This 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Convertible checks a lot of
the boxes enthusiasts look for in a mid-year Corvette: big-block
power, a 4-speed manual transmission, desirable colors,
period-correct equipment, and substantial supporting
documentation.
Under the hood is the legendary L72 427ci Turbo-Jet V8, factory
rated at 425 horsepower. Documentation accompanying the car
identifies the engine as numbers matching, and the original-style
paperwork lists the 425 HP V8 Turbo-Jet among the factory
equipment. The big-block is fed through a Holley four-barrel
carburetor and is backed by a close-ratio 4-speed manual
transmission, giving this Corvette the mechanical combination that
helped define Chevrolet performance in the mid-1960s.
The factory documentation also identifies a Positraction rear axle
with 3.55 gearing, transistor ignition, and the desirable off-road
service exhaust option. The car retains the unmistakable side-exit
exhaust system running beneath the rocker panels, giving the
Corvette the aggressive appearance and soundtrack expected from a
427-powered Sting Ray.
Finished in Tuxedo Black over a red interior, the color combination
is especially striking. Documentation identifies the car with 900AA
paint and 407BA trim, corresponding with the black-and-red
presentation seen today. The exterior features the unmistakable
1966 Corvette bodywork, concealed headlights, fender-mounted 427
badging, chrome bumpers, side vents, and a black convertible
top.
The period-style knock-off wheels with three-ear spinners are
wrapped in redline tires and complement the car's factory
performance character. Documentation also lists the desirable Quick
Take-Off Wheels option.
Inside, the Corvette features a beautifully coordinated red cockpit
with bucket seats, red carpeting, center console, factory-style
instrumentation, a wood-rim steering wheel, and an AM/FM radio. The
4-speed shifter rises prominently from the console, reinforcing
that this Corvette was built to be driven. The rear storage area is
also neatly finished in matching red carpeting.
Documentation is an important part of this car. Included is an NCRS
Shipping Data Report, which confirms VIN 194676S109384, a GM
official production date of December 23, 1965, and original
delivery through Tennyson Chevrolet in Livonia, Michigan.
Additional Chevrolet documentation shown with the car lists major
factory equipment including:
427/425 HP Turbo-Jet V8
Close-ratio 4-speed transmission
Tuxedo Black paint
Red trim
Quick Take-Off Wheels
Auxiliary hardtop
Tinted glass
AM/FM radio
Transistor ignition
Off-road service exhaust
Positraction rear axle with 3.55 gearing
The display documentation accompanying the Corvette also notes that
Tuxedo Black was used on just 1,190 Corvettes for 1966, making the
color a relatively uncommon choice for the model year.
With its L72 427/425 HP big-block, 4-speed manual, Tuxedo Black
exterior, red interior, knock-off wheels, side exhaust, and
extensive documentation, this 1966 Corvette represents one of the
most desirable configurations from Chevrolet's celebrated mid-year
Corvette era.
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