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?
Curious why there’s nothing other than sun/shade shots of the exterior, especially with the price listed. Car looks basically good but easy to hide paint issues with this type of shots.
Interesting observation. I rechecked the photos and there’s one that shows a patch of something on top of the passenger side fender next to the open hood, and I don’t think it’s a reflection.
It is… a reflection. Message me I will send an up close pic. Also I will get some in the light. Nothing to hide I live off a dirt rock road surrounded by trees
The seller may not know any better.
This will be an expensive car, I’d assume most serious potential buyers will have it inspected prior to the end of the auction.
Steve R
I really doubt it Steve. This is a very nice driver. I forsee this car gone in 2 days. If not b4.
Why would they end the auction early? There are nearly 4 days left, last week a 1972 Chevelle they were selling was featured in this site, many comments on this site thought it was a $10,000-$15,000 car, it sold for $45,000.
Steve R
It was a Factory Orange Flame matching numbers LS5 with a built sheet rock solid floors and truck zero rust every option under the sun including factory AC big suspension 3 point belts Strado seats the list goes on…the trunk paint was near flawless, you could eat off the underside floorpans. Nobody said it was a 10k car. Cool story though.
BDE, you are right, my mistake.
Steve R
Check out the ebay listing.
You make an interesting point about the lighting. Shadowy settings for pictures of a vehicle don’t lend themselves to clear assessment of the paint/finish.
I posted some sunny photos for you! Looks just as beautiful!! Sorry about that I live on a dirt road surrounded by trees
I posted some sunny photos for you! Looks just as beautiful!! Sorry I live on a dirt road surrounded by trees and it rains almost everyday.
I will get some photos in the sun!! After that I hope you bid but I doubt it… Honestly I live on a dirt road and am surrounded by trees but I will post some ASAP. Nothing to hide! I welcome and encourage inspection prior, but I will get some good photos loaded the paint is very impressive for 46 years old. It is lacquer. No swirls.
good looking vette.
Wow is that sweet. I desperately need to hit a lottery jackpot though.
The 390 horse 427 mirrors the 350.360 horse 396 motor for 66 cars..its a small cam motor..oval heads.and 10 comps with a 660 holley carb..the 425 horse is a much bigger power motor and cammed..
The replacement motor makes the car a different story….but still a good driver..I like the color and 66 vettes..these old motors all crap out.in 55 years. They will all have Ls motors in 10 years because of the ethanol gas needs..
Randy… what replacement motor? That is a numbers matching 427 with the vin on the block? Not sure what you are looking at or talking about?
Sold on 9/25/2026 with a high bid of. $95,100, there were 79 bids from 12 bidders.
Steve R