We see our share of C2 Corvettes here at Barn Finds, but this one caught my eye because it is one of the nicest survivors that I’ve seen for a while. I am pretty sure that Barn Finder Pat L probably feels the same way. So thank you for referring it to us, Pat. It has been meticulously cared for by two owners throughout its life, but the time has come for it to head off to the home of a lucky third. The Corvette is located in West Babylon, New York, and has been listed for sale here on craigslist. Do you dream of slipping behind the wheel of this classic? Well, hand the owner $56,500, and your dream could come true.
The Corvette is finished in Mosport Green, which the owner refers to as a rare shade. I admit that only 2,311 Corvettes wore this color in 1966, but there are actually four rarer colors. Find one in Tuxedo Black, and you have found one of the rarest of the Corvettes. Regardless of this fact, the vehicle does present well. It has received a repaint at some time, but it isn’t clear whether this was initiated by the seller or by the original owner. The paint has a great depth of shine and doesn’t show any patchy spots, scratches, or apparent chips. The panels don’t exhibit any stress cracks, and the gaps are consistent. Delving below the surface reveals a frame that is spotlessly clean and rust-free. The Corvette received a new top about 10-years-ago, and this remains in as-new condition. The exterior trim and chrome appear superb, while the same is true of the glass. The knock-offs were replaced around 30-years-ago, and the owner does admit that these ones are reproductions. He doesn’t indicate whether he has the originals. He is also unsure whether the car was born with a side exhaust, but does say that potential buyers should probably assume that it didn’t. Maybe it would be worth the effort to see if the Build Sheet can be located because that would tell the real story.
Popping your head over the side and taking a look inside the Corvette doesn’t disappoint. There is a single seam separation on the driver’s seat, but the rest of it presents perfectly. The interior is claimed to be original, and the owner has considered having the seam issue addressed. He has chosen not to in a bid to preserve the vehicle’s originality. I would investigate this in greater depth because I would hate to see that deteriorate any further. The rest of the trim and upholstery looks good, while there are no issues with the dash. The only other problem that the buyer might face surrounds the telescopic steering column. The adjustment has seized, and it can’t be made to move. The owner has chosen not to force the issue, as he fears damaging the original Teakwood wheel. He says that the wheel position is okay as it is, and he just treats it like a Corvette without this option. As well as the wheel and adjustment options, the interior still houses its original AM radio.
Powering the Corvette is a 327ci V8, which is backed by a 4-speed manual transmission. This is the L79 version of the 327, which was a $105.35 option in 1966. A total of 7,591 buyers chose to equip their Corvette with this version of the 327, making it the most popular of the optional engines. It should be producing 350hp, which is enough to see the Corvette storm through the ¼ mile in 14.2 seconds. This Corvette is a numbers-matching car and is said to have a genuine 41,400 miles on the clock. The owner doesn’t indicate whether he holds any evidence to verify this. He also claims that the engine has never been out of this classic. He purchased it from the original owner back in 1981, and that person rarely drove the car. The seller uses the Corvette occasionally and assures us that it is in sound mechanical health. He says that the engine starts easily and runs without any leaks, smoke, or ugly noises. The transmission shifts smoothly, and this classic drives very nicely. It is ready for a new owner to drive and appreciate.
There is something about this 1966 Corvette Convertible that really appeals to me. It isn’t perfect, but it does appear to be beautifully preserved. It is a car that many of our readers would love to own, and I can’t say that I blame them for feeling that way. I can picture this car cruising down some sunny road or boulevard, and I would love to think that it would be me behind the wheel. Sadly it won’t be me, but could it be you?
Beautiful car, but I never understood those side pipes. There is a burnt leg just waiting to happen. If I could somehow afford this (yeah, like that is going to happen), I would yank those crazy pipes off and put them out the back like most cars. Bet this car is a blast to drive. Imagine being in the mountains with this car on a crisp fall day. Vermont in October, what a ride! Stop at a roadside inn for some hot cider then back on the road to make more memories.
I was thinking the same thing Leland, I don’t hate them, but they seem to be a little over the top for a convertible. I noticed the wide whites first, those would definitely go. But for a ‘survivor’, this doesn’t seem to be a bad price. Someone will make some great memories in this. Crank up some classic rock and drive amongst the fall colors!
More of a Percy Faith kind of guy, but what ever music makes you happy. The music of that engine might be enough for me.
Had a 64 coupe and installed side pipes because I liked the looks and sound of them. Also had to change the rear valance panel that had two holes in it where the original exhaust came out. The side pipes have a black insulating spacer between the exhaust pipes and the covers which never even got warm unlike the C3 style side pipes which DID burn your legs. The only time I ever regretted the side pipes was on a trip from Toledo to Lexington,Ky. Kentucky had a 75 mph speed limit at that time,so most cars were doing 80 including me.Our ears were ringing by the time we reached Lexington from the constant droning of the side pipes at traffic speed. On the return trip we avoided I-75 and took state highways instead. No droning at 65-70 mph and we got to see some nice small towns where everybody made a fuss over the Corvette. I would definitely install them again on a 63 to 67 Corvette; to me it adds the finishing touch to a beautifully styled car. Mine also had a 65 interior as it was much more comfortable than the thin seats that came in the 64. Didn’t hurt the value any. When I sold the car due to divorce,I got enough to pay the attorney and to pay off my mortgage. Not bad for a car I bought for $2,000.Also to Skorzeny, mine had whitewalls and looked good to me.
Liked the $2000 … I bought a ’61, 283 with two-4bbl, 4-speed for $1200 … wish I kept it, but back then who knew …
I have a C2 and a C3, both with factory side exhaust. I can assure you that you will not burn your legs or anything else with the C3 side exhaust. I can drive either car 100 miles, stop, and put my hands on the covers of either with no problems.
Well to each his own. But I say to hell with the cider and bring on the “road head” with the Mrs.!! Now that’s makin memories!
Oh my, in a Vette? Maybe in an old Hudson where there is more room. In a Vette you are asking for back strain. Those would have to be classified as painful memories. Don’t knock hot cider until you have tried it. Have a few cookies with it and your afternoon is all that much better. Then back to the gear mashing.
I would give my left leg for this car….anyone need a right leg? I came within a hair of buying an identical version from the Volo Auto Museum last year but, couldn’t find a house with a garage fast enough and by the time I did it was gone. So, then I bought a new house and sadly this one is out of my budget now…..I will have to befriend the new owner of this 🤣
Right, left I can’t decide which leg to give up apparently!
The middle???? LOL!!!!
I would say the hot cider sounds good but the “road head” sounds like another lasting memory that would be hard to beat and could take your mind off the droning of the sidepipes.
Ah ha! That’s right Poncho! Pour the cider at dinner! I’m enjoying a spirited drive in a hot rod!
I have one of these with side pipes. I have never burned my leg on them.
They stole my ’66 roadster w/side pipes in Sacramento in ’73! I had bought it in ’69 stolen/stripped for $1600 minus engine/seats/radiator & put the 327/4 speed out of my 55′ 2 door sedan in it. CHP wrote me up for loud exhaust once so I had to put the stock exhaust back on it just to get the fix it ticket signed off.
Got written up once for loud exhaust myself … had a ’59 283, three-on-the-tree Bel Air … hung a cow bell under the hood … cop said it was an “auxiliary horn” and wrote me up when it was clanging in a hospital zone …
Cops have no sense of humor, Jonathan.
Corvette Shop in South San Francisco included the seats & radiator in the $1600 as I recall now.
My 64 convertible has exhaust going out the back and electric cutouts dumping out the side where side pipes would exit. Noise when I want it and quiet on the highway.
Now that I can afford it, I can’t get in or out of it. Aging is not for sissies. This Vette is a thing of beauty just as it sits. Yes, fix the seam in the driver’s seat. Drive and enjoy. Hell of lot more fun than looking at your 401 or CDs.
How about if you lost 100 Lbs., Al? LOL!
A’int the weight Stan, its the old joints that hurt. Being too thin, even, means you feel ever bump on your backside. I must admit, I too am at the age where a smoother more comfortable ride is what I need. I dream of ripping through these gears, but the reality is sadder.
I’m 52 years old, 6′ 1″ tall, 223 lbs. Due to a bad knee, I also have trouble getting in and out of some cars. I mainly stick with square body GM trucks these days (I like mine stock) but, I do still have my 1974 Z28. For some reason, I don’t have any trouble getting in and out of it.
Mike, you’ & the other guys here, are gonna love this. I have the solution to your getting in & out of the vehicles.
Check out the swivel seats & side-to-side tilt steering wheel.
Open full screen & enjoy….
https://biggeekdad.com/2020/09/cool-american-cars/
Here’s another video, after the first one, for late 60s-70s cars.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAA22ANWxEs&feature=emb_rel_end
The best Ford Model A ever built.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0imK2TaNUk
Nice car always loved the Mosport Green. The radio is the original AM/FM and I still think people use that original survivor term to freely if it’s been repainted it’s not a survivor end of story
Like to see pictures of block numbers both casting in rear and in front of head. Then I would decide on price.
Leland, I completely understand. Arthritis is taking over my fingers, in both hands.
Last year I had a total left knee replacement. Who said getting older is no big deal? LOL!!!
I hear you, Leland and Stan … I’ve had three Corvettes over the years, including a ’61 with 283 / 2-4 bbl carbs / 4 speed … my current roadster is an ’04 Nissan 350Z Touring model – I worked for Nissan for almost twenty years and am the original owner … besides arthritis in the hands, I had a left hip replacement – my 6-speed clutching hip … and getting in and out that low down can be a challenge … but one forgets about that with the acceleration and the wind rush – it’s an instant attitude adjustment …
Amen, Jon.
At our age(I’m 76), comfort is #1 priority.