Numbers matching? That’s the first place our minds jump when we hear “Corvette”, and it’s an open question regarding this 1966 Chevrolet Corvette convertible with a 427 cu. in. V8, here on craigslist with an asking price of $71,250. Numbers matching or not, this Nassau Blue ‘Vette runs well, looks good, and can be retrieved from Tabernash, Colorado. We owe thanks to Gunter Kramer for this fine tip!
Spurred by Carroll Shelby’s new Cobra, Chevy aimed high once model year 1966 rolled up, ditching the 396 “small big block” in favor of its 427. The new engine didn’t pump out that much more horsepower, but it was very torquey and contributed to a lighter curb weight. The 1965 Corvette 396 weighed 3285 lbs, but the 1966 big block car shaved sixty pounds off that total, coming in at a svelte 3225 lbs. Two versions of the 427 were available; this one has a claimed 442 hp on tap, probably beginning life as an L72 with 425 ponies. The owner has added fuel injection, an oversized aluminum radiator, and electronic ignition. Four-wheel disc brakes, a four-speed manual, 4.11:1 rear end, and a dual side exhaust complete the package. You’ll hustle from zero to sixty in under five seconds and reach a top speed of over 140 mph in this rocket ship. Who needs a Ferrari, right?
The interior is dandy in blue, matching the exterior. Wear is apparent on the white convertible top, so a good cleaning or replacement might be on the docket. The ’66 ‘Vette could be ordered with a shoulder harness and power windows; this example has lap belts and wind-up windows. I could wish for a couple more photos showing the wheels and underside, but a call to the seller should produce those.
The bodywork appears excellent, the chrome is good and what we can see of the fitment gaps are great. All in all, this performance-modified Corvette is a tidy package for tens of thousands less than a numbers-matching, original-to-the-nth-degree ’66 ‘Vette. If you’re after this body style and top-notch performance at a relatively reasonable price, this car just might fit the bill. Would you be willing to compromise on originality to take this one home?
63-67 Corvette is the prettiest of them all. I’m not the guy who worries about numbers matching too much. If it was numbers matching I would certainly keep it that way but if it’s not it represents a good driver and not a trailer queen. This blue is also one of my favorite colors. I bet this one is fun to drive!
Needs a luggage rack!
😂
I would think it was the base 427. It appears to have a cast iron intake. I was going to order one exactly like this, color and trim and everything, in 1966 but decided to go to college instead.
If the car passes close inspection it is certainly reasonably priced. With 411 gears it would be a bar hopper unless one wanted to upgrade to a 5 spd.
The seller says fun to drive and quick! You think.
Grandpa likes to go fast!
Can’t believe it. This one really has a teak steering wheel and no one has commented on it. Nice looking car. Unless you’re driving these attacking the corners in anger big blocks drive just fine. Certainly helps to have power steering. My 66 427 coupe has 3.70 gears and I often find myself reaching for the shifter to catch that next gear which isn’t there. Great for day drives but if I was headed cross country I would love to have an overdrive gear.
I had a 396 65 vette,and a 67 427 435 hp and both were very fast;fun to drive and beat everything next to me;
Looks remarkedly like my 1965 L78 Nassau Blue 4 spd convertible. Same color scheme inside/outside/top/steering wheel.
I agree with ACZ . Looks like an iron intake which means not rectangular port heads and that means hydraulic cam and not 11:1 cr L72.( ie 390hp)