SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a professional concours-style restorationBecause of their relatively exclusive production and exceptionally impressive performance, second generation Corvettes continue to command premium prices. Even though big block roadsters have dominated the psyche of restorers for quite some time, big block coupes have proven, over the past few years, that virtually ANY C2 is a solid, stable investment. On that note, RK Motors Charlotte is happy to feature this professionally restored Laguna Blue coupe, a correct, fully documented show stopper that features an original 427/4-speed drivetrain. If you're an avid Chevy enthusiast who's searching for an impressive Corvette that's poised to provide fun and value, here's your next classic!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Refinished in correct Laguna Blue 2-stage, this handsome Vette is a refreshing change from the flood of red and black trophy queens you see at all the big shows. That said, the car was certainly intended to be a showpiece, as it's concours, frame-off restoration attests to. And one look at our high resolution photos proves that professional, $180K rebirth was both thorough and accurate. Today, the deep glow of the car's pigment highlights a sweet profile that somehow seems more appropriate than run-of-the-mill resto-mods and pro-tourers. And overall, this Chevy is fabulous in person and exquisite throughout.
Thanks to a renewed dedication to motorsports, and heavy influence from the original Mako Shark concept, the second generation of America's favorite sports car presents an aggressive, hard-edged appearance. At the front of this classic, bullet-style marker lights, show worthy bumpers and a vivid cross-flag emblem cage a broad, stainless-trimmed grille. Behind that grille, a big block-exclusive hood props a flowing Corvette Sting Ray emblem in front of chip-free glass that's seated in straight frames and cleared by stainless wipers. At the sides of that hood, small door handles and a classy mirror float above simple heat extractors and black-trimmed rocker guards. And at the back of the car, dual-mode tail lamps and two more show worthy bumpers split the difference between a silver-trimmed fuel filler, a correct "Corvette STING RAY" emblem, a chrome-trimmed tag bracket and polished stainless exhaust tips.
ENGINE
Tilt this Chevy's hood and you'll find an original, 427 cubic inch L72 big block that frames a correct "IP" suffix stamp and matching 111294 partial VIN in a high performance 3869942 casting number and November (L) 14th (14), 1965 (5) casting date. According to the factory, that fully sorted mill, professionally rebuilt and correctly dressed, churns out an impressive 425 horsepower. At the top of the Chevy Orange block, a proven Holley carburetor rides between a chrome, correctly decaled air cleaner and fresh stainless fuel lines. Below that carb, a familiar Winters intake reflects correct over spray between correct heads and stamped and color-keyed valve covers. When the juice hits the cylinders, reliable, chrome-capped ignition sparks fresh, stainless-sleeved wires while a factory-spec cam pushes spent gases through restored and over sprayed exhaust manifolds. Cooling for that fire is provided by a shrouded radiator, which hangs in front of pliable GM hoses, simple squeeze clamps and reproduction tower clamps. And, aesthetically, this Sting Ray's tidy engine compartment is exceptionally well done, framing items like a rebuilt Delco-Remy alternator, a modern battery and correct master cylinder in clean, Satin Black surfacing.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Bottom-side, this Vette is just as clean, with a correctly marked chassis framing fresh, weather-free floor tubs. Behind the awesome big block, an original Muncie 4-speed sports a familiar 3885010 casting number, a Muncie (P) assembled on January (01) 15th (15), 1966 build stamp and a matching 111294 partial VIN. That tough transmission twists a familiar transverse leaf axle, which, according to its correct "FA0110" assembly stamp, is an original unit that spins a posi-traction differential around big, 3.70 gears. That drivetrain rolls on a fully rebuilt suspension, which mixes old school manual steering with 4-wheel disc brakes. There's a fresh dual exhaust system that shuttles spent gases through factory replacement mufflers. And at the corners of the floor, 7.75-15 Firestone Deluxe Champion goldlines lap chrome-capped knock-off wheels.
INTERIOR
Check between this C2's doors and you'll find a correct Standard vinyl interior that's been completely restored. Tight bucket seats frame a thin console that's equipped with a correct chrome shifter. In front of that shifter, a monochromatic dash hangs rebuilt telemetry over a correct Delco AM/FM radio. At the sides of that dash, stylish door panels melt in to fade-free carpet. In front of the driver, a faux Rosewood steering wheel laps a familiar cross-flag emblem. And behind the passengers, a fully carpeted storage compartment provides some much needed space.
PROVENANCE
When it comes to a Corvette of this caliber, provenance is the name of the game. Here's a thorough breakdown of the car's VIN, Trim Tag and Protect-O-Plate.
VIN: 194376S111294
1: Chevrolet Motor DivisionTRIM TAG:
F06: Assembled on January 18th, 1966PROTECT-O-PLATE:
STD: Black vinyl trimOUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES
A vintage sales brochureThis highly desirable Vette is an excellent example of Chevrolet's significant contribution to Detroit's first golden age of performance. This is the kind of car that you can take to the show on Saturday and drive to work on a sunny Monday morning. And with its numbers-matching drivetrain and top-notch restoration, it's set to provide one lucky owner with years of solid value and great memories. If you're in the market for an old school classic that's the quintessential American sports car, here it is. Grab it fast!