The Chevy Corvette was in its third year of the second generation when the 1965 model year rolled around. The big news that year was the availability of a 396 cubic inch “big block” V8, though most were equipped with the 327 (which is probably the case with the seller’s car). This nice Nassau Blue ’65 ‘Vette is a two-owner vehicle, but the seller says little else about the sports car. Located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, this convertible is available here on craigslist for $35,000. Kudos to “Rogue1” for the tip.
Sales of “America’s Sport Car” continued strong in 1965 at more than 23,500 units. The convertible was the most popular at 15,000+ copies. A canvas top was standard, with a hardtop optional, but all we see with this Corvette is the soft top. The vehicle has only changed hands once, and the odometer says 60,000 miles, but it has quit working.
The seller does not mention engine size, so we assume it’s one of several available 327s that started with 250 hp and went up. The transmission is a manual, which we presume is a 4-speed. We’re told it’s a fully running machine, but the entire listing provided by the seller only includes a dozen words of description. So, the seller either took shortcuts or perhaps he/she isn’t that anxious to sell.
The body appears to be good, as does the blue paint. The interior matches, and it seems to be up to speed. We don’t know if this is a survivor or if major cosmetic or mechanical work has been done over the years. Prospective buyers will likely want more details before handing off 35 large.
The shift-pattern plate on the center console is for a four-speed, but the engine is either a) rebuilt, b) rattle-can “rebuilt” with overspray, or c) not original. The metal anti-interference cover for the distributor is missing, too. All fairly simple to deal with.
To me, this appears to be a nice, low-spec ‘Vette that could, with some relatively easy work, be a great driver-grade machine. An honest car — don’t forget the pre-purchase inspection — at a seemingly honest price.
I smell a rat, the car has Wisconsin tags and the photos are definitely not South Florida. This is definitely must see in person to verify!
The photos in the ad show Wisconsin plates. The Craigslist ad shows that the Corvette is in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Not sure where you are seeing South Florida in this ad.
The Craigslist ad reads Miami
The ad clearly shows Miami
Multiple city listings, casting a wide net.
https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/d/eau-claire-corvette-convertible-1965/7940736965.html
https://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/cto/d/eau-claire-65-corvette-convertible/7940738625.html
https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/cto/d/eau-claire-65-corvette-convertible/7941283971.html
Phone number is Georgia, ad Florida, plates Wisconsin, looks like a scam.
A dozen words to describe this car? That’s it? Is the seller lazy, illiterate or what? Something smells fishy here about this ad for a car like this. The ad is either fake or a scam most likely. I don’t and wouldn’t want to even look at it, I would move on.
I’m not sure what it is with classic “vette” owners. I have a 65 Corvette Convertible with a swapped 350 4 speed in it – maroon, tan top with a black interior that I will soon be selling and I would never think to short myself on the listing of the vehicle. I give it to this guy for at least providing a 30 second YouTube driving video to prove it does “roll” BUT beyond that it only takes a few minutes to construct an appropriate CL ad to highlight your automobile. That said nothing about the headlights, engine size, clutch, numbers matching, etc.
From what I can gather his asking price isn’t far off from current market prices assuming HE is and IT is what IT supposed to be.
The top appears to be a wonky and the paint via the photos appears worn but that’s what you get in that price range. It’s a driver and a bit of a project rolled into one.
There is still a strong market for these cars out there today.
BMH, The eighth photo shows the headlights working in the proper position. Yes, it is a crappy listing.
Ron – although lights are on you can operate the headlights manually. The question is whether the motors/actuators for the headlights “work”amongst the other items I listed earlier.
Simple to elaborate yet along with whether or not this is numbers matching or not and yet the owner did not. Again to my my point about “classic” – vette owners – they think the car speaks for itself.
Hi. I would like a little more information regarding your 65 Corvette and if and when you are selling it. I’ve been looking for a 65 for the past 3 months ready to pull the trigger when I find just the right one thanks John
His video is on YouTube for those that care to watch.
I don’t think it is a scam, the ad states “cash only”. Most scams involve transferring the electronic funds to some obscure website and so on. For $35k, it appears to be a good deal, but a thorough inspection will bear that out. Naturally the inspection would involve a lift, to check for frame rust, severe leaks, suspension integrity, body repairs, and of course the bird cage mount points. It runs, it drives and appears worn, but not abused. If it were located in So Cal, I’d have a look at it.
Scam. Nobody sells a running, driving 65 Corvette this cheap.
If this isn’t a scam, it won’t last the rest of the day.
Two of the listings have been up for seven days and one for four days.
SCAM Alert! Ask if you can come and see it in person. See how they respond. If this is a legit ad this car is gone by the end of the weekend.
I don’t think it is a scam. Cash offer and good price on a what you see is what you get (roughly) car.
Could the vague description and even the price be due to the seller being a “flipper”, not wanting to bother to itemize the features, etc? Just a thought.
I agree with those that state that this is a very good deal – if it isn’t a scam.
Any C2 in the 30K range that looks okay inside and out and runs is a great price in 2026 dollars, considering that every other classic car seems to be heading to 40K.
Why not. It isn’t NCRS Top Flight, and at $35K who would expect it to be, but looks like a car you can spruce up and have fun driving.
If it passes muster it would be a decent buy at $35k. Spend a weekend cleaning it up and it would be a nice cruiser.
The video shows it moves under it’s own power (although the engine appears to run very rich) which is a good thing…but shouldn’t stop someone from doing a frame/bird cage inspection.
I messaged him yesterday asking for more pics. He responded almost immediately that someone is on their way to buy it. His signature block included an Atlanta area code cell number. Scam? Hard to tell, but he didn’t ask for any money. I’m 3 1/2 hours away, so I’d be going to see it if it’s really for sale.
Same pics are representing a car that is being sold for $48k. Same pics. Different details. Scam.