The aggressive styling made it virtually inevitable that the C2 Corvette was a sales hit when new. Its stunning lines helped to cement the badge’s place in the market, paving the way for the all-conquering C3. This 1966 Corvette Convertible is a stunning classic wearing a paint shade that accentuates its styling. It covers the best of both worlds, with the included factory hardtop making it a viable alternative when the weather turns nasty. Adding to its appeal is the numbers-matching drivetrain, promising the type of performance for which these classics became a byword. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Scott for spotting this Convertible listed here on Craigslist in Renton, Washington. The seller set their price at $66,000 for a classic that appears to need nothing.

Chevrolet continued its theme of performing minor cosmetic updates when it released the 1966 Corvette. It did nothing radical, confining changes to items like the grille and badges to help differentiate the ’66 from its predecessor. This Convertible presents beautifully in Trophy Blue, bringing us to a point that might upset purists. The seller includes an image of the Trim Tag in their listing, indicating that this car is 1-of-2,339 ordered in Sunfire Yellow. It is unclear when the color change occurred, but reversing it would be possible if the buyer craves originality. Otherwise, leaving it untouched is a valid approach because this classic has no apparent cosmetic or structural needs. The paint shines nicely, the fiberglass shows no evidence of damage or stress cracks, and what we can see of the frame looks solid. The new owner has a range of options when they hit the road, indulging in wind-in-the-hair motoring, or raising the spotless Black soft-top if things turn cold. If conditions get really nasty, the seller includes a color-matched factory hardtop for all-weather protection. The trim and glass are in good order, and the side exhaust adds to this car’s visual appeal.

This Corvette’s interior may sport some changes, but we can’t say the same when we delve below the surface. This is a numbers-matching classic that the first owner ordered with the entry-level 327ci V8 and a four-speed manual transmission. The engine may be the least potent in the badge’s armory, but with 300hp and 350 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal, this 3,181 lb Convertible should provide breathtaking performance when the driver squeezes the “loud” pedal. We have recently seen a few classics at Barn Finds where the seller is sparing with their information, and this Corvette continues that trend. We are left in the dark about the car’s physical health, although the spotless engine bay presentation suggests that the news should be positive.

If this Corvette’s exterior makes a positive impression, its interior continues that trend. There is little to criticize about the Black vinyl trim, with no evidence of wear or deterioration. The carpet is free from fading, the dash and plastic look excellent, and the gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings. It appears that someone has fitted an aftermarket stereo, but since they haven’t cut anything during the installation, reversal would be a piece of cake.

This 1966 Corvette Convertible isn’t totally original, but as a high-end driver, it has much to offer its new owner. Its presentation is impressive and is guaranteed to turn heads wherever it goes. Returning the car to its factory form is possible, although I struggle to find a reason why anyone would do that unless they had a total focus on authenticity. I typically prefer my classics that way, but I would happily leave this one untouched and hit the road with my head held high and a mile-wide smile on my face. Do you agree?