LOT 139
1966 Chevrolet Corvette 427/425hp Convertible Chassis no. 194376S104969 Engine no. TI024IP6104969
Sold for US$95,200 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 139
1966 Chevrolet Corvette 427/425hp Convertible
1966 Chevrolet Corvette 427/425hp Convertible
Chassis no. 194376S104969
Engine no. TI024IP6104969
Chassis no. 194376S104969
Engine no. TI024IP6104969
427ci OHV V8 Engine
Single 4-Barrel Carburetor
425bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
* Powerful L72 big block Corvette
* Sleek Black on Black livery
* Wonderfully restored example, showing only 74,356 miles
* Loaded with many options
* Desirable 4-Speed manual
* 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 November 8th, 1965, and was later sold to its first owner by Z Frank Chevrolet out of Chicago, Illinois. Ordered with the desirable L72 427/435hp powerplant along with a proper three pedal configuration. According to the trim tag affixed to the underside of the car's dashboard, the new Corvette coupe was finished in Silver over silver vinyl interior. The car has lived in California for the latter part of its life and has been made into a roadster body style in wonderfully presented livery in Black over Black interior, with an older restoration still showing quite nicely. This C2 Corvette features great options including side mount exhaust, 4-speed close ratio manual transmission, soft ray tinted windshield, posi rear end, aluminum knock-off wheels, AM/FM radio, transistor ignition.
An extremely powerful Corvette, this would be a great car to take on vintage rallies and tours, such as the Copperstate or Texas 1000, or simply get in on an early Sunday morning to wake up the neighbors. Beautifully presented throughout, this big block Corvette is ready for the next caretaker.
Saleroom notices
Title in transit.
Additional information
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