While owning a flawless and original classic is attractive, sometimes, an owner can derive as much pleasure from owning a car with an upgraded drivetrain. That is the case with this 1966 Corvette Convertible because it features a larger engine that should ensure an enjoyable driving experience. The seller has owned this gem for twenty-five years but feels that the time is right for someone else to enjoy all that it offers. Located in San Diego, California, you will find the Convertible listed for sale here on Craigslist. It could be yours by handing the seller $59,900. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L. for spotting this fantastic classic for us.
Whenever I’m assessing a classic as tidy as this Corvette, I place a great store in a long-term ownership history. When the vehicle presents this nicely, it provides a reasonably reliable indication that the owner has treated their treasured possession with respect. Long-term mistreatment or abuse can leave some classics looking tired and worn. That isn’t the case here because the Convertible’s Sunfire Yellow shines richly, with no significant flaws or defects. The seller treated the car to a restoration years ago, and it survives nicely. The fiberglass is free from stress cracks or other problems, while the Black soft-top looks excellent. The Corvette also comes with a factory hardtop finished in the same shade as the body. The chrome seems excellent, the glass looks good, and while they don’t specifically state it, a life lived in California should leave this classic rust-free and structurally sound.
When we turn our attention to the Corvette’s interior, the positive vibes continue. The seats are upholstered in Black leather that looks supple and inviting. There’s no evidence of wear or physical damage, while the same is true of the remaining upholstered surfaces and carpet. The dash presents nicely, although the speaker grille appears to have lifted slightly. The gauge markings are crisp, and the lenses are crystal clear. The only aftermarket addition I can spot is the wrap on the wheel, but power windows and a factory AM/FM radio are nice touches in a car of this type.
We’ve reached the point in this Corvette’s story where we need to confront a significant change, and it is one that some purists may not appreciate. It isn’t clear what engine originally called this car home, but I’m confident it wasn’t a big-block. Whatever it was has long gone, with its space now occupied by a newer 350ci small-block that pumps out 330hp. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, and this combination should allow the car to produce a mid-14-second ¼-mile ET. With the V8 breathing through a 2½” Flowmaster dual exhaust, it should sound pretty tough and have the ability to turn heads wherever it goes. The seller says that the car runs well and that it’s a blast to drive. Given the overall presentation and specifications, it’s a claim I have no trouble believing. It may not be numbers-matching, but that won’t detract from the driving and ownership experience.
I acknowledge that this 1966 Corvette Convertible isn’t original, which means it probably won’t appeal to purists. However, it could be a strong contender for someone seeking a driver-quality classic that provides enjoyment. I also understand that it could never be considered affordable, but that is a common thread running through the story of the C2 Corvette in the current market. The seller’s price may prove slightly optimistic, but it isn’t far off the mark given its overall condition. It has only been on the market for a short time, and due to the growing popularity of these classics in any form, I won’t be surprised if it sells pretty quickly.
I’m usually not fond of yellow cars, but this one is pretty…is that a chain I see attached to the exhaust manifold and the frame? That is a backwoods fix to a motor mount problem…
I was a high school kid pumping gas in 71, when Chevrolet went through the huge engine mount recall. We replaced quite a few engine mounts, and installed the retainer kits too. One of the “fixes” available was the “safety” chain set up, though looking at the way that one’s installed, it doesn’t look like it would be effective?
gbvette, I feel yourr pain with the GM motor mounts issue. First customers car that had broken mounts, I road tested it and hit the trifecta- Throttle stuck wide open, vac hose pulled out of the booster plus the fan hit the shroud. So here y’are, full throttle, just useless drum brakes plus whatever else came unglued, shut the key off and jump up and down on the brake and hope you can stop. The offficial fix was a cable that bolted to the exh manifold, snaked around the upper inner control arm shaft. Yahoo.
Cheers
GPC
The engine wants to lift on that side, could be a dealer fix. That’s what they did to my 68 stick shift Nova
The engine has so much torque they had to chain it down. The prettiest yellow is Fly Yellow on a Ferrari. This yellow is kind of a washed out yellow. Porsche also missed the mark too
Nice car, though the price may be a little high considering the engine swap. The telescoping steering column’s a nice addition, but the wheel wrap has to go.
The center bolt valve covers, left hand dipstick and rear mount distributor, means this 350 was likely built between 86 and 91. Even in it’s Tuned Port fuel injected version in a Corvette, these 350’s were only rated at about 250 hp, making the seller’s claim of 330 a little optimistic considering the single 4 bbl and stock exhaust manifolds.
Perhaps he is using the old rating
Gm makes a new crate 350 cube HO with those valve covers 333 hp at 5,100 rpm & 381 ft lbs of torque at 3,700 rpm’s considered a H.O. Motor cast iron block 9:1 compression
Street drag racers use to use the chains to keep the torque from twisting the engines under full acceleration. We have torque bars that mount to the back of the engines and are fastened to the the right foot well of our race cars. Easy to do on our straight line engines but difficult on V8s. Thus the chains. Nice Vette.
That sure is a pretty color combination on this ’66 Corvette droptop. I ran across a ’69 Chevelle “SS” when I was just out of high school. It was maroon with a black vinyl top. It was parked in a front yard and since I frequently traveled that way I knew it had never been there in the past or at least in view from the road. I spoke with the owner and the car still retained it’s original 396/325 three speed floor shift with bench seat and Muncie shifter. It only needed valve guide seals plus it was pretty solid just a little rust bubbling in the rear quarters and a little under the vinyl top below the rear window. It was only $1,200 too. I was so anxious to buy it that it was not until I got it home and was looking at it that I realized there was an old chain on the left side running from the frame to the motor. I presumed the car had been run hard at some point. It was a great car though and I wish I still had it.
Had just purchased my ’70 GTX when a man
pulls into our shop with a similar ’66 Vette.
A light yellow 327 4spd for sale. Was asking
$1800 but noted it’d be $2200 in spring! My
cash already spent, I could only dream…
I worked in a Chevrolet dealers parts department when the motor mount fiasco hit and remember getting many many motor mount restraint kits , it seems as fast as they came in they went out, many different part numbers for them which depended on motor, body style, certain options, I suppose the restraint kits were a lot cheaper than the improved motor mounts. This is a very nice Corvette and the only thing thats bad about it is that wrap on the steering wheel, judging by the tachs redline , if its the original tach, this Corvette left St. Louis with a 327 cid 350 horsepower motor, which made for a pretty spunky Corvette. I’d buy it , Yellow and all.
The worst aftermarket accessory, steering wheel cover.