Finding a relatively affordable C2 Corvette Convertible can be a battle in today’s classic market, but this 1965 model could be a strong candidate. It is an original vehicle that is structurally sound and presents well. The cash price looks competitive, but the owner may accept a trade for the right car. Located in Long Island, New York, the Corvette is listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner has set their price at $56,500, but the right muscle car trade could be an alternative they would consider. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L for spotting another gem for us.
For enthusiasts, this Corvette seems to have plenty to offer. Its original Nassau Blue paint shines nicely, and if there are any defects, they aren’t visible in the supplied photos. The same is true of any potential flaws in the fiberglass. White soft-tops can become “dirty” and discolored over time, but this looks in better-than-average condition. The owner doesn’t indicate whether they have a hardtop, so that may be a question for interested parties to ask. The best news with this ‘Vette is reserved for what is happening below the surface. The seller describes the frame as “mint,” indicating it is a structurally sound vehicle with no immediate needs. The Rally wheels, trim rings, and center caps, look good. The same is true of the exterior trim on this survivor-grade vehicle, while there are no issues with the glass.
Potential Corvette buyers in 1965 were spoiled for choice when it came to what to slot into the engine bay of their new toy. It was a landmark year for the vehicle because it marked the arrival of a big-block option and saw the demise of the beautiful but expensive fuel-injected 327 by the year’s end. Our feature car is equipped with its numbers-matching 327, but it isn’t clear which version it is. The chrome air cleaner and finned valve covers suggest that it could be an L79 or L76. If that’s the case, the driver will have between 350hp and 365hp under their right foot. The power feeds to a 3.36 Posi rear end through a four-speed manual transmission. There was no genuinely slow vehicle in the 1965 Corvette range, but this car should storm through the ¼ mile in somewhere between 14.2 and 14.3 seconds. The owner says the car runs and drives perfectly, allowing the buyer to indulge in a spot of immediate classic motoring joy when the weather turns warm.
If we turn our attention to this Corvette’s interior, we’re confronted by more positive news. The original owner ordered the car upholstered in Black leather, and it continues to present nicely. There is no visible wear or physical damage and no evidence of aftermarket additions. The dash and console appear spotless, and there is none of the type of fading that can plague Corvette carpet of this vintage. Probably the highlight for me is the teakwood wheel, which is in as-new condition. Everything works as it should, including the factory AM/FM radio, the power antenna, the gauges, and even the often troublesome clock. That indicates that the buyer won’t need to spend a dime on this interior.
A few vehicles remain staples of the classic car scene, and the C2 Corvette is one of them. Finding an unmolested example can be difficult because they were a favorite for modification and customization during the late 1970s and early 1980s when values were rock-bottom. Our feature car is a tidy and original survivor that seems to need nothing. Its pricing looks competitive because pristine examples or cars with a high-end restoration can often climb into six-figure territory. If you have been searching for a C2 Convertible and have the cash or the right trade, this could be worth a closer look.
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It looks nice, pricey but nice. Hard to find one that hasn’t been modified in some way, doesn’t look like someone has touched it.
Looks to be a L75 300 hp 327 by the air cleaner. They had a Carter 4 bbl instead of the Holley. Originally would have had the stamped steel 327 only valve covers, the cast Corvette covers came on the higher horsepower 327s. This cars valve covers were added sometime after delivery, the factory dies/molds cracked sometime in1966, if you look carefully you can see a slight line through the “o” in Corvette, continuing all the way across every cast cover produced after that time.
Also, it’s the standard walnut grain plastic steering wheel, a very handsome wheel but darker and without the 9 seams in a real teak wheel. A few days ago I posted a pic of the original teak wheel in my ’66 427 coupe.
This car looks terrific, love the colors and the ’67 rally wheels.
I believe it’s actually the 250 horse version of the 327. While the 300 used an AFB, the 250 came with a Carter WCFB. The fuel line on AFB’s, enter at the right side rear of the carb, while on WCFB’s it enters the front, like it appears to on this car. Both the 250 and 300 used the same dual snorkel air cleaner. If it was either a 350 or 365, besides having a Holley, it would also have an aluminum intake, and a round chrome air cleaner, without any snorkels.
You’re right about the steering wheel. I just complained a week ago when the very same writer proudly declared that another 65 on here, had a teak wheel, when it clearly had the base, plastic, walnut grain wheel. Barnfinds writers regularly misidentify teak wheels. I wish they would resist calling out midyear steering wheels, at least until they learn to tell the difference.
It is a pretty car. The 65-66 Nassau Blue is one of the nicest colors ever put on a Corvette, though personally I’d prefer wheel covers or knock offs, to the later rallys.
’65’s were not available with rally wheels. The air cleaner and intake show it to be a base engine. The valve covers were about $15 or $20 from the parts department.
I know there are a lot of experts out there to nit pick Corvette’s, not being one of them, all I can say is if I could I would. This just looks like a good car.
Just checked on shipping, make sure if you need it shipped you get a price…..just saying.
One of my favorite year Corvettes. C1 and C2’s are still the best of them. When I see a 65 I think of my 65 maroon 4 speed with side pipes.
very nice sedate corvette, awesome colors, maybe not the ww tires but the rallye wheels are ok, definitely not a teak wheel but thats not a deal breaker. at one time in this c2 ‘s life it had a hardtop, the giveaway are the 2 ferrules on the lid just aft of where the convertible top sits. pretty fairly priced in my mind.
Definitely worth half again as much as the 1969 Charger shown above. Without a doubt.
Good buy.
Looks like a really nice car. Price appears market-correct if it is as good as it looks. I have seen similar-looking cars cheaper, but they usually had collision history, or other expensive needs.
I thought I would add to the Teak Steering Wheel discussion: Back in 2016, I bought a 427 convertible from a prolific local collector (he has 200++ cars including 70 GTOs). When I went to see the car, it had an original teak steering wheel. I was very disappointed when the owner insisted on keeping the teak wheel. I offered another thousand for the car with the teak wheel, but he would not budge. In the end, I am glad he didn’t take my offer, as I found the car very uncomfortable with original-size 16in teak wheel. I am a big guy, and I learned that the similar-looking (69-75) C3 15in wheel made the car comfortable for me. I ended up doing this conversion on several C2s.
As always in this hobby, something that looks great, does not always work great.
As deleted by author, must have sold quick or didn’t like the BF attention. Being a 65 model myself, I’ve always wanted a birth year Corvette or Impala convertible. Sadly, I didn’t act on my desire soon enough, as either are out of my budget these days. 😩