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.
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.