It can sometimes be challenging to gauge whether a classic is desirable, but this 1966 Corvette Convertible leaves no doubt. Its presentation is exceptional for an unrestored survivor, and it would suit a purist seeking an investment-grade classic. The bidding action has been frantic since the seller listed the ‘Vette here on eBay in Springfield, Missouri. It has pushed the price to $48,300, although that figure falls short of the reserve. There is time for the situation to change, and I’d be surprised if it didn’t.

The first thing that struck me about this Corvette was the paint shade. Chevrolet was on a roll with the Corvette in 1966, with a record 27,720 buyers taking one home. However, only 2,339 of those selected Sunfire Yellow from the palette of ten available colors. That represents a take-up rate of 8.4%, well short of the 22% who chose Nassau Blue. The seller indicates this is an unrestored survivor, with the only area of non-original paint on the lower front valance, courtesy of a minor repair years ago. The car retains an excellent shine, making it hard to believe we are viewing a car that is fifty-seven years old. The front valance repair is the only panel damage this classic has suffered, with the remaining fiberglass free from significant cracks or other issues. It is a similar story when we examine the comprehensive set of underside shots supplied by the seller. The frame retains some of its original Black, and while there is visible corrosion, it is the dry type generally found on cars that have spent years in favorable climates. This one rolled off the showroom floor in San Jose, California, remaining in that state until 2006. It has been garage-kept its entire life, helping to explain its excellent preservation. The Black soft-top is in good order, as is the color-matched hardtop. The trim sparkles nicely for a vehicle of this vintage, and there are no visible glass issues.

Further reinforcing this Corvette’s desirability is its numbers-matching status. It features a 327ci V8 and a four-speed manual transmission. This may be the entry-level V8, but with 300hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque on tap, the 3,181 lbs Convertible represents rapid transport. The ¼-mile journey can be despatched in 14.7 seconds while keeping the foot to the floor will see the V8 gasp for breath as the needle nudges 131mph. The seller claims the 33,934 miles shown on the odometer are genuine, and with a known ownership history, the claim may be verifiable. It recently received a new exhaust utilizing genuine parts, and purists will be pleased to learn that the car’s numbers-matching status extends to peripherals like the carburetor and other ancillaries. The only modification is a battery isolate switch, which was a wise investment. The car spends its winters huddled away in a climate-controlled garage, but even the minute amount of power consumed by the clock can drain the battery. Throwing the switch prevents this. The engine has strong oil pressure, with the seller stating the ‘Vette runs and drives perfectly. It is a turnkey proposition needing nothing but a new owner.

It’s disappointing the seller doesn’t provide a single interior shot that gives a broad overview. However, piecing together the collection confirms the inside of this classic presents as impressively as every other aspect. They admit the carpet was replaced by a Corvette specialist while in the care of the previous owner, but the remaining trim is as it left the factory. The original owner, the car’s custodian until his passing in 2006, ordered it trimmed in Black vinyl. It remains well-preserved, with no wear on the soft trim items. The Black section of the metal trim around the shifter shows slight wear, but the overall condition suggests a survivor that was always treated respectfully. It isn’t highly optioned, but it features the factory AM/FM radio. It functions as it should, and, in a small victory, so does the clock.

This 1966 Corvette Convertible is a stunning survivor, and it seems the new owner will need to spend nothing on this classic beyond the purchase price. Its desirability is reflected in the auction action, with the car receiving sixty-five bids in under two days. People want this car and aren’t afraid to put their money where their mouth is. History shows that the bidding in auctions of this caliber typically intensifies as the end draws near, and I see no reason why that won’t happen here. Even if this Corvette is beyond your means, monitoring the auction could be entertaining. Would you care to join me?