Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 114
1966 Chevrolet Corvette L72 427/425hp Convertible Chassis no. 194676S125374 Engine no. T0622IP 6125374
Sold for US$100,800 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 114
1966 Chevrolet Corvette L72 427/425hp Convertible
1966 Chevrolet Corvette L72 427/425hp Convertible
Chassis no. 194676S125374
Engine no. T0622IP 6125374
Chassis no. 194676S125374
Engine no. T0622IP 6125374
427ci OHV V8 Engine
Single 4-Barrel Carburetor
425bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
* Retains its original engine
* Devastatingly handsome Nassau Blue with white interior
* Includes matching blue hardtop
* A great Corvette for high-speed rallies and tours
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, and for the first time there was a Gran Turismo coupé in the range. 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.
The Sting Ray customer could take his or her pick from an extensive range of factory options, with the result that seldom are two cars exactly alike. 1966 was the first year a Corvette could be ordered with the optional 427ci big block engine, which gained notoriety as one of the most powerful ever offered for public sale when in 1967 it became available in L88 configuration with 560bhp on tap. Although the L88 was listed for a few more years (latterly with 'only' 430 claimed horsepower but almost certainly more) only 20 cars were ever delivered with this stupendous engine, probably because it increased the list price by almost 25%!
It is very hard to argue with the attraction of the big block Corvette. There is nothing subtle about these extremely powerful and loud cars, and in the subsequent forty years until today, the 427 big block Corvette is one of the most desired and avidly sought of all collector cars.
THE CAR OFFERED
The fine example of the potent mid-year Corvette offered here, was completed at GM's St. Louis based Corvette plant on June 29th, 1966. The car's stamped engine number appears to the be the original, correct matching stamping and the assembly number T0622IP puts it in the right day and range for it to be the original big block power plant for the car. Additionally, the six digits of the engine number match the chassis, indicating it to be the car's original motor. Like many Big Block Corvettes this example is highly optioned featuring, a matching hardtop, teak wood steering wheel, and aluminum knock off wheels.
The car was restored a number of years ago probably in the early 2000s, but has since had very limited use, so the restoration appears still very fresh. The paint and interior were done in factory correct colors of Nassau Blue with white leather interior. This work was to a very high standard and shows extremely well even today.
Today this particular big block Corvette shows beautifully. It has been part of the consignor's collection for over 15 years. Combing blistering performance, aggressive good looks and a ground up restoration, this 425hp Sting Ray is ideally suited for continued exhibition, club events and spirited driving on two lane roads. Carefully optioned to be a captivating and potent package, this beautiful big block is truly turn-key and is ready for its next caretaker.
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