We’ve recently seen a few classics crossing our desks at Barn Finds where the seller makes rarity claims. Some have a profound impact on the vehicle’s potential value, while others add little to its relative worth. This 1965 Corvette Convertible has a claim to fame, with the seller stating that it is 1-of-759 where the original owner ordered their new toy with the iconic side exhaust. That isn’t the rarest option offered during that model year, but it does increase the car’s desirability in the eyes of purists. It is a stunning vehicle offering performance that would still be considered respectable by modern standards. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for using a finely-tuned classic radar to spot this ‘Vette. It is listed here on eBay in Vero Beach, Florida, with a BIN of $140,000 and the option to make an offer.

Chevrolet adopted an evolutionary approach when applying cosmetic updates to the Corvette for the 1965 model year. A smoother hood and functional front fender vents were the most visible changes, with new rocker moldings added to the equation. This Convertible makes a striking statement in Rally Red with a new White soft-top. The seller is sparing with their information, making it impossible to determine whether the car is a genuine survivor or if it has received some cosmetic TLC. Whatever the truth, faulting its appearance is pretty difficult. The paint shines beautifully, there is no evidence of fiberglass fatigue, and the seller doesn’t mention the presence of rust that might sour the ownership experience. The trim looks exceptional, but I am unsure whether the aluminum knock-off wheels are the real deal. This is 1-of-759 Corvettes ordered in 1965 with a side exhaust, and the beast lurking under the hood would sound pretty sweet exhaling through it.

The first thing that we should cover is the fact that this Convertible is numbers-matching. That is an important consideration when assessing the worth of any classic, but it is particularly relevant when the purchase price enters six-digit territory. The 1965 model year may have brought only minor exterior updates, but there were profound changes below the surface. Chevrolet introduced the 396ci V8 to the range during the year, and it proved a masterstroke. The 327 Fuelie had previously been the gun engine, but it surrendered its crown to the big-block for a couple of important reasons. The first was that while the Fuelie delivered 375hp and 350 ft/lbs of torque, the 396 lifted those figures to 425hp and 415 ft/lbs. If that wasn’t ample justification, price proved the deciding factor. The Fuelie added $538 to the Corvette’s sticker price, while the big-block only lightened the buyer’s pocket by $292.70. It was a no-brainer, and that factor alone prompted Chevrolet to discontinue the Fuelie for the following year. This car’s drivetrain is positively mouthwatering, with the first owner teaming the 396 with a four-speed M21 manual transmission and a 4.11 Posi rear end. This car would be genuinely fast, capable of storming the ¼-mile in well under 14 seconds. Potential buyers can consider this to be a turnkey classic that the seller describes as a rocket. I have no trouble believing that claim.

The interior shots reveal what might be the most profound change that this car has received, and may indicate a cosmetic refresh at some point. The Trim Tag shows Code 443, indicating that this Convertible left the factory with its interior featuring White vinyl seats and door trims, with the remaining surfaces finished in Red. However, that is no longer the case. Reversal would be easy for those preferring authenticity, but it isn’t a task that I would typically expect to perform on a classic within this price bracket. Leaving that aside, there is nothing to criticize about the appearance. The vinyl looks nice, the dash and carpet are clean, and the bright pieces are in good order. There are no visible aftermarket additions, with this interior still housing the factory AM/FM radio.

This 1965 Corvette Convertible may have just celebrated its sixtieth birthday, but it doesn’t show its age. The interior doesn’t feature the original trim combination, but that is the only obvious deviation from its factory specifications. The seller’s BIN figure is probably realistic in the face of recent successful sales, but the price means that they are pitching the car to a reasonably small group of potential buyers. That may explain the low tallies for the listing’s View and Watch List. Maybe this classic is out of the reach of mere mortals. Do you agree?