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1965 Corvette Sting Ray: Original Paint

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I love original paint cars. This Milano Maroon on Black 1965 Corvette Sting Ray is a carport find, where it languished since 1985 at the hands of the original owner. Listed here on eBay with the reserve unmet and bidding at $19,000, the perfect patina is likely driving bidders to overlook the non-matching numbers engine for a chance to own a Corvette that is otherwise unmolested.

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The paint is said to be original, and the seller acquired it from the only owner its ever had. So, that either makes him a flipper or perhaps someone who acquires projects for their own use and occasionally cleans house (see the rows of Corvettes in the background). Either way, this appears to be an honest example with an attractive color scheme. The 4-speed manual is obviously desirable, even when paired to a non-original engine.

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Though not much is offered in the way of details, the missing carpet at least shows solid floors and seems to align with the dry, rot-free condition of the body. That’s not to say rust isn’t hiding elsewhere, but at first glance the Sting Ray appears to have led a sheltered life. Although it’s a shame it was relegated to carport for so many years, at least it perhaps provided some protection from the elements. The leather will need repair, but the rest of the interior may be decent enough to live with in a driver-grade car once cleaned.

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It’s a shame this car doesn’t retain its original engine. A Sting Ray with its matching 327 paired with the 4-speed would be a very nice car to own as both a project and an investment; this car is already going to be a pricey restoration project and without the original block, it will likely never be as desirable as the numbers-matching car. For me, that’s a deal breaker but it isn’t slowing other bidders down. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Charles H. for the find.

Comments

  1. Avatar Rich

    I really don’t get the fascination with numbers matching cars. Getting them back on the road and enjoying them is what it’s all about. Just my opinion. I absolutely love this car but you can bet it’s going to go for a pretty penny.

    Like 0
  2. Avatar randy

    Matching numbers on cars like this could mean thousands of $$, and I love the statement “otherwise unmolested”! Keep up the good work!

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  3. Avatar Slim Chance

    Nice to see the bonding strips showing. No hit car save for the lower left quarter.
    This is either a 250 (last year) or 300hp car. It’s a long ways from pretty but it’s only money!

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Dan h

    I would pay way more for a car as original as this vs. a better looking one that could be hiding the work of a hack.

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  5. Avatar randy

    Engine swaps can go bad as well, and cause hidden damage too.

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  6. Avatar Steve

    This looks molested from neglect

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Chris

    LHR wheel has a fair bit of negative camber. Thats a concern.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar joeinthousandoaks

    Looks lie the right rear has it too, just not as evident in the poor quality photos on that side. All, no shots of the frame. Rust would be a big concern with a neglected C2 on the East coast.

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  9. Avatar Al

    No problem with a different motor like this one but he should have kept the original.

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  10. Avatar John D

    Did the writer seriously write about the FIBERGLASS floors and body “solid floors and seems to align with the dry, rot-free condition of the body”??????? Folks, what you see is NOT what you get . . . the ‘glass will look good as the steel reinforcements and frame are reclaimed by mother Earth. There is a reason you won’t see shots of the frame here . . . .

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  11. Avatar Sid Member

    Looks like great investment potential to me.
    Buy it for $25k
    Spend another $30k
    So for only $55k you can have a nice $40k car with the wrong engine and two years worth of work.
    I know because I just got done doing something stupid like this.
    AND being a true car guy I am ready to do it again

    Like 0
  12. Avatar Jay

    I don’t get this love of original paint that looks like shit. PAINT IT!

    Like 0
  13. Avatar Charles H.

    It being original paint, you know more about what work has been done, and what else will be needed to make it look beautiful again.

    Like 0

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