockingbird812]

Wow! What a deadly beauty she is. Thanks for breaking her out of her hibernation! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[KENNY_PASCOE]

AWESOME CAR .. GOOD LUCK WITH IT . KP http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[CC Rider]

Very nice Corvette! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

The ad featuring the Chevette and your Corvette was priceless. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[BJCHEV396]

NICE!THANKS FOR SHARING!

[1railman]

One of my all time favorite cars! My dream is to again own a late 074 equiped L88.
Call me when you replace it with a 67 L88. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[1969l78]

Sweet

[PeteLeathersac]

Whttp://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gifW!!!

The original owner Navy Rear Admiral would've been anything but in the rear when driving this car!.

How many L88's are Bloomington Survivor cars?.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif
~ Pete

[SBR]

Thanks to all for the kind words regarding my car.
Harold, I hope that you get your open chambered L88, my dream of owning a 67 L88 will remain a dream for me.
Pete, Unmolested L88s are an extrememly rare. Most have had body work from collisions or have been flared and their motors were blown up long ago. I would guess the number of Survivor L88s is very low, about 10/15 cars total from 67 to 69 with about 5 of them still retaining their original paint too. I have a friend that owns two such cars in Dallas and another here in Illinios.

[JAD]

This is for sure one of the best L88s in the country Steve!!!!!!!! I really enjoyed seeing it at Bloomington last year.

[sixtiesmuscle]

I too enjoyed seeing this car. It was one of just a very few cars that I actually stood & stared at to take it in. Now get a police escort, and, drive it over here Steve. Your car will thank you for the two mile trip. Oh yeah, four miles round trip.

[737Driver]

Not bad, but, have you ever considered painting it green? You know, get the value a little higher on it. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[Xplantdad]

Thanks to Steve for volunteering his car to be featured as a Members Ride....and a kick ass one at that.

It must be a real kick in the pants to take a ride in your L88 Steve!

Thanks again for sharing it with all of us!

Oh...Before Charley asks... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/Can-I-Have-It.gif

[SIR-VIVOR]

The only thing better than this one would be a convertible L88. When you think about the extensive racing history of LeMans, Daytona and Sebring, it makes you wonder that any are left that haven't been raced and have been left alone. I had heard from some powers above us that only 10% of the L88's left have their original drivetrains. I knew I should have bought this one!

[al8apex]

it is only missing a Courtesy Chevrolet San Diego chrome metal license plate frame ... we have one of those . . .

[Tenney]

Angry red Corvette ... she's a beaut!

[kwhizz]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

Ken http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[Les Quam]

Really like the undercarriage and paperwork. You just rarely find undercarriages like that anymore. From watching my friends grenade their L-88s back in the day it is amazing this engine is untouched. Back in the 70s my friends couldn't afford two cars and were trying to drive their L-88s to work everyday in Chicago traffic. It was really ugly.

One of the coolest Vettes I have ever seen.

[TommyNJr]

Steve, great looking!! Will we ever see the car at the local cruise nights. I remember a certain red L88 out one summer night this past year. The $12K OBO, was this the 1984 price?

[737Driver]

That is a great car with no excuses. Real Deal as John Ballard might say. Certainly in the top five or ten L88s in the country.

Have you ever seen an original element for the air cleaner base? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Paul D]

Steve, ya gotta love those "LO" open chamber L88's. The significant changes they made to that engine makes yours even more rare than just it's originality. I don't know how many of the '69 L88's got the "LO" engine.......Thanks for sharing it with us!

[TimG]

Steve,

I still enjoy seeing your car every chance I get, what a prize, love the paperwork. You know I'm a paperwork guy. Do you have the mag wheels that were on the car in the pictures? That's a classic look. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[SBR]

Paul, the open chambered L88s went into production on June of 69. Actual production is around 40 cars.
Tim, I too like the look of the vintage wheels but they are long gone. The classified ad is from 1984.
Mike, if the weather is better than the last car B que maybe I will get the police escort LOL.

[SBR]

Mark, here is a couple of pics of an original foam seal for the air cleaner base. I do not use it because it probably is the most expensive piece of foam in history and I don't want some dope, namely me closing the hood on it and ruining it. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gifhttp://i44.tinypic.com/20pa6o8.jpghttp://i42.tinypic.com/1zmdlzt.jpg

[SIR-VIVOR]

Put it in one of those clear plastic bubbles and transport it to Mikes in case of rain. Or for Christmas, do the same with Santa in it with some fake snow for a front lawn display.

[bergy]

That it one incredible ride Steve - thanks for sharing it. I worked at the St. Louis assembly plant in the summer of '69 and actually got to test drive an L88 with the same color combination as yours. My girlfriend's father (she's now my wife) frequently drove "road test" cars for one evening and then returned them to the OK car lot the next day for shipment. I drove a lot of fast cars, but I have to say that the L88 Corvette scared the #@#@ out of me. Thanks again for sharing yours. Bruce

[1969grb]

My dream car!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif

Grady http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[737Driver]

Steve,

What a ya talkin about? You got a deal! Thank you Lou Sr. for that rare piece. I remember him filling it, like a sponge, with water as he was saying ' yeah, it outta be OK.' I bought that from him in 94 and treated it like you do now...a piece that would be hard to replace. I'm glad it's on such a nice car.

Mark

[69 L88]

Steve,
You do have a great car, I like the detail of the the pictures , photos .
I agree top 10, L88 and the best color

Tom

[SBR]

Mark, just having fun with you! I look forward to catching up with you next time your in town http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[markjohnson]

The late 1969 open-chambered L-88 Corvettes are simply the baddest musclecars ever to come from that era. They are THE KING!

[napa68]

My,my,my..........Steve has landed another beauty! I love it!
Enjoy. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

[gb70]

History right there! Beautiful!

[69 L88]

[ QUOTE ]
The late 1969 open-chambered L-88 Corvettes are simply the baddest musclecars ever to come from that era. They are THE KING!

[/ QUOTE ]I agree 100% http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r24/73gts/69%20L88/BLOOMINGTON2008GOLD.jpghttp://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r24/73gts/69%20L88/redconv69L88Originalpaint010.jpghttp://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r24/73gts/69%20L88/L88GTS002.jpg

[69 L88]

Steve, Will you be taking your L88 to the new corvette nationals this fall in Chicago ??

Tom http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[SBR]

Tom, I really haven't given it much thought. If there is some type of L88 Corvette showcase I would definetly consider it.

[bashton]

[ QUOTE ]
Steve, Will you be taking your L88 to the new corvette nationals this fall in Chicago ??

Tom http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Can you imagine the visual impact of TWO Red L88 Corvettes nose to nose? I know I can...

Now let's not forget, this is the MUSCLECAR and Corvette Nationals, NOT the Chevy Vettefest!

Prime high quality Corvettes, especially the ultimate Muscular Corvettes are welcome! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Bashton

[bashton]

Or better yet, a CIRCLE of L88 Corvettes...

Sorry, can't take the credit for that idea.

Thanks sixtiesmuscle!

What do you guys think?

Bashton

[69 L88]

[ QUOTE ]
Or better yet, a CIRCLE of L88 Corvettes...

Sorry, can't take the credit for that idea.

Thanks sixtiesmuscle!



What do you guys think?

Bashton

[/ QUOTE ]

Bob, sounds good to me for the, Nickey muscle car & Corvette Nationals

Tom

[TimG]

Bob, forgive me if you've covered this, but will there be a version of the Triple Crown? We had thought about bring some Corvettes from Austin for this award in November.

[bashton]

[ QUOTE ]
Bob, forgive me if you've covered this, but will there be a version of the Triple Crown? We had thought about bring some Corvettes from Austin for this award in November.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for the question TimG.

I don't want to detract from the post, so please allow me to make a post to answer this under Events.

Thanks!

Bashton

[69 L88]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Bob, forgive me if you've covered this, but will there be a version of the Triple Crown? We had thought about bring some Corvettes from Austin for this award in November.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for the question TimG.

I don't want to detract from the post, so please allow me to make a post to answer this under Events.

Thanks!

Bashton

[/ QUOTE ]
Bob, How many L88'S will you have in the Showcase this fall ? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[Dr. Pete]

Tom, I just posted a picture of your L-88 on my new website. Steve, your 427/435 is there also! Here is the link to my new site: The Chevrolet Corvette (http://www.thechevroletcorvette.com/)

Dr. Pete

[SBR]

Pete, nice website! I can't wait to read your upcoming book, looking forward to the photo shoot. Tom, I spoke with Bob and I believe there are 8 or 9 L88s that will be showcased at the MCCN. They may even get more than that.

[bashton]

[ QUOTE ]
Pete, nice website! I can't wait to read your upcoming book, looking forward to the photo shoot. Tom, I spoke with Bob and I believe there are 8 or 9 L88s that will be showcased at the MCCN. They may even get more than that.

[/ QUOTE ]

That is correct; we currently have commitments for NINE L88's. The amazing thing is, every one is a different color, with the exception of red, but in that case, we have a Coupe (Steve B's) and a Roadster. (Tom M's).

Neat stuff indeed. Many Thanks to Steve Bramati for putting this together and also to all of the owners who have agreed to share these outstanding cars with us at MCACN.

BTW: Dr. Pete will be signing his book at the show too.

Bashton
MCACN Managing Member

[69 L88]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Pete, nice website! I can't wait to read your upcoming book, looking forward to the photo shoot. Tom, I spoke with Bob and I believe there are 8 or 9 L88s that will be showcased at the MCCN. They may even get more than that.

[/ QUOTE ]


That is correct; we currently have commitments for NINE L88's. The amazing thing is, every one is a different color, with the exception of red, but in that case, we have a Coupe (Steve B's) and a Roadster. (Tom M's).

Neat stuff indeed. Many Thanks to Steve Bramati for putting this together and also to all of the owners who have agreed to share these outstanding cars with us at MCACN.

BTW: Dr. Pete will be signing his book at the show too.

Bashton
MCACN Managing Member

[/ QUOTE ] http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif
Are you trying to get every color ? L88

[SBR]

Tom,
It would be nice to get every color.

[69 L88]

Steve ,, Any plans this year for a L88 display again ?

[SBR]

Tom,
There are no plans that I am aware of for another L88 display. I just went on Dr Petes website and it looks like he is working on two books at the moment. The first is a "street L88" book and the other is for 427 COPO cars with a hoped for completion time by MCACN. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[EricLj]

We had Zora Ankus scribe his signature on the Radio block off plate some years back, while at a show in Palm springs, I have some pictures of the event stashed. We put about 16 miles on L88 then. Looks as good now as when we had it then, or in the post of 2009.

Is the signed radio block off plate still in the vehicle?

Eric

[SBR]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EricLj</div><div class="ubbcode-body">We had Zora Ankus scribe his signature on the Radio block off plate some years back, while at a show in Palm springs, I have some pictures of the event stashed. We put about 16 miles on L88 then. Looks as good now as when we had it then, or in the post of 2009.

Is the signed radio block off plate still in the vehicle?

Eric </div></div>
Hi Eric,
The radio block off plate still has Zoras signature on it. I have pictures of him signing it, very cool stuff. If you find the pictures, I would love to see them if you find them. Zora also autographed the owners manual for Steve Chapman who owned it and had Car and Driver road test it in 6/89. It's one of my favorite pictures of the car. Since my name is Steve also, it makes it a pretty neat coincidence.