Finding a tidy C2 Corvette that can be driven regularly can be a difficult task. So many examples are either trailer queens that will rarely see the light of day, while others will require significant work to bring them to an acceptable standard. That is where cars like this 1966 Corvette Coupe can fill this yawning gap. This is a classic that presents extremely well but could be driven and enjoyed without fear that a single paint chip will destroy its value. The owner has decided that the time is right for it to go to a new home and a buyer who will enjoy the ownership experience. Located in Galion, Ohio, you will find the Corvette listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has already passed the reserve and is sitting at $45,100.

The more observant readers will immediately spot that the color that graces this Corvette’s panels is not original. The vehicle rolled off the line wearing Milano Maroon, but a previous owner changed it to what I believe to be War Bonnet Yellow. Usually, I would be opposed to such a change on a classic like this Corvette, but I think the result was worth the effort. The color suits the styling of the C2 Corvette, and it feels a shame that this wasn’t available when the car was new. Another change worth noting is the wheels. These are reproduction items, but once again, they don’t look out of place. The paint shines beautifully, with no significant chips or marks. The fiberglass hasn’t developed any flaws or problems, and the news is just as positive when we delve below the surface with this ‘Vette. The frame is clean and rust-free, and it appears that a previous owner has treated it with POR-15 to keep it in good shape. The trim looks excellent for a driver-quality car, and while the windshield has a scratch, the rest of the glass appears to be in excellent order.

The positive vibes continue when we look at this Corvette’s interior. It isn’t perfect, but its condition is above average for a survivor. It is upholstered in black vinyl, but apart from some light stretching on the driver’s seat, there are no problems to report. The dash is spotlessly clean, while the wheel and all of the plastic are in excellent order. If I am going to nit-pick anything, it is that the carpet has become worn and faded. It isn’t horrendous and wouldn’t require immediate attention, but if the buyer spends around $320 on a complete carpet set, I think that it would lift the entire interior enormously. The only other item that requires attention is the headliner. The owner says that it has begun to sag, so it might be time to break out the glue and fix it before it deteriorates further. There have been no aftermarket additions to this Corvette’s interior, and the factory AM/FM radio remains intact.

The Corvette is said to be numbers-matching, although it does wear a different air cleaner. What the buyer will be getting for their cash are the standard 327ci V8 and a 4-speed manual transmission. This might be the least powerful engine available in a ’66 Corvette, but it didn’t make the car an automotive wimp. If the owner pointed it at the ¼ mile, it would blast through the trap in 14.7 seconds. If they were prepared to keep the pedal to the metal, the ‘Vette would eventually hit 131mph. The news here is all good. The owner has had the 327 fully rebuilt to factory specifications, and he has the receipts to verify the work that has been performed. While he had his wallet out, he replaced the clutch and had the transmission rebuilt for good measure. The brakes didn’t escape attention because he treated them to a rebuild and fitted stainless steel lines. Wrapping things up, he forked out the cash to have a new exhaust installed. He says that the 327 roars into life at the turn of the key and runs perfectly. The clutch and transmission operate smoothly, so the next port of call for the buyer will be the open road.

If there is a buyer out there who is seeking a Corvette project car that can be returned to its former glory, this one could be a firm prospect. It is structurally sound, and apart from the wheels and paint color, it is original and unmolested. Returning it to a factory-fresh state, in that case, would be a straightforward proposition. However, I don’t believe that this Corvette is destined for that life. I can see its next owner as a person who wants a driver-quality vehicle that could be used regularly for relaxed cruising. The car perfectly qualifies for that role, but the big question for me is whether its new owner is likely to be one of our Barn Finds readers.