The Corvette has remained a staple of the Chevrolet model range for over seven decades, and it would be hard to picture a dealership that didn’t stock a Corvette today. It has enjoyed a long and successful run, and the feedback from the company is that it will remain part of its model range for many years to come. This 1965 Corvette Convertible is one of the cars that cemented its place in the market. It isn’t totally original, although describing it as a survivor would be fair. It spent thirty years in storage but has emerged none the worst for its experience. This classic is located in beautiful Ransomville, New York, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for bringing it to our attention.
It is fair to say that the Corvette experienced a rough start, and Chevrolet was close to canceling the program at the end of 1955. Production of the fiberglass-bodied sports car had been more complicated than expected, and quality control issues cooled buyer enthusiasm. It is fair to say that a single incident saved the Corvette’s bacon. Ford introduced its new Thunderbird for the 1955 model year. While it wasn’t considered a direct competitor to the Corvette, the Blue Oval’s new 2-seat Convertible accumulated 16,155 sales during that first year. The Corvette mustered a mere 700, but not wishing to be perceived as running from the opposition, Chevrolet persisted. Its approach bore fruit, with the Corvette enjoying an almost unbroken run in showrooms ever since. The C2 version appeared in 1963 and continued to set sales records. Our feature car rolled off the line in 1965 and is 1-of-15,376 Convertibles sold that year. The seller confirmed it spent thirty years hibernating, but the underside shots reveal the frame to wear nothing but areas of light surface corrosion. There is no evidence of steel penetration, suggesting this classic is as structurally sound as the day it emerged from the factory. However, it has undergone changes throughout its life. The Trim Tag states that the Milano Maroon gracing its panels isn’t original because the first owner ordered it in Glen Green. It is unclear when the change occurred, but reversing it wouldn’t be difficult if the buyer wishes to reclaim the car’s youthful good looks. The wheels are a later addition, and I think the same is true of the side exhaust. If I am wrong about that last item, it will only increase this Corvette’s desirability. The side-mount exhaust added $134.50 to the sticker price and was only selected by 759 buyers. The fiberglass shows no signs of distress, and the car comes with a color-matched factory hardtop and a soft-top needing a new back window.
The Corvette’s interior is tidy and serviceable for those seeking a driver-grade classic. However, some readers may view some modifications as undesirable and would reverse them if they become this Convertible’s new owner. The previous owner added leather seatcovers, an aftermarket stereo, and a graphic equalizer. The Trim Tag also indicates a color change, with the first owner selecting Saddle vinyl. The trim is in above-average condition, and returning this interior to a high-end driver-grade classic would not be complicated or expensive. The shopping list would include a Saddle vinyl trim kit, a new carpet set, and a factory radio if authenticity is the aim. This interior would turn heads with those items installed, and the investment potential of this classic justifies the expense.
The good news for potential buyers is that this Corvette retains its numbers-matching 327ci V8. The bad news is there are no indications of which version it is. However, it is freshly rebuilt, meaning the driver will have at least 250hp and 350 ft/lbs of torque at their disposal. Shifting duties fall to a four-speed manual transmission, and it appears the seller upgraded the ignition system for a stronger and more consistent spark. The Corvette runs and drives well and has only clocked a few hundred miles since the engine rebuild. One interesting point is that the transmission in this classic appears to be a replacement. That isn’t bad news because the seller includes the original transmission that requires a rebuild. Reinstalling that would bring this classic one step closer to a full numbers-matching status.
This 1965 Corvette Convertible shows promise as a project candidate. Its structurally sound state and excellent mechanical health mean the new owner can enjoy it immediately and tackle the restoration at their leisure. The seller set the price at $48,500, and although it isn’t chicken feed, it is consistent with current market expectations. However, with values constantly climbing, this Convertible could be worth considerably more once the restoration ends. The Corvette is listed here on Craigslist, and I will understand if you decide to pursue it further.
Love it. Would drive it as is, then restore faithfully in a few years after accumulating parts.
Better swap out them there 30 yr old BFGs
Nice car but not liking them pop rivets on the vin tag
Early 1965’s used a round rivet for the VIN tag.
Not until about early part of mid 1965 production was the switch made to rosette rivets on the VIN tag.
I see no pic of the VIN tag in the ad. Not sure how or why you made your comment so this car may or may not have had the round rivets depending upon the serial number which I do not see.
Bull: have to click on link to see all ad pics, # 106922 also scratches near rivets, looks like drill skipped across tag near rivet. Body date F-15 so January 1965. What do you think?
Early 1965’s used a round rivet for the VIN tag.
Not until about early part of mid 1965 production was the switch made to rosette rivets on the VIN tag.
I see no pic of the VIN tag in the ad. Not sure how or why you made your comment so this car may or may not have had the round rivets depending upon the serial number which I do not see.
The VIN tag is the last photo in the Craigslist ad.
The VIN is in the right range for round rivets. However, the trim tag shows Glen Green paint with a saddle tan vinyl interior. I’m suspicious that both tags are from another car.
What’s the deal with the wires under the Vin tag. Afo engineering??I
double hump heads would indicate 300 horses or better
My only comment would be that if this thing was returned to its original body and interior color, it would be a looker.
When I see a car like this that has had a color and interior change it makes me wonder why they did it. A color change is expensive so why did they buy it instead of finding one with a color they liked? If the original interior was saddle tan the entire dash panel and the complete interior would have been tan which would have added a lot of expense to the color change. Seems like a lot of money to change from a rare color combination to a more common color combination. Not my money so none of my business I guess. The 63-67 Sting Ray’s are still the best looking ones to me so good luck to the lucky person who will get tis one.
I doubt this car has had an interior color change. I believe that trim tag is probably from another ’65 Corvette.
Since the seller doesn’t show the engine stamp pad, I doubt it has its original block either.
Suggests an earlier collision may have prompted the color change since a repaint was due anyway.
Has a 66 hood on it. This is the way these cars looked in the early to mid 70s. The NCRS was born in 1974 and that’s when everyone wanted 100 percent stock Corvettes.
Glen green, the original color of this car was the second highest produced for 1965 behind only Nassau blue. Back when this car was repainted a paint job didn’t cost $20,000 and a color change probably only added a couple hundred bucks. For the interior just go to the junk yard and strip a black interior out of a wrecked car and paint the pieces you can’t get. These were just cars back then not pampered garage queens so a color change was no big deal. I’m surprised it still has the original engine. The other thing is that a lot of these cars have been wrecked and cobbled back together which may have prompted the color change. So take a look inside the wheel wells for original bonding strips.
Why pay extra for side-mount exhaust when they look terrible? A mistake.
This was very popular color in 70s,my dad painted our 64 Chevy 2 and our 53 Chevy sedan delivery in shade of maroon,think he got paint code off Cadillac.
You are in the minority when it comes to how desirable factory side pipes are!
Then why was it “Only around 10-percent of all ‘65 to ‘67 Corvettes were optioned with the system.?” Most didn’t want ’em.
You are in the minority when it comes to how desirable factory side pipes are to most buyers!
Then why was it “Only around 10-percent of all ‘65 to ‘67 Corvettes were optioned with the system.?” Most didn’t want ’em.
Sidepipes, slotted rims, maroon paint. Yeah I could live with all of it. Even the effing rivets.
Yep live with it just drop the price about 10 grand and it will go
I’ve never enjoyed reading all of the comments on a car so much as a have with this one!
It’s a $35k work on it as you drive and enjoy it as you work on it. Period.
Have fun ya’all!
Taking that hard top off that nobody uses anymore and putting up the rag top would make a big difference!
Those round rivets look like they have a correct patina, but like the one person mentioned, let’s see the engine block stamping and the trans (Muncie) as well. If it is a real matchup, the paint in the interior isn’t that difficult. I had to get a flat bright blue for my 67 and it came out aok with a jamb gun. The sidepipes are a nice touch and since most people are not treating their C2 as a daily, the sound level is pleasant for the short trips. I would be under the car, preferably with a lift, looking for pristine grey-white glass without any mondo bondo slop to defile that beautiful body. A good chance for a great project : )
Most buyers didn’t want fuel injection either. How much is a used fuel injection setup today?