This 1967 Corvette Convertible is much more than just a pretty face. It has won multiple coveted awards, it is original, and it has one stunning numbers-matching V8 under the hood. Tying all of this together is the fact that it is 1-of-5 (or less) built with this engine and color combination. If you would love to get your hands on a slice of American motoring history, you will find the Corvette located in Scottsdale, Arizona, and listed for sale here at Barrett-Jackson. It will go to auction with No Reserve in late March 2021.
This Corvette is like one of those rampant itches we get on our back occasionally because it is impossible to know where to start tackling it. The vehicle is finished in Rally Red, and this is said to be original. I sometimes doubt such claims, but the string of awards that the Corvette has accrued would tend to support its originality. You don’t score an NCRS Top Flight unless your Corvette meets an impressively high level of originality. It hasn’t managed to do this once but on multiple occasions. Throw in Bloomington Gold Certification on three occasions and the same number of Duntov Awards, and we can be sure that we are dealing with something beyond your average Corvette. The paint shines beautifully, and the fiberglass that hides beneath is free from any cracks or issues. The Corvette comes with both a soft-top and the factory hardtop, and both are in excellent condition. The trim and chrome appear to be close to flawless, as is the original Soft Ray glass. The side pipes add a touch of menace to the car, which is an impression that it richly deserves. The only non-original item is the set of aluminum wheels. These are genuine items, but they are a later addition to this car.
Lifting the hood brings us to the second piece of the puzzle that makes this Corvette such an amazing car. It is fully numbers-matching, and it has a drivetrain that should send most enthusiasts weak at the knees. Buyers had an enormous choice of engines in 1967, but this buyer really pulled out all the stops. What he chose was the L71 version of the mighty 427ci big-block. He backed this with an M21 4-speed close-ratio transmission and a 4.11 Posi rear end. As part of the package, this beast also features the Transistor Ignition, F41 Suspension Package, and power brakes. This was about as good as it got back in 1967 unless you had the cash to order the L88 V8. However, that wasn’t a particularly practical choice for road use, and a mere 20 buyers went down that path. It also wasn’t cheap, with the L88 option costing twice the price of the L71. Back to the matter at hand, and this Tri-Power equipped monster of an engine should be pumping out an “official” 435hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque. If you want to take it for a trip down the ¼-mile, you won’t want to blink. With an ET of 13.4 seconds, this is a classic that brings a new meaning to the term “rapid transit.” Once the original owner took delivery of the Convertible, it has only ever changed hands via private sales. It comes with a fully documented ownership history and the original Tank Sticker and Trim Tag.
We now reach the final piece of the puzzle with this Corvette. The Convertible is a red-on-red car, and the interior is just as flawless as the exterior. There is nothing of which to be critical here because it looks like it has just rolled off the showroom floor. The only option that the first owner chose was the AM/FM radio, so this would appear to be a car with a firm focus on performance over comfort. The red-on-red combination is not particularly rare, but this is a vehicle that is an exception to that rule. It is claimed to be 1-of-5 Corvettes built in this model year to feature this color-and-trim combination and the L71 motor. There is speculation that the number could be even lower, but this is yet to be confirmed.
We’ve seen some stunning C2 Corvettes come across our desks over the years here at Barn Finds, but this one is exceptional. It is a treat to find a Corvette of this rarity, and this only intensifies when you consider the incredible string of awards that this classic has accrued. It has a documented history of life in the care of some true enthusiasts, and there is little doubt that this will be reflected in the action when the Corvette goes under the hammer. Potential buyers will need to have a fat wallet because this is a Corvette that will easily achieve a six-figure sale price. How high that figure will be is hard to say with any certainty, but if it tops $200,000, I wouldn’t be at all surprised. Cars like this don’t come along every day, and all that any of us can hope is that the next owner treats it with the care and respect that it has received for the past 54-years. This is a Corvette that deserves to be preserved for future generations to appreciate because we are unlikely to see the likes of this brutal classic ever again.
It’s purdy (expensive that is). Very expensive car, more than most people can afford. Would I like to own it – absolutely but for those awards and expensive cost I doubt it will ever see the highway again.
I would like to buy it and then drive it like I stole it
Beautiful car, but I struggle calling 1 of 5 based on color and engine combinations. Red is not rare. Red interior is not rare. L71, while highly desirable, over 3500 were built. I’d price it as a L71 that’s in awesome condition, but I would not pay a premium for the color combinations.
The 1 of 5 claim is just a guess on the part of the seller. No records exist to verify such a claim. The numbers are known for production totals of each color and option, but not for the total number cars built in a certain combination of options and colors. Owners like to try to figure out how rare their car is by calculating percentages based on the known production totals, but it’s still just a guess, with no basis in reality.
This is a pretty car, but then I love red cars. To me, the 3 NCRS Duntovs are much more impressive than the Top Flights or Golds, though it would be nice to know how recent they are. The NCRS learns more every year about these cars, making a 2 year old Duntov or Top Flight, a lot more relevant than a 10 year old one. I don’t know if it’s worth $200K, but based on recent auction results, it’s quite possible it could go that high.
Don’t forget your ear plugs if you take this on the expressway with that sidepipe and 4.11 gear combo. Not that it will ever be driven.
If I paid top dollar for this car, I’d want to cherish every note of that exhaust!!!!
This car will go well over 200K. I would guess double that.
if it was a split window coupe with air maybe worth it
This is a very beautiful car, and if I gave the kind of money they are saying it would bring, it would be very doubtful if I would sit in it myself.
Any bets on Mr. H buying this at barrett Jackson
Exactly what I was thinking. Just another to add to Mr. H’s collection.
Mr.H?
A Barrett Jackson Barn Find???
Earlier today I went to get my second covid shot. I ended up parking next to a shiny white C8. First one I have seen in the flesh. Beautiful car.
But I’d still rather have this one.
All this car is 1967 435 big block in nice condition you have to be a fool to pay over 200 k for some judge to say its real an even if it is its still only a 67 big block
If the loons in government have there way, these cars will be nothing more than giant paperweights in 20yrs… this is my dream car… and that’s all it will ever be.
I agree with Frank Sumatra. Any ride in a 4:11 435 with N14 is incredible noise. Especially with windows rolled up. Been there done that. I prefer N11 off road exhaust. Sadly, this incredible car will get bought by a millionaire who never drives his cars. I follow all 67 Corvette prices to the point of an obsession. I used to work at Hemmings and covered numerous auctions. My research shows the highest price for a 435, not L89, paid to date is $675,000 for an 8,500 mile Marina Blue coupe originally by a Vietnam veteran who ordered the car while serving. He took delivery in Dec 1966 and was anal about its care to the point his kids had to take their shoes off before getting in. This car will absolutely bring six figures. 3,754 435s were built. And yes there are no records to break down interior and exterior combos. 1 in 5 is a guess. I wrote a story on Dr. Paul Noble’s collection in 1991. I got a ride in his then 5,000 mile Marina Blue 435 coupe with every possible piece of paper work. He paid about $35,000 for it in 1984. Fellow Corvette collectors thought He was crazy. He told me 30 years ago he believed it would a million dollar car some day. We shall see.
Hey George- Great post. I am going to bet you are familiar with the Rick Hendrick 1967 Corvette collection. I would not be surprised if this gem gets added to it.
This guy must have a 20ft fishing pole over to a fishing lake with a 100 millionaires in it waiting to buy . There is no proof to certify 1 of 5 as other readers have commented about . It’s all hype to get you or someone who has more money than brains and don’t know much about Corvettes . Obviously buyers need to know there is no exact records to verify this claim . Some other readers know this also , look at the comments on this car within .No need to repeat things 2or 3 times , but I hope the buyer gets the facts before they buy a non- verifiable car to the extent of 1of 5 . More like 1 of 600 or so. Red on Red isn’t that rare . w/ common options and conv’t w/ 2 tops . It’s not like it has a L-88 ( only 20) or L-89 or the ZL1 . Which is all lower numbers made and worthy of more price .
I am a heretic. If you can’t or won’t drive, why buy it. So you can polish it, tweak things. Hope it goes up, or down in value. Leave it to your kids? Your spouse?
If you aren’t going to drive it, take the 100,000 and invest it, or give it to a charity. I would drive the heck out of it, spring to fall..
Ok I just ticked off half the posters. Sorry ladies