This 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe proves that there are still some fantastic and desirable classics languishing in barns and sheds patiently waiting to be liberated and returned to their former glory. It isn’t clear how long this classic has been hiding, but the indications are that the timeframe can be measured in decades. Now that it has emerged into the light of day, it reveals itself as a solid survivor worthy of restoration. Located in Los Angeles, California, you will find the Corvette listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set a BIN of $53,500, although he may entertain offers.
When assessing the overall condition of this Corvette, the word “tired” slips immediately into mind. Below many years of accumulated dust is Nassau Blue paint that has seen better days. If the new owner seeks a high-end restoration, they will undoubtedly strip away the remaining paint and commence the process with a blank canvas. Delving deeper, the fiberglass doesn’t look that bad, and any issues should represent easy repairs. The glass looks like it may be okay, while the chrome is a restorable proposition. When we clamber under this ‘Vette, we find that while the frame and drivetrain components wear some heavy surface corrosion, there is no evidence of rust that could structurally compromise this classic. If that proves the case, there is nothing we’ve seen so far that would be beyond the skills of a competent enthusiast in a home workshop.
Tipping forward the Corvette’s hood reveals a numbers-matching 327ci V8 backed by a four-speed manual transmission. It isn’t clear which version of the 327 we’re looking at, so the power output could be anywhere between 250hp and 365hp. That also means that the ‘Vette would have produced a ¼-mile ET somewhere between 14.2 and 15.3 seconds in its prime. It isn’t clear when this motor last fired a shot in anger, but the accumulated debris on the intake suggests it probably wasn’t yesterday! It isn’t clear whether the engine turns freely, but I think it would be safe to say that the buyer needs to factor a rebuild into their restoration costs.
As with every other aspect of this classic, the Corvette’s interior is screaming for some TLC. The upholstered surfaces look tired and ripped, and the carpet has deteriorated beyond the point of no return. The gauges look good, and the interior is complete. It offers a solid starting point, but the process is not likely to be cheap. This is another aspect that will require a healthy wallet because whipping it into shape is unlikely to leave much change from $2,500. However, that figure would have everything looking factory fresh and would be the path that would reap the best financial return in the long-term.
Returning this 1965 Corvette to its former glory will be a significant undertaking, but with only 8,186 Coupes rolling off the line in that model year, it could be worth the cost and effort. Restored to a high standard, its value should exceed $70,000. If the next owner achieves perfection, that figure could climb towards $90,000. It is also worth remembering that C2 Corvette values continue to rise faster than virtually any other vehicle in the classic car world. Even if the cost of purchase and restoration is beyond the mentioned figures, there’s a good chance that the buyer could recoup these costs by hanging onto the car for a few years. That’s why I believe that this ‘Vette will head to a new home sooner rather than later.
its an aluminum intake…so maybe L79…..300hp and lower would be cast iron. big block hood for whatever reason….
My 65 also had the Big block hood, 327 4 speed, back in 77
It was common for owners to install a big block hood back in the day.
That may very well be, but I’d rather understate what I had under the hood, not overstate
The 6000 redline tach, and the aluminum intake, would indicate that if it is the original engine, it’s likely a 327/350. The solid lifter 327/365 redlined at 6500.
The nose on this car looks pretty rough. The fit of the hood and headlight doors, the shape of the grill opening, lower front valance, and left front wheel opening, plus a 66-67 grill and 65-66 big block hood, make me think this car has had front end damage, that wasn’t repaired all that well. From the rust I see where the door drip gutters meet the hinge and lock pillars, I’d be a little worried about the condition of the birdcage.
$53,500 is an awful lot, for what I see.
More BB hoods for the rest of us.
I liked it better when Corvettes were cars and not investments. The BIN is nuts and who knows how much it will take to bring this back to proper form (If the buyer chooses to do so).
BHCC is selling it. The white wall and concrete floor is the giveaway.
And the BHCC identification all over the eBay listing.
I am far from a corvette expert but I thought a stinger hood was for a big block vette
I just wanted to say Thank You! to Adam and everyone else at BF. All the nice write ups you do for us car guys, I’m sure it’s not easy keeping it fresh and interesting for your readers. And the research you must have to do many many times for different cars. I hope a few more guys chime in to let you know how much we appreciate you and everyone at BF.
Keep up the great work. Best regards!
Wow, what a very unrealistic asking price (maybe $20K to much), The car needs frame off restoration, meaning you will likely have close or over $100k invested in this SB coup car when completed.
No point. You can buy a nice one for that money. There is the fun factor in doing your own frame-off you won’t get, but this is too much money for what it is.
$53,000 in that condition is exactly why I have never owned one
Frame has surface corrosion? How bout the Birdcage? Need professional inspection. and come on, BHCC, wash the dang thing. Wait- maybe the original dust and dirt is extra?? Theres a good reason they are selling this as is. Way over priced, but again, way too much money out there. Good luck and happy bidding!
Cheers
I don’t have a problem with a couple “as found” pictures, dust and all. It’s time to start calling these vehicles what they really are, neglect finds.
Way overpriced, you will drown from being underwater after the restoration, unless you can do 90%of it yourself.
What’s up with the dual master cylinder.I thought duel master cylinders didn’t come out till later, replacement is 900dollars
65-66 Corvettes came with a dual reservoir master cylinder, when power brakes were ordered. Corvettes with manual brakes continued to use a single reservoir MC in 65-66. Starting in 67, all cars came with a dual reservoir MC.
The price for 65-66 Delco power master cylinders has come down since a correct $800 repro came out a few years ago. Before the repro was available, 65-66 power MC cores needing to be rebuilt, went for $1000-$1200. Rebuilt units were $1500.
I’ve said it before, why can’t sellers wash their cars before taking pictures. We’d get a better feel of the paint’s condition.
I owned a 66 Vette way back when my purchase price was 4 grand. That was in 1976. and it was a great shape 300hp with a glide driver. Yes, I know that was a different time, but today you all know that the BIK price on this one is I believe all about greed.
Why does BF give free advertising to BHCC and Gullwing Motors you know they are scam artists just by their writeups. Why give them the space?
Thanks gbvette62 for the info I have a 66 rag top and was thinking of putting power brakes on can I just put a booster on?
What it once was is not what it can command now , it needs everything and about 70-80k to put in it , sadly it’s only worth about 25- 30k with all the discrepancies and a lot of headaches .
In 1973 bought a ’65 Coupe, had a new 327 but rest of vehicle bone stock except for tires and wheels. It was at a dealership being sold as is with the right side of the engine covered in oil. I took my Dad with me ( he was one of the best mechanics ever) and he said buy it anyway. Paid $1350 for it took it to my Dad’s garage and he had it fixed in about a half hour. The dealership thought the engine was a goner, but all that was wrong was the top of the breather cap that was on the valve cover came off, so he replaced it and boy did I love that car.
Greed and watching too much Craig Jackson and believing Hagerty and their stupid inflated values. Any tangible item is only worth what someone is willing to pay.. I paid $1,800 for ,running 67 conv 400 hp loaded with options including black vinyl hardtop in Aug 1976. Nobody was faking cars yet and it came with the POP. Granted it had been hit from behind but no frame damage. So this car has an aluminum intake. That proves nothing. It also has a Chinese air cleaner. For $53,000 the original should be there.
My brother-in-law had a silver one of these. He bought it new as a fresh marine prior to going to Vietnam. He parked it at a friend’s farm in VA when he shipped out for Da Nang. Upon returning (thankfully) after his tour, he found that a pine tree had fallen on the car, crushing the fiberglass well below the beltline. Sad thing to come back to along with all else going on then for our service men and women. Car of course was totaled.