The 1965 model year signaled the mid-way point for the second generation of the Chevy Corvette, which ran between 1963-67. Changes were few to the cars as designers were already aiming at the next generation coming in 1968, one based on the Mako II concept car. This edition of the ‘Vette was treated to cosmetic modifications to the fiberglass body, transforming it into something of a ‘70s style hod-rod. Having been stored for the last 20 years, this Corvette is going to need a lot of TLC before heading out to the highways and byways again. Located in Watertown, South Dakota, this non-running custom project is available here on eBay where the bidding has reached $30,099.
GM had a lot of reasons to celebrate in 1965. For example, they sold one million Chevy Impala’s for the first (and only time) and the Corvette saw its best sales year yet at 23,564 units. 15,378 of those would be convertibles like the seller’s car which could come with a removable hardtop. This edition spent the last two decades inside a machine shed, so the custom work it wears now was done at least before the turn of the century.
We don’t know if the transformation of this car involved the drivetrain. A 327 cubic inch V8 would have been standard, with optional fuel injection, and a 396 monster was available at extra cost. This is likely a 327 and it looks as though headers have been added. We’re told it’s complete except for the carburetor and air cleaner which have flown the coop. The suspension was never modified, so everything there should be stock. The seller hooked up a battery and got a positive response from the car’s electrical system.
For whatever reason, the car’s 1965 front clip was replaced with one from 1967 and wears that model year’s side vents. The interior is good (although needing detailing) and the carpeting will have to be replaced. If you were to buy this car, this logical route to go would be to restore it as a restomod because going back to 1965 would be costly. But what impact has the custom changes made had on the future resale value of the car?
I would get it running and clean up the body but leave it be. It looks like a full-sized HotWheel!
I love it! It reminds me of the hundreds of custom mid-years I saw every year at the annual ISCA custom car show, and plenty I judged at my Corvette club’s shows. L-88 hood, flares, molded in headlights, shaved parking lights, Frenched antenna, deep dish Cragers, button tufted seat covers, rear spoiler and shadow panel paint, likely in metalflake, all it’s missing is two extra tail lamps. A real time machine!
I’m not sure what I’d do with it. It doesn’t appear to be worth restoring to stock, and the custom bodywork doesn’t really lend itself to a modern restomod build. Maybe a throwback mild street custom?
I was at a Corvette car shoe a few summers ago and someone had a full custom mid-year like you describe. A little rough around the edges due to the age of the work, but it was great to see one like that among all of the perfectly restored cars.
Oh yeah, SO many mid-years looked just like this when they were 10 year old used cars. The front bumper was always removed.
A neighbor’s father came home with one – metal flake lime green with custom interior. It was gone in less than a month -not sure if the wife hated it, or if the story that it was stolen was true.
These mods aren’t gaudy or over the top . I’d keep them all .
The flares are crappy, change them to a rounded style. 30k for this? It needs 40k in work, that’s if the frame and birdcage are it good shape. Being in Minnesota I would be leary without a detailed inspection on it. Way to much imho.
And that was your “humble” opinion?
Yep, and yours?
I think it looks great. It is a nice representation of what 50% of the Corvettes of that era looked like.The owners were expressing themselves. Thanks for asking.
The best you can do is leave the body as it is otherwise it’ll cost too much to bring it back to stock unless you can do the work yourself,it’s got a 67 nose on it and the flares, a small block Chevy is easy to get running and easy to rebuild if it needs it
The write up says the interior is stock. The seat covers are not stock.
Headlites mounted too low? & No high beams either – tho might not be a concern today with lax, if any enforcement.
On a custom, the 1st thing i would change would be to a smaller fatter steering wheel.
I love everything about it except the rear spoler that has to go but, I could do that mod my self so that’s no big deal.
I absolutely love this car! It’s only missing two things in my opinion, side pipes & my name on that title. Needs a carb so drop a Holley Sniper efi & electronic ignition in it & drive the snot out of it.