SUMMARY
Restoration completed in 2006Straight off the showroom floor, Corvettes are special cars. That's because Team Corvette has always been really good at nailing ALL the fundamentals of creating excellent performance. And that basic competence translates even to the world of classics, where all kinds of enthusiasts aspire to four generations of 2-door, small block V8 goodness like moths to a flame. The hottest part of that flame is Chevy's hallowed C2, and this 1966 Sting Ray, in many ways, represents the very best of the C2 market. Even before its well-planned restoration, this roadster was an incredibly well maintained example of vintage American muscle. And today, it's a correctly finished head turner that, thanks to servicing by the pros at our own RKM Performance Center, is ready to step in to the spotlight. If you're looking for an enjoyable collector car that's poised to appreciate, this Vette is the perfect choice!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Bolted together at GM's storied St. Louis manufacturing facility, this slick C2 is the kind of classic that you can look at and virtually sense top-notch caretaking. Back in 2006, the car was completely restored by very passionate enthusiasts. That ground-up reboot began with solid, original fiberglass being lovingly sanded and gratuitously sprayed in a correct coat of GM code 974 Rally Red. With that pigment applied, the car's doors and lids were carefully adjusted to ensure good fit and finish. And vibrant factory trim was affixed under a fresh white top to ardently accentuate Bill Mitchell's razor-sharp style lines.
ENGINE
During its thorough restoration, this Chevy was fitted with a correct, 427 cubic inch big block that mixes proven power with professional detailing. Top dead center, you'll find a polished and decaled air cleaner that, along with bright stainless fluid lines, feeds a modern Holley 4-barrel. Under that 4-barrel, a familiar Winters intake caps a bright, Chevy Orange block. At the sides of that block, a pair of fully restored exhaust manifolds, which ride below a pair of correct, oval-port heads, nicely contrast a pair of stamped and painted valve covers. At the back of those valve covers, chrome-capped ignition makes good use of sleeved plug wires. Cooling is provided by a correct radiator, which routes fluid past a correct alternator and big pulley fan via GM-stamped hoses and a correct array of clamps. And details like a fresh brake booster, a reproduction Delco battery and a Delco-Remy voltage regulator make sure this Sting Ray performs just as good as it looks.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Flip this big block Vette upside down and you'll find a fully restored chassis that's in good shape, and today, looks much as it did when it rolled out of the factory. At the center of that chassis, a correct Muncie 4-speed utilizes a tough rear axle to deliver the neck snapping launches and potent acceleration Duntov Corvettes are famous for. At the ends of the car, a fully restored double A-arm front and independent rear suspension is completely detailed, from its correct manual steering all the way to its transverse rear spring. At the corners of the car, power-assisted disc brakes mix excellent handling with quick stops. Above those mechanicals, clean and exceptionally solid floor tubs are bolted to a straight, Satin Black frame. In traditional C2 fashion, exhaust roars through chambered side pipes. And power meets the ground via familiar turbines, which spin fresh 215/70R15 Firestone Supreme Si redlines around authentic knock-offs.
INTERIOR
Swing this Sting Ray's light, fiberglass doors and you'll find a sea of correct Red leather. During restoration, the car's cushy and pliable seats were fitted with plush headrests. Its like-new carpet, which is protected by clear plastic mats, still features clean red shading. At the front of the cockpit, stylish, aircraft-inspired telemetry joins brushed metal accents to decorate Chevy's familiar dual-cowl dash. At the center of that dash, a waterfall center stack hangs a continuous motion clock and correct Delco AM/FM radio above a chrome, fully functional shifter. Opposite that waterfall, red, stainless-trimmed panels anchor chrome door hardware in front of retrofitted power windows. In front of the driver, a classy steering wheel spins satin-finished spokes around a pristine cross-flag horn button. And behind the seats, a fully carpeted storage compartment displays virtually no signs of use.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
A simple breakdown of this Chevy's VIN and trim tag verifies the quality of its current restoration:
VIN: 194676SXXXXXX
1 - Chevrolet
9 - Corvette
4 - V8
67 - Convertible
6 - 1966 model year
S - Assembled at GM's St. Louis manufacturing facility
XXXXXX - Production sequence number
TRIM TAG:
E25 - Assembled on January 25th, 1966OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
An aluminum wheel maintenance cardQuite honestly, it doesn't get much better than this professionally restored Sting Ray. It's a highly correct car that you can drive and enjoy, all while filling an impressive trophy case. And best of all, with its highly desirable 427/4-speed drivetrain, the car is poised to increase in value. If you've been searching for a fully sorted classic that looks, and more importantly, feels right, don't miss the opportunity to claim this sweet Corvette!