Vehicle Description
There's really no such thing as an undesirable C2. Thankfully, they
couldn't all be Tri-power screamers, but, to the bane of variety, a
lot of incorrect Vettes are running around pretending to be
something they're not. That's why this refreshing '65 roadster is
so appealing. Originally purchased as a small block curve carver,
evidenced by its original L76 327 and Muncie 4-speed transmission,
it features rare Tuxedo Black over Silver aesthetics that are both
attractive and unique. And it is, after all, still a Sting Ray,
which means there's a built-in level of style, value and
exclusivity that most cars simply can't match. So, if you're in the
market for a cool rendition of a top-notch example of America's
favorite sports car, this incredible roadster could be the literal
interpretation of your next classic!
BODYWORK/TRIM
'All Corvettes are red' is a common generalization. 'Yellow
Corvettes are the epitome of American motorsports' is reinforced by
Team Corvette's continued racing success. But, it's certainly hard
to argue that black Corvettes don't look awesome. Recently restored
to assembly line specs, this sinister C2 presents a stunning color
combination that, thanks to a late NASCAR super star, enjoys a
natural association with both Chevrolet and success. Step close to
the car and it becomes very obvious that its fiberglass body has
been correctly prepped and sanded, as there are no bonding seams
visible from any angle. Further examination reveals headlight doors
that fit well, lines that are crisp, and aggressive 'shark fin'
fenders which show no signs of rounding from an overzealous sander.
And presently, thanks to excellent finishing work, this Chevy is
one slick classic that looks much better than the day it rolled out
of the showroom!
Thanks to a renewed dedication to motorsports and heavy influence
from the original Mako Shark concept car, the second generation
Corvette presents a sporty, hard-edged appearance. At the front of
the car, bullet-style marker lights, show worthy bumpers and a red,
white and black cross-flag emblem cage a monochromatic,
stainless-trimmed grille. Behind that grille, a sculpted hood flows
to original glass that's traced in straight stainless trim and
capped by bright white vinyl. At the sides of that hood, rich
fender emblems and a classy bowtie mirror ride between simple heat
extractors, traditional door handles and dent-free rocker guards.
And at the back of the car, monochromatic tail lamps illuminate a
chrome-trimmed fuel filler and correct "Corvette STING RAY" emblem
above a chrome-trimmed tag bracket, two more show worthy bumpers
and polished stainless exhaust tips.
ENGINE
Tilt this Corvette's hood and you'll find an original L76 V8 that
hangs a familiar 3782870 casting number behind a matching partial
VIN and correct "HH" suffix stamp. One of the most powerful
naturally aspirated V8s of its day, this impressive small block
utilizes a forged crank, forged rods, forged pistons, a hot cam and
solid lifters to turn stout 11.0 to 1 compression into a solid 365
horsepower. At the top of the spry block, a polished air cleaner
funnels wind in to a vintage Holley carburetor that's threaded onto
polished stainless fuel lines. Below that juice box, a correct
Winters intake perfectly complements finned Corvette valve covers.
At the back of that intake, chrome-cased ignition shoots spark
through fresh wires, which lurk beneath correct, cast iron exhaust
manifolds. And at the front of those manifolds, a Harrison-branded
radiator circulates water through pliable GM hoses and authentic
tower clamps. Whoever performed the restoration on this Corvette
did an excellent job of creating an attractive, reliable engine bay
that's every bit as detailed as the rest of the car. Bright Chevy
Orange paint covers the block from its clean oil pan all the way to
its chrome oil filler and, as always, looks great against GM's
Satin Black bay. And, as expected, correct textures and decals are
present and accounted for.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Flip this small block Vette upside down and you'll find a solid
chassis that's in good shape, and today, looks much as it did when
it rolled off the showroom floor. At the center of the car, a
VIN-stamped Muncie hangs a correct 3851325 casting number over a
Muncie (P) assembled on April (04) 5th (05) build stamp. At the
ends of the car, a fully sorted double A-arm front and independent
rear suspension is completely detailed down to its fresh shocks,
correct springs and optional power steering. Above that rebuilt
suspension, original, never-hit floor tubs, which look factory
fresh in every way, are bolted to a straight, Satin Black frame. At
the corners of those floors, power disc brakes mix good handling
characteristics with quick and solid stops. At the edges of those
brakes, torque flows to the pavement through clean 'knock-off'
wheels, which spin 205/75R15 Uniroyal Tiger Paw whitewalls. And
everything, from this Corvette's vivid inspection marks to its
factory replacement exhaust system, is fully sorted and ready to
roll!
INTERIOR
Open this Chevy's tossable doors and you'll find a correct Silver
interior that perfectly accents the car's glossy black facade.
Seating comes courtesy of firm leather buckets that are anchored
between factory seatbelts, bright stainless trim and a small chrome
shifter. From the driver's perch, stock gauges bleed onto their
bordering panels in a march toward a center-mount clock, a Delco
AM/FM radio and an aluminum-trimmed glove box. Below those gauges,
like-new carpet is protected by thick floor mats and bright sill
plates. Above those sills, stainless-trimmed door panels hang
modernist armrests below traditional handles. In front of the
driver, an attractive Teak steering wheel laps a patriotic bowtie
emblem. And behind the passengers, a fully carpeted storage
compartment boasts enough room for a weekend's supply of
clothes.
In the modern collector car market, there is certainly no shortage
of big block show queens and over-restored pro-tourers. That means
sympathetically revitalized pieces like this cool black and silver
roadster could become increasingly rare. With its spirited 327,
tough 4-speed and excellent restoration, this is a valuable car
that you can drive and enjoy just as Duntov intended. If that
sounds like a good way to spend your Saturdays, pick up the phone
and become the proud owner of one of Chevrolet's best!
SUMMARY
Original 327/365hp L76 V8
Muncie 4-speed manual transmission
Rare code AA Tuxedo Black
Code 427 Silver leather interior
Factory color combination
N36 telescopic steering column
N32 teakwood steering wheel
J50 power disc brakes
N40 power steering
P48 knock-off wheels
N11 off road exhaust
