Every motoring enthusiast dreams of opening the doors of a garage or barn to discover a desirable classic lurking in the gloom. It seems someone struck gold when they unearthed this 1966 Chevrolet Corvette. It hasn’t seen the light of day in over four decades, but its engine bay houses the numbers-matching big-block V8. It requires total restoration, although the potential value once returned to its former glory makes it worth a close look.
There’s a lot to consider with this Corvette, which has been in the care of the same owner since 1968. It is unclear why they parked it in a Northern Californian barn over forty years ago, but it was only recently released from captivity. The seller is short on information, making it impossible to determine whether the Red paint gracing its panels is original. The new owner faces a restoration, and the photos suggest it won’t simply be a case of slapping on some paint and hoping for the best. The exterior deterioration means the panels must be stripped to bare fiberglass, and that is the tip of the iceberg. The underside shots reveal heavy surface corrosion on the frame and large holes in the front cross-member. Those flaws justify a nut-and-bolt approach, because the originality of other aspects of this classic could see its value nudge towards six-figure territory should the new owner achieve a high-end result. The trim is present, but some items require replacement or a trip to the platers.
Lifting this Corvette’s hood is where the good news begins. Its original owner ordered this classic with a 427ci V8, coupled with a four-speed manual transmission. They selected the L36 version of the big-block, placing 390hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal. The Corvette was establishing its performance credentials during the 1960s, and this car’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 13.7 seconds on its way to 149mph proves it had well and truly arrived by 1966. This is one of those good news/bad news stories. The good news is that this classic is numbers-matching. That is an important consideration when considering its value as an investment. The bad news is that it doesn’t run, and probably hasn’t since it entered storage. Worse, the engine is stuck. A dose of good old Mystery Oil might get things moving, although bracing for a rebuild would be wise. However, the engine’s surprisingly spotless condition suggests it may have already received that treatment. Only an in-person inspection will unearth the truth.
I would describe this Corvette’s interior as “pretty,” which is short for pretty ugly. The carpet is gone, and the upholstered surfaces are beyond salvation. Throw in a cracked wheel and other flaws and defects, and this is another aspect of this classic requiring total restoration. The basic structure, like the dash and seats, is salvageable. However, it will undoubtedly consume some cash to recapture its former glory.
The seller listed this 1966 Corvette here on eBay in Pleasanton, California. Bidding sits below the reserve at $28,300 but has reached that figure off strong interest. This is reflected by the fact that the listing has received over 1,100 views during the past day. That suggests the action will intensify as the end draws near, but what do you feel a fair price will be?
I dont get it why they put a so called fresh motor in a trashed body and interior.
I would start from ground up.Its like putting lipstick on a pig
Jumped to quick looks fresh but motor is stuck.. regardless anyway… start from the bottom
In order for this car to approach six figures in value, it will need nearly six figures sunk into it unless the buyer can do a lot of the work themselves.. It’s a shame someone let the poor thing moulder for so long, as these are the ultimate ‘Vette.
While looking up the “Dead Mans Curve” car, the song came out in 1964, so not this car, however, a TV movie was made called “On the Run”, with Jan and Dean, that I don’t think ever made it to TV. In it, Dean picks up Jan at the hospital after his famous crash in a ’66 roadster, with a red ’66 Corvette just like this. California? Red ’66 Corvette, yep, this is no doubt Deans car from the movie,,,( cough), well, maybe. Be a heck of a sales promotion except for the fact few alive even know who Jan and Dean were. To see this car like this is pretty bad, I mean, how could someone let a fantastic car like this turn into that? Questions that don’t have answers, I suppose.
You really know how to hurt a guy.
A good look at what solid black wheels do for an automotive icon. Nothing. 40 years of storage makes no sense to me at all. Worth restoring if the history isn’t going to be a problem. There’s got to be a good or bad reason this car sat for 40 years.
That’s a pretty clean looking stuck engine.
RUN FOREST RUN!!!! It’s sat for 40 years because the motor was likely needing to be rebuilt and then they finally did that probably some 25 years ago. Then like many projects it just sat and deteriorated. The real problem is the tin worm ate the front crossmember and likely there’s more damage that you can’t see although the main frame members look ok. Taking it apart is going to be a nightmare with all that rust. You’re going to break off more bolts than you actually remove intact. Cars like this end up on eBay because the owner has figured out that it’s going to cost more to restore than it’s ever going to be worth, so they get as much out of it as they can. AND, couple that with optimistic folks who think they can restore it by doing a lot of the work themselves end up overpaying for it.
C2’s have the nicest body lines of any Corvette produced.
Looking like a great prospect for the parts bin.
That’s my thoughts.
He needs to take the $28K and run. That’s more than it’s worth.
I am a true Corvette guy, having owned one in some shape or form since 1969, but this thing is not worth what it will take to resurrect it. Don’t get me wrong, this is a highly sought after model, but the money that it would take to do anything with it simply doesn’t make good economic sense. It has enough problems that even just getting it to a “solid driver” condition is questionable. I very seldom say that any Corvette is a lost cause, but I’m afraid that this one appears to be.
Guys, after spending a half hour viewing all the ebay photos, I truly hate to say it. Who ever owned the barn should have put plenty insurance on it and burned the barn.
This is a excellent example of the law of diminishing returns.
Sad but true.
Bidding at $31,500 right now with 7 days to go.
I think the body is very restorable should be able to find a good frame new bumpers etc
Build a tribute to Cal’s Corvette from King of the Mountain.
Been there done that. Great project for the right person that can do all his own work. What ever they pay it will be double that to restore it. But someone will more than likely step up. Not a money maker but a labor of love.
40 years in the dark and those year specific wheel covers are long gone. What else do we need to know about?
Make a good king of the mountain tribute car ,even though a year off..
Anyone thinking about taking this thing on needs to ask themselves: what is the VIN worth? That’s about the only thing worth much on it. It’s not a terribley rare car to start with, (albeit a desirable unit) Even a 427/425 side pipe car with knock offs would be a risk. I’m sure someone will be willing to mortgage the farm for it, but I think doing so will be a fool’s errand.
Adam,
Does it really matter if it’s original paint when it’s in this condition?