Boy is there a lot going on here! It starts in one place and ends up in another. Ostensibly, what we have here is a 1965 Chevrolet Corvette with a new for ’65 425 gross HP, 396 CI V8 engine – a car that is a blue-chip collectible. This example has undergone some modifications and changes so we’ll have to weave our way through those and see what’s actually here. This Corvette is located in Oro Valley, Arizona and is available, here on craigslist for $25,000. Thanks to rex m for this tip!
Chevrolet’s Corvette was on a roll in 1965. Production numbers totaled a healthy 23K+ copies and the engine selection consisted of six options spanning a range from 250 to 425. And it’s that 425HP version that garnered major attention as it was generated via a new for 1965 396 CI big-block V8. Introduced in January of that year, 2,157 units, as the seller states, came equipped with this desirable engine – and automatic transmissions need not apply as a four-speed manual was the only game in town.
The seller “implies” that this is one of those 2,157 but never comes right out and emphatically makes the commitment. He then adds, “I do not believe this is the original engine block“. So what is the Corvette really? Search me fish; it may be a “youstabee” or perhaps, not even that. Whichever the case, it’s not what the listing title states. It also has, in place of the original Muncie four-speed manual transmission, a Turbo-Hydramatic 400 automatic transmission, an item that didn’t see a Corvette’s transmission tunnel until 1968. The four-speed gearbox is included in the sale, however. OK, so how’s it run? Looking at the engine, I’d say it doesn’t.
Keeping up with borrowed from another generation’s items is the L88 style hood, first used on a ‘Vette, also in ’68. Why place one on a ’65 is hard to say, a matter of personal choice I suppose. A statement of, “THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE BUMPERS, TOP, RADIATOR, RADIATOR CORE, INTER FENDERS OR HEADLIGHTS. THE FRONT CLIP IS SITTING ON THE CAR BUT NOT BONDED TO THE CAR” pretty much says it all, this is obviously a Corvette project. It is further stated that this ‘Vette was originally one of only 250 that were painted silver with a silver interior. Well, the exterior isn’t silver now so that seems to be an irrelevant tidbit.
The silver/silver claim is born out by the trim tag but just as the exterior is now mostly red, the innards are sporting an entirely black hue – so much for originality. It actually looks pretty nice other than that ugly drag strip transmission selector which interrupts the entire interior vibe. As for the rest of the insides, it’s in fantastic shape, all of it, including the seats (except for the lone headrest), the upholstery panels, the steering wheel, dash, and instrument panel.
OK, so you know the jig is up when you realize that the asking price is $25K, a whoooole lot less than what a genuine, non modified ’65 L78 (396/425 HP) ‘Vette goes for on the open marketplace. But the listing title is just not right – it’s one of those, “Now that I have your attention…” ploys. What this Corvette was, and that appears to be debatable, shouldn’t matter much; it’s what it is now and how much can be authenticated that counts. That said, it doesn’t mean that this 1965 Chevrolet Corvette, along with its big-block engine, is not without its own merits. It has possibilities, right?
Earliest known ‘65 corvette 396 is serial number 13,808. Featured car is serial number 3,881.
Featured car doesn’t seem to have the battery on driver’s side, behind inner fender, per typical factory production.
Q-Q paint code on featured car is Silver
426 interior code is silver vinyl. I’m not sure what interior option(s) were included with the ECL of “B”
Appears to be a true silver/silver car, but not an original 396.
Too much of a project IMO for the money. In addition I hate it when the front headlight openings are sealed up along with removing the bumpers. I’d pass on this one.
This looks like it was someone’s modified toy, that was wrecked, which would explain the (uninstalled) 67 nose, and the missing bumpers, radiator, core support, and headlights. The seller doesn’t mention frame rust, but his comment that he has a “very good Arizona frame available”, probably means the frame has issues. The interior may look good at first, but the seats have been cut up for some kind of aftermarket head rests, and the console was cut up to install that shifter. And as John S pointed out, this car did not start life with a 396 engine.
One of my customers has a real silver/silver 65 396 convertible, and it is a beautiful combination on these cars. Though rare, I don’t know where the seller came up with 250 cars built in this combination, because GM has no production records of color and/or option combinations.
Depending on the frame’s condition, this might be a good basis for someone to build a nice, modified car.
A friend of mine had one of these in Nassau blue with blue interior and a white top. He couldn’t keep a clutch in it. He tried several combinations of pressure plates and clutch discs to no avail. He put a TH 400 in it with a mustang shifter. Problem solved.
“properly restored can have a value of over $250,000…”
Pretty much tells me everything I want to know.
A wrong motor car that was never a 396 car originally and properly restored you think it can have a value over $250,000?
I want to smoke what your smokin!
a lot of negativity for the asking price.
Right on! Try to find a similar ‘65 vette in this market!
A lot of potential. Lots of ‘65. Eyes got the 396 transplant. I actually live in Oro Valley, AZ 26-30 years ago and would remember this car. Probably a snowbird who brought their toys with them to AZ.
Hey JBD, had a question for you on this car. Can we chat offline?
Not a fan of the L88 style hood on the C2, looks way better on a C3. But the Stinger hood would look a lot better here. And what’s up with that shifter! That rock and roll has got to go! Seems like a decent priced project if the frame is okay. But, your going to need deep pockets regardless.
Man I hate those shifters!