Owners can use many strategies when listing a beloved classic. High-quality photos that effectively “sell” the car are a good start, and emphasizing the positives is another smart move. However, when the vehicle in question is as desirable as this 1966 Chevrolet Corvette, including the words “No Reserve” guarantees it will draw plenty of interest. The seller has adopted all those strategies, so it’s little wonder it has generated a bidding frenzy. They listed the Corvette here on eBay in Sarasota, Florida. The bidding sits at $85,600 with time remaining for interested parties to stake their claim.
Chevrolet planned to replace the C2 Corvette at the end of 1966, but delays with its successor postponed the move for a year. It made minor cosmetic updates in 1966 to differentiate the latest offering from its predecessor without spending a fortune. The first owner ordered this Coupe in Milano Maroon, which was an exceptionally popular shade. It ranked second on the color palette to Nassau Blue, appearing on 3,799 cars for a take-up rate of 13.7%. The seller says they have been the Corvette’s custodian for fifty years, repainting it in its original color about forty-six years ago. The lack of deterioration tells us two things. First, the shop produced a high-quality result that has survived exceptionally well. The second is that this classic has been protected from the elements, ticking the boxes as a high-end driver. The trim looks spotless, and the ‘Vette retains its original, crystal-clear, tinted glass.
Chevrolet completely changed the game in 1965 when it added a big-block V8 to the Corvette’s options list. Previously, the “Fuelie” had been the unquestioned king. However, the more potent 396 delivered more power and torque for considerably less money, spelling doom for the Fuelie, which disappeared at year’s end. In 1966, the big-block’s capacity rose to 427ci, and buyers could choose from two versions. This Corvette’s first owner chose the L36 version, producing a factory-claimed 390hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque. Power feeds to a Posi rear end through a four-speed manual transmission, and the first owner chose not to specify power steering or power brakes. The first piece of positive news for those considering the car’s future investment potential is that the listing images and text confirm that it is numbers-matching. The seller recently rebuilt the original carburetor, allowing this ‘Vette to run and drive perfectly. Potential buyers can slip behind the wheel of a classic that is both a turnkey proposition and an excellent investment.
It’s easy to mistakenly believe the first owner focused purely on outright performance when ordering this Corvette. However, they obviously craved some comfort, equipping the car with air conditioning, a tilt/telescopic wheel, and an AM/FM radio with a power antenna. Trimmed in its original Black vinyl, the images reveal no evidence of aftermarket additions or cosmetic shortcomings. The vinyl and plastic are excellent, as is the carpet. The dash hasn’t waved the white flag due to age or UV exposure, and the wheel is wear-free. It probably isn’t perfect, but the interior is another aspect of this Corvette that ticks the boxes for a high-end driver.
The photos tell the story, confirming that this 1966 Corvette is an exceptionally tidy classic featuring a desirable drivetrain combination. Finding anything deserving of criticism is difficult, which helps explain why it has attracted 61 bids. Add the Listing View and Watch List tallies of 560 and 141, respectively, and it is blindingly obvious that people like what they see and are willing to let their wallets do the talking. If you share those feelings, are you tempted to make a play for this classic?
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