1967 Chevrolet Corvette L71 427 4-Speed

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Early Corvette buyers were sometimes disappointed by the performance provided by their new purchase. Many believed that a six-cylinder motor and automatic transmission didn’t pass muster in an American sports car, but by the time our feature ‘Vette rolled off the line in 1967, there were no such doubts. It presents beautifully, but the big-block V8 is the star of the party with this classic. It provides power to burn and should be capable of transforming tires into smoke effortlessly. The seller feels the time is right for it to find a new home, listing the Corvette here on Craigslist in Memphis, Tennessee. They set their price at $62,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting this beauty.

The C2 Corvette represented a complete shift in design and engineering philosophy from Chevrolet. Brute straight-line performance was still a driving factor, but better weight distribution, significant suspension improvements, and better brakes made the new generation a more complete driving package. Also new was a Coupe derivative, giving occupants genuine all-weather protection for the first time. Sales were initially line-ball between the Coupe and Convertible, but the former lost ground during the C2’s production life. This car is 1-of-8,504 Coupes ordered during 1967, which accounted for 37% of total sales. Its panels wear Goodwood Green paint with a White Stinger stripe. The supplied photos are limited, but they make a positive impression. There are no signs of paint or fiberglass issues, and while the car’s history is unclear, I suspect it may have previously received at least a cosmetic restoration. The seller doesn’t identify any rust problems, and the trim and glass look easily acceptable for a driver-grade classic.

The Coupe’s interior is as tidy as its exterior, with no wear or physical damage to its Black vinyl upholstered surfaces. The rear carpet might be slightly faded, but the poor photo quality makes that impossible to confirm. The dash and gauges are spotless, but there is evidence of minor wear on some console parts. There appear to be no aftermarket additions, and this car retains its factory AM/FM radio.

It is disappointing the seller doesn’t supply engine photos because this car’s V8 is the star of the show. They identify it as a replacement L71 version of the 427ci V8, with that Tri-Power unit churning out 435hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds to the road via a four-speed manual transmission, while four-wheel disc brakes bring proceedings to a safe and rapid halt. The performance potential of the big-block can’t be understated, with this classic capable of scorching the ¼-mile in 13.4 seconds. While the seller acknowledges this engine is a replacement, they don’t indicate whether this Corvette is 1-of-3,754 that were originally ordered with that powerplant. That question requires further investigation, and it would be fascinating to learn whether the Tank Sticker is intact to provide a definitive answer. The lack of engine photos isn’t the only shortcoming with this listing because there is no information on how this Chevy runs or drives. The poor photo quality and lack of information would seem to make an in-person inspection imperative, but I recommend that strategy with any classic purchase.

I would never insult the intelligence of our readers by describing this 1967 Corvette Coupe as affordable. That claim is no longer valid once a price passes a certain point. However, where that point is can be considered a moving target, depending on each person’s financial circumstances. I will say that this car could be a case of getting what you pay for. If this were a genuine numbers-matching Coupe with the L71 under the hood, its condition would command a comfortable six-figure value. This Corvette is nowhere near that price, but a close inspection would be required to reveal its lack of authenticity. This could be a viable alternative if the real deal is beyond your means. It has only been on the market a short time, and my instincts make me believe it could find a new home for Christmas. Are you tempted to make it yours?

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Comments

  1. bobhess bobhessMember

    The significant suspension improvements seem to be overridden by the owner. Jacking up the suspension as has been done here negates anything the factory improved. Good write up Adam.

    Like 15
  2. KC

    62k and no engine pics?

    Like 11
  3. ruxvette

    Just me but the ad doesn’t pass the stink test. Seller is ‘asking’ $62k for a car, if represented properly, would sell for $80k easy…even with a grungy motor house.
    I apologize if I’m wrong but…buyer beware.

    Like 27
    • Jeff

      Is the red line at 6500? Tank sticker? Protecto plate? Why the green console cover with black seats and carpet? Who do we call about this?

      Like 5
  4. Davey Boy

    I was thinking along those exact lines ruxvette. Not one engine picture and wants that much? PASS!!

    Like 8
    • Campbell Chrisman iii

      Looks nice.You need to check the frame for rust.Tends to rust just before kickup before rear.Also check steel cage of cockpit for rust.

      Like 2
    • George Mattar

      Plenty to question here. While 63 coupes are selling north of $200,000, this is quite low for an L71 coupe, even with a replacement engine. No engine pics. I smell a rat. This is not for the polo shirt NCRS crowd, which owns these cars, but never drive them. Ask me how I know.

      Like 1
  5. Acton Thomas

    The price seems a bit low for a Tri-Power coupe, but an in person inspection will eliminate the chance of this ad being a scam. If it runs and drives well, and exhibits no rust, then the $62k appears to be more than a fair price. Very nice car.

    Like 4
  6. steve

    Maybe it’s the photography, but the right side front bumper appears to be slightly tilted down to the left, as you look at the picture.

    Like 4
  7. Al

    No one mentioned that the front tires shown do not match the one rear on the passenger side. But you think one front bumper is tilted and question the console color. For shame ! A personal inspection is absolutely appropriate if it’s not gone before that can be arranged.

    Like 4
    • 70AMXGOPAC

      Drag radials on the rear? Pass

      Like 0
  8. Al camino

    The back tires look bigger on both sides yo me! P

    Like 2
  9. Scott McConnell

    Obviously not the real deal. For 62 if the cage and frame aren’t rotted, and the 427 runs right, it’s worth the price. Although the guy who wants to speed along windy roads with it, as mentioned earlier, is in for a surprise. They never handled well, plus lifting it up makes for an accidental sliding off the road incident. Still all considered, it’s worth 62.

    Like 4
    • Ruxvette

      I’ve kinda overlooked the rear height vlas it may have just come down from the wheels hanging and it will take a bit to get it back at the right height.

      Like 2
  10. Ashtray

    I just have a hard time understanding why a seller would think it’s OK to list a potentially valuable vehicle for sale with fuzzy, limited pictures, and NO pictures at all of the engine? I just don’t believe the seller doesn’t understand that?
    I would think the engine would be a huge part of this vehicle?
    The price seems ok, but if I was interested in buying another Corvette, I would certainly look at it in person.
    It could be a pleasant surprise?
    Just my oponion!

    Like 4
  11. Eric K

    Another guy using old, well outdated photos in his sale ad. So many people do this it should be recognized and called out. I guarantee these photos are 5-10 yrs old. I’ve seen ads where people actually have pictures of old pictures in their ads.
    No reason not to have videos of the car running/driving.

    Like 1
  12. Jamie

    I believe this Corvette has drag radials on the rear end. For me, that’s a deal breaker.

    Like 0

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