For Sale at Auction: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette in Amelia Island, Florida

Chassis No. 194677S121008

The 1967 Corvette Sting Ray is a car that never should have been. The curvaceous third generation Corvette, inspired by the Mako Shark show car, was supposed to debut in 1967, but design and engineering delays with the new T-Top feature forced Chevrolet's hand - they brought back the C2 Sting Ray one last time.

Despite the late decision, the 1967 Sting Ray is arguably the best of the generation. Seven different engines were offered from the mild 300 hp 327 cu-in base model, to upgraded performance options, to the wild 435 hp 427 cu-in beasts, even the race ready L88 mill. Five different transmissions were available, too. The venerable Sting Ray body received some fresh styling updates, including '67-only fender vents, backup lamps, and updated "Power Bulge" hood for the 427 engines.

Somehow such an automotive delight lost its luster for a period of time - this 1967 convertible was the subject of a barn find. Equipped with the L68 427 cu-in engine delivering 400 hp through three two-barrel carburetors, it was sold new in Florida. The daughter of the original owner inherited the Corvette, drove it occasionally, then stored it in a small garage for over three decades. It was discovered a few years ago, and though cosmetically rough, the Corvette was complete and running displaying just 26,190 miles on the odometer.

Today, this Corvette convertible has returned to its as-delivered showroom condition, complete with original code 980 Elkhart Blue paint, 419 Teal Blue leather interior, and date-coded L68 400 hp powerplant. Other original options include the M21 Close Ratio four-speed manual, G81 Positraction axle, N11 Off Road Exhaust and Q81 Red Line Tires. For comfort the Corvette is equipped with N40 Power Steering, N36 Telescoping Steering Wheel and U69 AM-FM Radio, along with the C07 Auxiliary Hardtop, all as from the factory. It was 'Gold Certified' in 2020, which the Bloomington Gold organization defines as "appears as it would just after completion of 'typical factory production.' It means that a Corvette has been preserved or restored within 95% of the way it appeared when it left the factory - no better, no worse, no different." Doubly impressive, this Sting Ray has also earned the 'Top Flight' award from the National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS) using similar judging criteria.