1965 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray in Charlotte, North Carolina

Vehicle Description

SUMMARY

Original 327 cubic inch L76 V8

Correct Muncie 4-speed manual transmission

Correct Tuxedo Black paint

Correct Silver leather interior

15-inch 'knock-off' wheels

Power steering

4-wheel power disc brakes

There's really no such thing as an undesirable C2. Thankfully, they couldn't all be Tri-power screamers, but, to the bane of variety, a lot of incorrect Vettes are running around pretending to be something they're not. That's why this refreshing '65 roadster is so appealing. Originally purchased as a small block curve carver, evidenced by its original L76 327 and Muncie 4-speed transmission, it features rare Tuxedo Black over Silver aesthetics that are both attractive and unique. And it is, after all, still a Sting Ray, which means there's a built-in level of style, value and exclusivity that most cars simply can't match. So, if you're in the market for a cool rendition of a top-notch example of America's favorite sports car, this incredible roadster could be the literal interpretation of your next classic!

BODYWORK/TRIM

'All Corvettes are red' is a common generalization. 'Yellow Corvettes are the epitome of American motorsports' is reinforced by Team Corvette's continued racing success. But, it's certainly hard to argue that black Corvettes don't look awesome. Recently restored to assembly line specs, this sinister C2 presents a stunning color combination that, thanks to a late NASCAR super star, enjoys a natural association with both Chevrolet and success. Step close to the car and it becomes very obvious that its fiberglass body has been correctly prepped and sanded, as there are no bonding seams visible from any angle. Further examination reveals headlight doors that fit well, lines that are crisp, and aggressive 'shark fin' fenders which show no signs of rounding from an overzealous sander. And presently, thanks to excellent finishing work, this Chevy is one slick classic that looks much better than the day it rolled out of the showroom!

Thanks to a renewed dedication to motorsports and heavy influence from the original Mako Shark concept car, the second generation Corvette presents a sporty, hard-edged appearance. At the front of the car, bullet-style marker lights, show worthy bumpers and a red, white and black cross-flag emblem cage a monochromatic, stainless-trimmed grille. Behind that grille, a sculpted hood flows to original glass that's traced in straight stainless trim and capped by bright white vinyl. At the sides of that hood, rich fender emblems and a classy bowtie mirror ride between simple heat extractors, traditional door handles and dent-free rocker guards. And at the back of the car, monochromatic tail lamps illuminate a chrome-trimmed fuel filler and correct "Corvette STING RAY" emblem above a chrome-trimmed tag bracket, two more show worthy bumpers and polished stainless exhaust tips.

ENGINE

Tilt this Corvette's hood and you'll find an original L76 V8 that hangs a familiar 3782870 casting number behind a matching partial VIN and correct "HH" suffix stamp. One of the most powerful naturally aspirated V8s of its day, this impressive small block utilizes a forged crank, forged rods, forged pistons, a hot cam and solid lifters to turn stout 11.0 to 1 compression into a solid 365 horsepower. At the top of the spry block, a polished air cleaner funnels wind in to a vintage Holley carburetor that's threaded onto polished stainless fuel lines. Below that juice box, a correct Winters intake perfectly complements finned Corvette valve covers. At the back of that intake, chrome-cased ignition shoots spark through fresh wires, which lurk beneath correct, cast iron exhaust manifolds. And at the front of those manifolds, a Harrison-branded radiator circulates water through pliable GM hoses and authentic tower clamps. Whoever performed the restoration on this Corvette did an excellent job of creating an attractive, reliable engine bay that's every bit as detailed as the rest of the car. Bright Chevy Orange paint covers the block from its clean oil pan all the way to its chrome oil filler and, as always, looks great against GM's Satin Black bay. And, as expected, correct textures and decals are present and accounted for.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Flip this small block Vette upside down and you'll find a solid chassis that's in good shape, and today, looks much as it did when it rolled off the showroom floor. At the center of the car, a VIN-stamped Muncie hangs a correct 3851325 casting number over a Muncie (P) assembled on April (04) 5th (05) build stamp. At the ends of the car, a fully sorted double A-arm front and independent rear suspension is completely detailed down to its fresh shocks, correct springs and optional power steering. Above that rebuilt suspension, original, never-hit floor tubs, which look factory fresh in every way, are bolted to a straight, Satin Black frame. At the corners of those floors, power disc brakes mix good handling characteristics with quick and solid stops. At the edges of those brakes, torque flows to the pavement through clean 'knock-off' wheels, which spin 205/75R15 Uniroyal Tiger Paw whitewalls. And everything, from this Corvette's vivid inspection marks to its factory replacement exhaust system, is fully sorted and ready to roll!

INTERIOR

Open this Chevy's tossable doors and you'll find a correct Silver interior that perfectly accents the car's glossy black facade. Seating comes courtesy of firm leather buckets that are anchored between factory seatbelts, bright stainless trim and a small chrome shifter. From the driver's perch, stock gauges bleed onto their bordering panels in a march toward a center-mount clock, a Delco AM/FM radio and an aluminum-trimmed glove box. Below those gauges, like-new carpet is protected by thick floor mats and bright sill plates. Above those sills, stainless-trimmed door panels hang modernist armrests below traditional handles. In front of the driver, an attractive Teak steering wheel laps a patriotic bowtie emblem. And behind the passengers, a fully carpeted storage compartment boasts enough room for a weekend's supply of clothes.

In the modern collector car market, there is certainly no shortage of big block show queens and over-restored pro-tourers. That means sympathetically revitalized pieces like this cool black and silver roadster could become increasingly rare. With its spirited 327, tough 4-speed and excellent restoration, this is a valuable car that you can drive and enjoy just as Duntov intended. If that sounds like a good way to spend your Saturdays, pick up the phone and become the proud owner of one of Chevrolet's best!