First impressions can be deceptive, and that’s the case with this 1966 Corvette Convertible. It appears tired and unloved, and it needs some TLC. However, beneath that scruffy exterior hides the most potent drivetrain combination offered in 1966, ensuring this classic will have the power to burn when returned to active duty. The seller listed it here on eBay in Richmond, Kentucky. Bidding has raced to $24,600, although that’s below the reserve. There is a BIN option of $38,800 for those wishing to bypass the auction process. I must thank Barn Finder Larry D for consistently spotting promising projects like this Convertible.
The history of the Corette is unclear, and it seems to have led a literally colorful life. The traces of Maroon paint visible in most of the supplied shots isn’t original, with the Tag confirming it rolled off the showroom floor resplendent in stunning Nassau Blue. That was easily the most popular of the ten shades offered in 1966, with 6,100 buyers, or a staggering 22%, selecting that color. The fiberglass exhibits some flaws and defects, but I don’t think many will require the attention of a specialist. However, unless the new owner has well-developed preparation and painting skills, they will probably elect to turn the Corvette over to a shop to maximize the return on their investment. This photo suggests it may be missing some parts, but most of those are visible in this shot. The car comes with a soft and hardtop, with both requiring repairs. The seller states the frame is rock-solid, and the glass looks excellent. The ‘Vette rolls on a set of knock-off wheels, but since they don’t rate a mention in the listing, I believe they’re probably reproductions.
When the original owner ordered this Corvette, they teamed its Nassau Blue exterior with an interior trimmed in Code 450 White and Blue vinyl. It would have made a bold visual statement, and most interior components remain intact. It needs a retrim, and the wheel requires restoration or replacement. However, the dash looks good for its age, the gauges are clear, and there are no aftermarket additions. The original owner’s focus seems to have been on outright performance, helping explain why the sole creature comfort is the AM/FM radio.
I mentioned the original owner’s focus on performance, and we can now assess their drivetrain choice. Chevrolet didn’t produce a genuinely slow Corvette in 1966, but this car was a brute demanding respect. They opened their wallet, spending $312.85 above the sticker price for the L72 version of the 427ci V8. This big-block was the most powerful engine available in 1966, sending 425hp to the rear wheels via a four-speed close-ratio manual transmission. Performance figures were legendary, with this Convertible capable of blitzing the ¼ mile in 13.5 seconds before winding its way to 138mph. This classic is numbers-matching, but we need to temper our excitement. In the best tradition of “what you see is what you get,” the engine features its block, cylinder heads, intake, and oil pan. There are no internals like pistons, conrods, a crank, or a cam. It requires a total rebuild, and while that will add considerably to the restoration costs, it should be worth the effort. The listing suggests the remaining drivetrain components are intact, which should cause some to breathe a sigh of relief.
If the new owner performs a faithful restoration on this 1966 Corvette Convertible, it seems it should tick many of the right boxes sought by enthusiasts. The C2 Corvette is an icon of American motoring history, so that box is a given. It will wear the most popular paint shade offered by Chevrolet in that model year, so that’s the second box. However, the desirable numbers-matching drivetrain combination would seal the deal. If the new owner completes their work to a high standard, there’s no reason why this Corvette couldn’t be a six-figure classic by the time the process ends. I hope someone breathes new life into this ‘Vette, and I’d love to see the finished product. Would you?
I can’t understand why someone would put together an empty shell of an engine, paint it and drop it in the car. So they actually think it has brought up the value? The internals are needed to to make this fire breathing beast. The head bolts aren’t even in place? Can see that falling apart to transport. Valves springs etc. in place? Author has an optimistic view for the future of this car. From what I see and have read this is going to be a very costly car to return to its former self. Parts that were pitched and lost will be the greatest challenge. Dash has been apart and don’t know what’s behind the instrument panel. You want a six figure car move on, this is a poor neglected Corvette that was discovered and seller has done a great job of applying lipstick to a pig.
I totally concur.
Certainly agree with Cadmanls. Way too much money for not much on this one.
there was a 450hp option in 66
Same engine rated at a different RPM, lowered for insurance rates of less then 1 HP per CU.
Too expensive for a parted car. I’m out here.
Oh, the hanging wires . .
WOW! That is a tiny assembly of parts to go with this car
$25k is too much unless you can do ALL the work yourself, have a pile of parts and an equal sized pile of beer.
Grab bag-junk box..
Even if i had cash to burn i would turn the other way…
Well, it’s an icon. Icons cost $. At least one person thinks it’s worth $26,600. That’s all the seller needs really, is one person to agree with him. The rest of us don’t really count. I wish it were cheaper too, like maybe $900 bucks. And he got it running for me. And he delivered it for free. But wishes don’t really happen, do they?
Dave you must be the owner,or have a pile just like this one.
Nope. I owned ’79 a ’95 and currently a ’99, not icons. A midyear is an icon, and you’ll have to pay to play. There’s really not that much to a Vette, but agreed though, amateurs shouldn’t consider this one, so you might want to skip it.
“amateurs shouldn’t consider this one, so you might want to skip it”…
Ouch.
Bazinga!
Dave you must be the owner,or have a pile just like this one. Definitely not a car for amateurs
Hey guys, looking for direction, With these insane prices for these project C-2’s what can one really purchase a decent project for. I am a former C-2 owner, back in 1977, I owned a 65 coupe, 327 4 speed, in 1980 a 66 coupe, 427 4 speed and in 1985 I owned a 64 roadster. C-2’s are the only place that feels like home for some reason next to the 3 69 Camaro;s I owned in the 70’s and 80’s as well. IS finding one a reality any more?
been looking for a mid-year bb project but the prices are too high, would end up with more in it than worth. So I’ll keep looking while saving my money, at some point I might just get a partial loan on a finished one, but not from a dealer, why pay their mark-up.
If that VIN tag is legit, this car is only 523 cars from the end of 1966 production. If you want to play in C2 land, you gotta pay. That is the sad part. I make it my business to follow these prices having been involved in this hobby, well, it used to be, until the greed set in, since 1975.I have owned two early C3s, and still have my 73 coupe. In 1975, you could buy a running, driving, C2, not switched out VIN or trim tag and REAL engine for $3,500 to $4,500. I want a 67 Corvette bad, and know where a Marina Blue REAL N14, L79 convertible is, but the seller, a friend, won’t budge. I am in my mid 60s, and the truth be told, we are getting older, just like these cars, and sooner than later, it will be too late for us to enjoy these great cars. You will see prices of these cars drop before you know it. Very few people will want them, like Model A Fords today. You can buy the best one in the world, for what $15,000? Mark my words. I have restored several old Corvettes. The work and expense involved is just insane today. Yesterday, I helped my friend of 50 years, who I worked with on these cars, load up a 70 coupe in a million pieces that he knew he would never finish. The car had sat since 1976, with what was believed a blown engine. He paid $6,000 for the car in about 2016. He ordered all new interior, had the engine totally rebuilt, we did all the suspension, fixed the rotted bird cage, etc, etc. He is 71 years olf and just said he didn’t want to deal with putting that ridiculous vaccum wiper system back together and the headlamp buckets. The new owner took it away for $17,000 cash. I realize I am not talking about a C2, but 70s are very rare, long GM strike that year. His car was an L46, 4 speed, power brakes, AM/FM, tint and factory 4.11 rear. The original owner daily drove the car in the early 70s. Imagine the noise at 65 mph. Forget it.
SOLD for $34,750.