If this 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible is all that the seller claims, it is a pretty special classic. They state that it is not only original and unrestored, but it sports a few very desirable factory options that increase its appeal. The time has come for the ‘Vette to find a new home, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting it listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Homer City, Pennsylvania. It could be yours for $90,000, although it appears the seller might be negotiable on that figure.
The 1966 model year was an evolutionary one for the C2 Corvette. The company continued to refine the design, and buyers eagerly handed over their cash as the ‘Vette set a new sales record. The first owner selected relatively rare Ermine White to cloak this Convertible’s fiberglass, a shade chosen by 2,120 Corvette buyers in 1966. Interestingly, this wasn’t the least popular color, with Laguna Blue, Trophy Blue, and Tuxedo Black receiving fewer orders. The seller describes this car as an unrestored survivor and its condition is noteworthy if that is the case. The paint holds a warm glow, with no significant flaws in it or the fiberglass that it covers. The seller supplies no information regarding the frame or birdcage, but the lack of visible corrosion in areas like the engine bay is encouraging. It is also described as garage-kept, limiting its exposure to adverse weather conditions. The buyer receives a factory hardtop and a soft-top, plus a couple of further desirable options. This is 1-of-1,194 Corvettes ordered with the aluminum knock-off wheels, while the side exhaust further increases its appeal.
The first owner didn’t splash a huge amount of cash on mechanical upgrades when ordering this Corvette. They stuck with the standard 327ci V8 producing 300hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque. However, spending $184.35 on the four-speed M20 manual transmission undoubtedly improves this car’s flexibility, allowing it to cover the ¼-mile in 14.7 seconds on its way to 131mph. Considering what we have learned about this Convertible so far, the fact that it is numbers-matching is unsurprising. There is no supplied information regarding its mechanical health, but the apparent approachability of the seller means they may be willing to supply relevant information to interested parties.
The survivor theme continues inside this Corvette, with its Black interior trim looking exceptional for its age. The carpet may exhibit minor fading, but there is no wear on the seats or door trims, and the dash is excellent. The gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings, and there are no aftermarket additions. The first owner selected the factory AM/FM radio, bringing us to a fascinating point to ponder regarding technological advancements. The upgraded transmission added $184.35 to the car’s sticker price, which seems fair. The radio cost the original owner an additional $199.10. It is hard to imagine a fairly basic radio costing more than an upgraded transmission on any modern car. However, this was common during the 1950s and 1960s.
Classics that have survived for nearly six decades unrestored are not rare, with cars of that type hitting the market regularly. However, iconic vehicles like this 1966 Corvette Convertible will typically garner the most attention. This survivor lifts the bar, courtesy of its desirable factory options. The seller wants $90,000 for this beauty, and I believe they will probably get it. Do you agree?
Nice! Did a previous owner install a second antenna on the right side at some point?
Good eye, ’65. When I’m at shows, I always look at the drivers side of the console to see if there’s a power antenna switch. It’s interesting that the antenna didn’t retract all the way down.
I think it is a single-mast antenna on there now.
$184.35 well spent Clarkey. 🏁
Late C2 Vettes are my favorites of all of them, and if I had the scratch to snag a good one I would, regardless of what drive train it has. This car is good enough that the seller probably wouldn’t offer much of a discount, for good reason!
This car has a green interior, not a black one as stated by the writer. The seller doesn’t say the knock off’s or the side pipes are original to the car, and the chances they are is pretty slim. Knock off’s and side pipes are the most common change/addition owners of mid year Corvettes make to their cars. In 1966 only about 5% of all Corvettes delivered were ordered with knock off’s (at $315.00 for the set) and about 10% of 66’s were ordered with side pipes. This is a fairly basic (and typical) 66 with the only “power” option I see being power windows, which is not the type of car I would expect to see with the fairly expensive (for the time) knock off wheels. While just about every mid year today has side pipes, in 1966 they were fairly rare and not usually found on base motor 300 horsepower cars.
Overall it looks like a nice car, though the green interior may hurt it’s value and desirability some, I think $90K is a really optimistic asking price for a low horsepower convertible in a color combination lower on the demand scale. For the same kind of money there are restored 327/350 cars, cars with AC, and more desirable colors like Nassau Blue, Rally Red, Sunfire Yellow, Silver Pearl, etc. for sale out there.
I beg to differ, mostly because I owned a ’66 roadster that was optioned almost identically to this one. I bought it in ’72 from the original owner and the only major differences between the two cars were that mine was Nassau Blue and had been ordered with the hardtop only and an M-21 close ratio 4 speed. The knock offs, side pipes, and 300 horse motor were all factory. The owner and myself were both fans of the 300-horse motor because they were extremely “user friendly” and produced enough power to make driving one fun. The price is optimistic due to the fact that most buyers are going to want the L-79 350 horse motor if thet can’t have a 427. Nice car nonetheless. ( I also don’t think that the motor is a “rattle can” rebuild because of the new fasteners that aren’t painted.)
I presently own a ’66 optioned the same minus power windows. I base my ‘rattle can’ theory based on:
Perfect paint on intake manifold;
Perfect paint on valve covers with incorrectly unpainted bolts and hold down clips.
With wear blemishes on air cleaner cap, I would expect to see the same on the valve covers, as well as the sticker being perfect with no discoloration or heat curling.
Just me…
It looks to be a very nice car. The interior (looks like green) only has the one rub spot. The engine looks to have a recent rattle can job.
Without the tank sticker or original invoice, there is no way to know if the knock-offs and side pipes were original to the car.
I would like to see some underneath shots and a pic of the VIN and trim tag.
Being all original makes it more valuable. $90k, to me, seems a reach. $80k seems more realistic.
$90,000 and unrestored? You can get them completely redone frame off for less. He’d better get used to owning it.
Way over priced. People own a 63 to 67 Corvette and think they own solid gold bars.
55 years of ownership is nothing to sneeze at. A little haggling and I am sure this finds a quick home.
Beautiful car
The 1 Original Owner was Private Malone.