Some classics seem to tick many of the “right” boxes when the focus is desirability. This 1967 Chevrolet Corvette demonstrates that. Not only does it feature the rarest paint shade from that model year, but its engine bay houses its original 427ci Tri-Power V8. The seller made some changes, but includes the original parts to return the car to its factory form. They have listed the ‘Vette here on eBay in Ventura, California. Bidding has reached $45,100, though that figure is below the reserve. Readers viewing the Corvette as an automotive “must-have” could hit the button for the BIN of $85,000.
The 1967 C2 Corvette is a car that wasn’t meant to exist. The game plan had been for Chevrolet to unveil the new C3, but design issues surrounding the aerodynamics forced a one-year delay. Therefore, the company performed a minor cosmetic upgrade to differentiate the ’67 from the previous year’s offering. Our featured car rolled off the line in 1967, and the first thing to note is its paint shade. The Trim Tag confirms that the Tuxedo Black is correct, and it was also the rarest color chosen by buyers. Only 815 cars left the line in Black, representing a take-up rate of 3.6%. The next rarest was Elkhart Blue, which was selected by 1,096 customers. The seller doesn’t market this Corvette as something it isn’t, admitting that the paint isn’t perfect. However, it has a healthy shine and would be considered acceptable if we view it as a survivor-grade classic. The Red hood stripe is a later addition that I would “lose” if I were the winning bidder. The fiberglass is in good condition, with no major cracks. The seller supplies several underside shots, and while the frame has dry surface corrosion, life in California has protected it from rust that could compromise its structural integrity. The wheels are period-correct, although I believe classics of this caliber deserve to roll on their original wheels. The glass is clear, and most of the trim passes muster for a survivor.
The seller provides this Corvette’s original Tank Sticker, confirming that the first owner ordered this Corvette with a 427ci V8, a four-speed M21 close-ratio manual transmission, and a Posi rear end. They selected the Tri-Power L71 version of the big-block, which delivered 435hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque. The ’67 was already a potent beast, but this motor made it brutal. The seller admits that while the car is numbers-matching, they have updated the induction system with FiTech fuel injection. However, the original carburetors and other components are included, allowing scope for the buyer to return the motor to its factory form. They recently upgraded the brakes with slotted and drilled four-wheel discs, and replaced a comprehensive list of other items. The winning bidder can slip behind the wheel of a classic that is a turnkey proposition.
One aspect of this Corvette needing virtually nothing is its interior. Trimmed in Black vinyl, the seats and other upholstered surfaces look extremely clean and free from significant wear. The dash is excellent, and the carpet is in good condition. With the gauge cluster also presenting well, the new owner shouldn’t need to touch a thing. It isn’t loaded with factory options, although the first owner spent $172.75 on an AM/FM radio. It isn’t a rare feature, with over 96% of buyers ticking that box on their Order Form.
I am willing to stick out my neck and say that I believe most Barn Finds readers would use the included parts to return this 1967 Chevrolet Corvette to its factory form. The fuel injection will probably make the car more civilized and easier to maintain, but its relative rarity would justify the move. However, the biggest question is what to do from there. A cosmetic restoration would be straightforward, but I’m not sure that would be the best approach. It is wonderful to slip behind the wheel of a pristine classic, but I believe this beauty would command at least as much respect if preserved as a survivor. Therefore, I would delete the hood stripe and install a set of correct Rally wheels and tires. Do you agree?
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