1965 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
What do Duntov, Penske and Bondurant have in common? How about Watkins Glen, Nassau and Daytona? Each of these individuals and places have some connection to the legend of the C2, (1962-1967), racing Corvettes. They raced FIA, SCAA, IMSA and other notable racing bodies. Five Grand Sports were built geared to be Cobra killers...and they fared well against the Fords. Two were convertibles, one of which sits about an hour from our mall in the Simeone Museum. Racing Corvettes bear a resemblance to the pedestrian version, but of course, have been modified on the inside and out for racing.
For consignment, a tribute to those legendary racing Corvettes with some exterior cues that immediately get your attention. This 1965 Corvette convertible will set you apart at car shows and Corvette gatherings. What's also "grand" about this sports car is that it is completely street-able and usable...and provides you with some interesting choices...put it up on a rotisserie and bring it to NCRS standards or leave it as is and drive the heck out of it!
Exterior
Why not start on the outside where some of the visual goodies reside! Very close to the factory Milano Maroon hue, the paint presents very nicely and is not "over the top glossy". This original look is trending as two- and three-stage paint processes dominate the hobby to the point where original is now a standout. To save weight and complication, the race cars often did away with the flip up headlights and replaced the door with a plexiglass cover, and that's what we have here. The exposed lights are square and give this Corvette an instantly recognizable look. But wait...there's more! The chrome front bumper is gone, exposing a gaping grille that captures as much air as possible to cool an engine during a long race. A huge chin spoiler scoops extra air from ground level and sends it northward to the grille. The hood scoop is functional feeding even more air into the visible pleated filter under the hood. Moving back, we see a soft top in excellent condition, leading to a smooth trunk lid. In back, we see three taillights on each side " one more than mere mortal Corvettes...and mimicking some of the race cars including Philadelphia's own GS #002. Chevrolet rally wheels, in 15-inch format, occupy each corner and provide a more aggressive stance with bigger tires. Other exterior notables include flared rear fenders, the Stingray "gills," and a front clip that lifts as one piece to give full access to the engine and front suspension. That feature alone will have Vette guys clamoring around your car!
Interior
Pretty standard fare here...and that means classic Corvette! Comfortable bucket seats surround a 4-speed manual shifter. It's an aftermarket shifter and likely a Hurst as the boot indicates. Gauges are crisp and clear and easy to read, shaded by the emblematic dash pad that provides a massive arched hood. This "eyebrow" is repeated on the passenger side hovering over the glove box. All buttons and switches are in place and the black carpet is in good condition. Overall, the interior shows usage and wouldn't take much to restore to show-like conditions. Meanwhile, the door cards are show ready! Looking fresh and clean, cranks are available for the window and for the vent, (some call it the "cigarette window"). There's a cool little "shift knob" to open the door within the padded and tucked panel of the door card and towards the back...a turning dial to lock the door. It's likely the manual controls of this car would blow the minds of Gen Z'ers, but it's a glorious testament to functional interiors without electronic assistance.
Drivetrain
Pivot the front clip forward on the hinge and there you'll have a full view of the 327ci small block gleaming in Chevy orange paint that still looks wet! Even the exhaust manifolds look factory fresh. Chrome envelopes the aftermarket coil, the oil fill cap, and the air filter. Everything else is in driver condition meaning you can cruise down the road worry-free about a flake of dust landing on the engine...and without fender liners, it's entirely likely...so drive it, man! And if you want to wipe it off, the access is like no other car...you can practically walk into the engine bay! A circa 1969 Muncie M21 4-speed manual transmission takes the power handoff from the engine and throws it rearward to a 3.08 Positraction rear axle.
Undercarriage
Original and unrestored are the buzzwords down below. All structurally sound and coated with some surface rust and patina. Exhaust manifolds lead to piping which is quickly routed away from the engine and continues the length of the car, terminating at two large mufflers and existing exquisitely from the rear panel below the bumper with chrome tips. Disc brakes are on all 4 corners and an independent coil spring front suspension is complemented by a frame anchored fully independent rear suspension with transverse leaf springs.
Drive-ability
The simple systems of a mid-60's car often make for an easy drive....no mess, no fuss. Start her up and she purrs like a kitten. Put it into gear and it works like a charm. The horsepower is nothing to sneeze at...even in 2024...and this ride does not disappoint with good power, great acceleration, and more than adequate stopping power. The fat tires provide good stability and improved handling.
Exterior enhancements really give this '65 presence and its user-friendly condition make it a joy to drive, (and eventually own), without the worry you'd have with a concours-level car. That said, this also provides a great start to a full restoration if that's the road you want to take. Whatever road you're on, you'll undoubtedly be wearing a smile.
194675S119180
1-Chevrolet
94-Corvette
67-Convertible
5-1965
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
119180-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
K4-4th Week June
STYLE 65 467-1965 Corvette Convertible
BODY S6238-St. Louis Body #
TRIM 414BA-Blue Vinyl
PAINT 900FF-Nassau Blue
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube! 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 (88
