This spectacular 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible L76 is the ultimate collector grade C2. It's been certified by Corvette expert Al Grenning of Classic Car Affirmation Service. It's also achieved an NCRS Top Flight Award in 2024 scoring 98 points. The CCAS certificate and NCRS certificate with judging sheets are included. For the model year 1965 a total of 15,378 Corvette Convertibles were produced. This example is one of only 5,011 total Corvettes produced with the “L76” option which was the 327/365 V8. This example is one of only 2,831 total Corvettes produced in Milano Maroon. This example retains its original VIN tag, original VIN stamped chassis, original body, original Trim Tag, original exterior color, original interior color, original engine, original transmission, original rear end, original owner's manuals and original Protect-O-Plate which is included. As the Protect-O-Plate documents it was originally sold on February 9th, 1965 to Bradley Amos Sweet who lived in Hyattsville, MD. The selling dealership was Lustine-Nicholoson Motor Company which was also located in Hyattsville, MD. The car was eventually sold on October 8th, 1976 to Carol Royal Land who lived in Roanoke, VA. This information is documented with a copy of a title which is included. The car sold just a few years later on January 26th, 1978 to Neal David Clark who lived in La Plata, MD. This information is documented with original receipts, Bank Statement, Bank Payment Coupon Book and copy of Maryland title which are included. Two photos of the car parked in the driveway are also included. From the information gathered it's believed the car stayed in the Maryland and Virginia region until it underwent a body off restoration in 2022. The meticulous nut and bolt restoration was completed in 2024. Since completion it's only been driven 15 test miles. This car is in high show quality condition throughout. It was purchased by MS CLASSIC CARS in January of 2025 and February of 2025 is the first time it's been listed for sale.
The exterior of this Corvette is absolutely stunning in every sense of the word. This was a “No-Hit” body and retains all of its original fiberglass body. Prior to the restoration it still retained its original worn paint which was stripped to bare fiberglass. The body is extremely straight with excellent gap lines throughout. It was refinished in its original color of Milano Maroon which is beautiful. The paint is high show quality and was recently detailed to a brilliant shine by the team at MS CLASSIC CARS. The door jams were refinished in the correct shade of color. It was outfitted with a new black convertible soft top which fits very nicely. Everything on the exterior was restored or replaced such as all the Soft-Ray stamped tinted glass, glass stainless trim, wiper arms, driver's side mirror, front bumpers, parking light bezels, headlights, door handles, antenna, tail light bezels, rear bumpers and emblems. The cars rolls on new 15” aluminum knock-off wheels and are mounted with 7.75-15 Goodyear goldline tires. It's equipped with new side exhaust pipes and from the information gathered this car was originally built with side exhaust. Everything on the exterior is in working order such as the flip-up headlights, parking lights, turn signals, brake lights, reverse lights and wipers.
The interior of this Corvette is also absolutely stunning in every sense of the word. It was refinished in its original color combination of White and Black interior. This exterior and interior color combination is seldom seen. The interior components have been sourced from Al Knoch interiors. The cabin features two bucket seats upholstered in white vinyl as well as a contrasting black dashboard and carpeting. Everything in the interior has been restored or replaced such as the wiring, door sills, rear view mirror, sun visors, dash, aluminum trim, gauges, clock, AM/FM radio, three-spoke wood steering wheel, console, door panels, seat belts and pedals. It's been outfitted with the correct style rubber floor mats. Everything in the interior is in working order such as the gauges, clock, radio, horn and heating system.
The engine compartment is highly detailed throughout with many correct parts. The firewall, inner fenders and radiator support was refinished in the correct shade of black. The car is powered by the original matching numbers 327 “L76” engine. It was equipped from the factory with a single four barrel carburetor for a factory rating of 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The engine, carburetor and alternator were rebuilt at the time of restoration. This engine runs and sounds awesome. The engine block was refinished in the correct shade of orange and was dressed with the correct valve covers and chrome air cleaner. The engine breathes through the correct style manifolds and side exhaust system. The engine is cooled by the correct style radiator which includes the GM stamped hose. The engine is coupled to the original matching numbers 4-speed manual transmission and Positraction limited slip rear end with 3.70 gears. This car has a full original matching numbers drivetrain. Upon completion factory assembly paint marks were applied.
The undercarriage is also highly detailed throughout with many correct parts. The underside floors were left in the correct natural appearance. The original matching numbers frame was stripped, media blasted and refinished in the correct shade of black. The C2 was the first Corvette to offer fully independent suspension with upper and lower control arms at the front and a three-link setup with a transverse leaf spring at the rear. Braking is handled by four-wheel discs. Everything underneath has been restored or replaced such as the steering, fuel tank, fuel lines, suspension and brakes. Upon completion factory assembly paint marks and stampings were applied.
