If performance trumps originality in your mind when choosing a classic to park in your garage, perhaps this 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible is the car of your dreams. It presents well, with no rust issues or other structural shortcomings. However, the 454ci V8 isn’t original, but promises mindblowing performance. The buyer receives a documented history for this turnkey brute, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Corvette listed here on eBay in Cape Coral, Florida. The seller set their BIN at $56,000 with the option to make an offer.
C2 Corvette sales were gaining strength following the 1963 unveiling. The 1965 model year produced another sales record, with 23,562 buyers handing over the cash to drive one home. That tally included 15,376 Convertibles, almost double the Coupe tally. This ’65 Convertible looks attractive in Rally Red with a contrasting White soft-top. The paint shines nicely, and with no visible fiberglass issues, it ticks the box as a tidy driver-grade classic. The seller confirms that there are no frame or birdcage problems, but affirms that close inspection will reveal that the bumpers show their age. The remaining trim is in good condition, and the Cragar-style wheels are the first indication that this Convertible is anything but average.
One of the most profound changes to the Corvette for 1965 was the introduction of a big-block engine option. It proved exceptional value for money, sounding the death knell for the iconic 327ci Fuelie. The indications are that this Corvette may have originally featured a 396, but that motor is long gone. The engine bay now houses a 1971-vintage four-bolt 454ci V8. It is equipped with a steel crank, forged pistons, a mild solid-lifter cam, “snowflake” aluminum cylinder heads, a dual-plane intake, and a 750cfm carburetor. The factory big-block placed 425hp at the driver’s disposal. It would be fair to expect this 454 to deliver more. A four-speed Muncie manual transmission handles shifting, and the seller believes the rear end was recently rebuilt. The deal includes an extensive collection of receipts and invoices for parts and labor, confirming what hides beneath this Corvette’s skin. It appears that potential buyers can immediately slip behind the wheel for a rapid motoring experience.
Piecing together the supplied images confirms that this Corvette’s interior presents well for a driver-grade classic. Trimmed in Black, there is no significant wear or signs of abuse. The gauge cluster contains the correct elements for a big-block ‘Vette, and the dash is in excellent condition. It appears to feature an aftermarket radio, which is unsurprising given the changes made elsewhere. The interior has no apparent needs and should remain presentable for decades in its current form if treated respectfully.
I’ve previously discussed modified classics and how placing a value on such vehicles is almost impossible. They write their own rules, and this 1965 Corvette Convertible is no exception. However, if the listing statistics are an accurate guide, this potent drop-top has generated plenty of interest. It is hard to say whether that will translate into sales success, but I won’t be surprised if it does. After all, it would certainly demand respect once people discovered what was hiding under the hood.
Small point, but those wheels are American 200 S, commonly referred to as Daisy mags. I know because I bought a set in 1975 to put on a Corvette. A couple years ago I bought another set off of eBay to relive my youth, but they’re sitting in my Storage shed awaiting restoration. This looks like a really fun car and for a C2 that’s pretty reasonable price.
If you have 15” Daisy mags can bring a pretty penny, especially 8” or 10” wide with 5×4 1/2” or 5×4 3/4” bolt pattern. You are not the only one trying to find parts to help recreate cars from their youth. I hope you get to put them on something in the future, period wheels like that are instrumental in helping create accurate “day two” cars.
Steve R
The ones I have are 15 x 8 with a Chevy/GM bolt circle, perfect fit for my 73 454 convertible when I get them redone,
I meant 15 x 8.5.
They should look great when you get them on your car. Good choice of rims.
Steve R
My first set was 15x10x 41/2 I bought in the early 80’s before the chome type ones came out. Still stored away with some other Dasiys I’ve bought over the years….the first set I saw was on Tommy’s Road Runner on my paper route.
Go ahead, search the world over, NOTHING compares to this. Oh sure, some Brits came close, or swoopy Italian jobs, but for a good old Gringo ( with rich parents) that bled R,W,&B, it didn’t get any better. The 1st thing on “Ritchie Rich’s” wish list, was a Corvette. The real travesty, I never owned one. Never even rode in one. Not sure why, mostly all my life, a Corvette was this unattainable item we may as well scoff at the ones that could afford one, and us “poor folks” had to “settle” for an MGB. Not much has changed in that regard, but regardless most will agree, this remains the BEST sports car in the world, period. Had the cookie crumbled differently in 1965, I would have had a car like this.
Cue theme song from Route 66…
Such a beautiful car would love to drive around in this!
Question if I may? Why is it that some second generation Corvettes have a flat wheel arch that lines up with the midline belt crease whereas like this Corvette has rounded wheel arches? Is one factory and is one aftermarket? Or did they cut the factory wheel arches to fit bigger tires? Did any second generation Corvettes come with the rounded wheel arches like this car does?Thanks in advance!
This car has aftermarket flared wheel wells glassed in. All C2 corvettes came from the factory with the flat wheel arches that line up with the mid belt line.
Cool, thanks for the info Curvette!
Cutting the fender arches should be a $20K deduct in the selling price.
It’s a good looking car done in the 60’s-70’s theme just needing a few things.
Were it mine…it needs a complete detail as it just looks scruffy. Next up would be to dress the motor like a 396 (valve covers, ignition shielding, etc and put 396 tags on the fenders. Then add the extra taillights as they did ‘in the day’ and throw on some sidemount headers. Reminds me of the ’65 coupe I had way back.
Did I mention a complete detail?