Vehicle Description
1966 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
Combining the racing-style chassis of the defunct Corvette SS
concept with a new, highly styled fiberglass body gave the original
Sting Ray concept model the sleek, muscular style of a classic
muscle car. Built to take on the soon-to-be-banned
manufacturer-sponsored professional racing circuit, and although
certainly capable on the track (at least enough to take a Sports
Car Club of America National Championship in 1960), the Sting Ray
concept was eventually retired from racing and significantly
modified with the addition of a passenger's seat, among other
things, and displayed as a show car. Also driven by Mitchell as his
personal car on weekends, this model had a lasting and profound
effect on the design and styling of future Corvette models to come
- starting with the C2 model line in 1963 through 1967, which
actually bore the Sting Ray nameplate. This line boasted the
now-classic muscle car look of peaked fenders, a short tail, and a
long nose.
For consignment, a numbers matching C2 Stingray. With its sharklike
pointed nose, hood stinger, peaked fenders, optional body colored
hardtop and snubbed rear, one can easily see the similarity to the
ocean predator from which it is aptly named. Presenting in very
nice condition overall, this car has seen some restoration, but
retains many original parts. Stored in a heated garage since 1998,
recently serviced and recent brake work, some paint faults, and a
soft top which will need to be replaced, I give you the C2 Sting
Ray.
Exterior
Bathed in a Nassau Blue respray, which is the original color, shows
a few issues with the fiberglass below, the paint is looking great
with only minor flaws. The chrome on bumpers are good and the brite
work is in matching condition. The convertible top has soiling and
is coming apart at the rear top seam and we note the rear window is
clouded over. The top is operational, however, has this damage that
would prevent it from spending large amounts of time outside in bad
weather. A Corvette isn't a Corvette without side pipes so says
this writer and this car has them in gleaming condition along with
their protectors to keep you from burning your legs upon egress.
Turbine style wheel covers with crossed flag hubs are on all 4
corners and are shod in modern thin whitewall radials.
Interior
With its iconic double brow dash, which presents in very good
condition, nice and clean in the instrument front, and center
console, all is looking good, and the wear and fading of the gauges
indicate that they are original. It's all correct here, even the
vertically mounted AM/FM radio and chromed shifter. Buckets are the
correct black vinyl and are also in good condition with inner tuck
and roll stitched vinyl and smooth outer bolsters. The carpet is a
sea of black with minimal to no staining and is protected by black
rubber mats. Door panels are pristine and appear to be
original.
Drivetrain
All numbers matching here with the HT coded 327ci L79 V8 making
350hp. Topped by a single 4-barrel carburetor, and its original
Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission is on the back. An AP
stamped rear axle assembly weighs in at a 4.11 ratio with
Positraction. The engine is showing traces of its original
orange/red block with a chrome air cleaner atop, and original valve
covers in nice patina form. All buttoned up and looking great!
Undercarriage
Surface rust, but otherwise unremarkable as to a solid frame, and
good floor pans and rockers. This car sports disc brakes on all 4
corners and is sturdy underneath. Independent coil spring
suspension is on the front and an independent suspension is on the
rear with tubular shafts and a transverse multi-leaf spring. Dual
exhaust feeds into the sidepipes and make for a melodious tune on a
drive.
Drive-Ability
These early 1960's C2 "Vettes are just a blast to drive, and it
made me feel like an artist driving my handiwork with its sculpted
fiberglass body, and snappy interior. It lit right up, and the test
track beckoned. Performance is the buzzword for this car, and
thanks to the 350hp L79 mill it has nearly limitless acceleration,
fine rail like handling, and solid braking. The transmission
shifted smoothly but the wipers were nonfunctional, and the
driver's headlight is lazy to rotate. We did note that the tires
are flat spotted from years of sitting.
A great example from 1966 in Sting Ray form, she's a fun driver,
and can be used as such with some new rubber, or even to show, it
is nice enough and preserved enough to do so with respect. A great
color combo, all-season driver with the convertible, and hardtop,
and numbers matching with its Protect-o-Plate. A classy, sculpted
profile sports car made in America and definitely iconic in its
reputation and looks for this year, this Vette is definitely worth
a second look.
VIN DECODE
194676S114467
1-Chevrolet
94-Corvette
67-Convertible
6-1966
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
114467-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
F19-February 19th
BDY S4515-St. Louis Body #
TR STD-Black Vinyl
PNT 976AA-Nassau Blue
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.