1965 Chevrolet Corvette 327/375HP 'Fuelie' Coupe

327ci OHV V8 Engine
Rochester Fuel Injection
375bhp at 6,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Beautifully preserved, factory Fuel Injected Corvette
*Well-documented example, retaining the original matching-numbers engine
*Highly optioned with power windows and much more, and factory-finished in Nassau Blue
*The best year and model of the mid-year Corvette per Zora Arkus-Duntov


THE CHEVROLET CORVETTE

To say that the Sting Ray's arrival caused a sensation would be grossly understating its impact on the North American sports car market. Indeed, such was its runaway success that the St. Louis factory hired a second shift but still could not build cars fast enough to meet demand. Styled in General Motors' Art and Color Studio under Bill Mitchell, the new Corvette featured radical styling pioneered on Mitchell's successful Stingray sports-racer. Beneath the skin was an all-new ladder-frame chassis with independent rear suspension, the adoption of which enabled the center of gravity to be significantly lowered, improving both road holding and ride. This new frame was the work of Corvette Chief Engineer, Zora Arkus-Duntov who said: 'For the first time I have a Corvette which I am proud to use in Europe.' Now recognized as representing a 'golden age' for the Corvette, the Sting Ray was manufactured from 1963 to 1967 and has since gone on to become a highly collectible modern classic.

It is very hard to argue with the attraction of the Stingray Corvette. There is nothing subtle about these extremely powerful and loud cars, and in the subsequent half a Century until today.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This Corvette offered here is a highly desirable example of the Sting Ray or C2 model, not just due to the desirable factory specification of being one of the rare approximately 771 Fuel Injected Corvettes produced in 1965, but also due to the fact that it's fitted with power windows among other desirable options from the factory, and finished in the striking Nassau Blue color. Furthermore, the Corvette has been incredibly well preserved over the years, and retains its original matching-numbers, factory installed engine and major components.

According to a reproduction window sticker on file, the new Fuelie Corvette was completed at the St. Louis-based GM plant just as it appears today, painted striking Nassau Blue over a white and blue interior, fitted with the 4-speed transmission, and optioned with power windows, 'Quick take off wheels' - or knock-off wheels as they are more commonly referred to - tinted glass, Delco AM/FM radio, teakwood steering wheel, off road exhaust, Posi-Traction rear axle, F40 sport suspension and of course the 375 horsepower fuel injected 327ci engine. The selling dealer was Grant Bishop Chevrolet of Los Gatos, California, where the original owner is believed to have taken delivery. The Fuelie Coupe is rumored to have remained with the original owner until 1974, when purchased by Mr. Dale Davis from Springfield, Michigan. The Corvette would be kept in his care until 1983, when a Mr. Wayne May of Denver, Colorado acquired the well-preserved, 'survivor' Corvette. Under Mr. May's 38 year ownership, the Corvette would be kept as original as possible, while components were refurbished as needed, and the desirable Fuelie Corvette was shown at various Corvette and Classic Car events.

Offered today from a southern California Corvette enthusiast, this matching-numbers Corvette is admired by its largely preserved state, and many factory-original finishes throughout.

The mileage of just over 31,250 miles at the time of cataloging is indeed believed to be original based on the ownership history of 38 years with previous owner, and the owner prior to that. The car is listed in the Corvette Fuelie Registry, and the extensive documentation offered with the car includes NCRS Shipping data report, owner's manual, dealer brochure, and a comprehensive binder with restoration receipts and further history records. The striking white and blue interior looks immaculate and sits extremely well with the cool Nassau Blue exterior color. The five aluminum knock-off wheels are fitted with appropriate Goldline tires and gives the C2 Corvette the right look. A service was performed during the spring of 2022.

A great, matching-numbers, factory 4-speed Fuel Injected 1965 Corvette - The very model which Zora Arkus-Duntov is known to have called the best of the 1963-1967 C2 production run - this is an opportunity not to be missed. Viewed simply as a car of any era, or make, it is an extraordinarily desirable and appealing example, the fact that it is a Corvette and a Fuelie at that, that carries such great history is exceedingly rare and well worth close inspection. By any measure, it's a great example of this iconic car.