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Engine Upgrade: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

This 1967 Corvette isn’t a genuine survivor but an exceptionally tidy driver offering immediate motoring pleasure to a new owner. It spent years hidden in a garage until recently emerging into the daylight. The Corvette has no immediate needs beyond a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Simi Valley, California. They set their BIN at $61,500 but might consider offers. Despite its lack of complete originality, sixty-seven people have placed the Convertible on the “Watch” list.

The seller says this Corvette has been parked in the same Southern California garage since 1983. It recently emerged and was pressed back into active service, but the hibernation hasn’t taken a high toll on its panels or paint. The Trim Tag confirms the Rally Red paint gracing its exterior is the correct shade. It retains a lovely shine, although the supplied photos reveal a collection of minor marks, chips, and scratches. The presentation is acceptable for a vehicle within this category, although lifting the appearance with a fresh coat of paint could be worth the effort. The fiberglass is excellent, while the underside shots reveal a rust-free frame. The Convertible features a Black vinyl-clad hardtop and a good soft-top. The trim looks in better-than-average condition, and I can’t spot any glass issues.

Purists will probably be disappointed to learn this classic is no longer numbers-matching. The replacement V8 occupying the engine bay isn’t even correct for a ’67 Corvette since it is a 350ci small-block. Its specifications are unclear, but it sends its power to the rear end via the original four-speed manual transmission. It would probably be pretty safe to assume that there will be around 300hp on tap, allowing the car to cover the ¼-mile in under 15 seconds. After nearly four decades in hiding, the seller revived this gem and returned it to a roadworthy state. It runs and drives, although the seller suggests it may require minor tweaking and tuning to perform at its best.

Considering the Corvette’s exterior condition, it is unsurprising that its interior presents to driver standards. It has shortcomings, but nothing preventing a new owner from slipping behind the wheel for a spot of fun. The carpet is faded, although it isn’t ripped or badly worn. I think the piping is coming adrift on the passenger seat, and that cover has stretched spots. However, the remaining upholstered surfaces, dash, and plastic have survived nicely. For those craving creature comforts, the power windows and AM/FM radio were welcome choices made by the original owner.

Although potential buyers knew a new Corvette was waiting in the wings for the following year, 22,940 people handed over their cash to own a final-year C2. This one isn’t an original survivor but is a wonderful driver-grade car perfect for exploiting the upcoming warm weather. I can’t think of many better experiences than cruising along a stretch of open road, the sun beaming down, the wind in my hair, and the burble of a Chevy small-block as the background music. That prospect might tempt you enough to pursue this Corvette further. If it does, I can hardly blame you.

Comments

  1. George Mattar

    Yes 67 is the best Corvette ever. I want this car. Black plate cars are hard to find as black plates ended I believe in 1969. If my stock portfolio wasn’t in the crapper, I would be sending this seller the money. Black vinyl hardtop are rare and one year only for the C2.

    Like 6
  2. Joe Bru

    Not having the original engine is a downgrade for this car.

    Like 4
  3. 370zpp 370zpp Member

    At the first photo showing the vinyl top and whitewalls I had one this pegged for an automatic. I was wrong.
    Buy it.
    Sell the “rare” vinyl top. (it’s a vinyl top…)
    Take the proceeds and buy some good tires and fix the parking brake.
    Drive the hell out of it.

    Like 6
  4. Art Crawford

    I have a number matching 327 for it HT code

    Like 2
  5. Poncho

    Nice car, but ambitious price for a non matching engine car. Driver quality for sure, but not $60k worth. I’d be a player at $40k considering the paint imperfections (new paint $10-$20k) and figure maybe $1k for interior carpet and seats. Not to mention down time, additional labor and unknown issues. $60k would get you a nicer car, perhaps even one with a correct engine.

    Like 11
  6. JBD

    Arguably the last year GM cars are the best for ‘63-67 C2 cars. Most don’t remember that 1963 intro year cars had huge quality control and new model problems. My boss had a ‘62, widely considered the best year C1 model run.

    Like 3
    • Bill

      The last year before model change is almost always the best. 62 was the first corvette I ever rode in.I think it had a 283 with a 3 speed standard transimission.63-82 all basically rode the same with some refinement. It rode really bad and handled poorly but the look and the free feeling overshadows that. If I had the extra 60 to buy one I would pick as new as possible because they really are that much better..

      Like 0
  7. Bill

    I think 67’s are even sexier than an E Type but the asking price is 15k too much because it will need that much or more to paint and renew it. 60k is high for driver in need. If you have 60k then add another 20 and you can get a better more collectible one.

    Like 4
  8. George Mattar

    I took a second look at the listing. Yeah, it needs work. The interior is tired, wrong engine, paint crappy, so what. Drive it. Life is to short to worry about NCRS ridiculous standards. Believe me when I tell you I had a show quality 1970 Calfiornia GTO in the mid 1980s. I was terrified to drive it in fear of some idiot plowing into it. With its perfect paint, I was afraid of stone chips, etc. Sold it. Now I have a driver quality C3 and enjoy it. BTW, this car is VIN 210, according to that VIN plate. Probably made the second day or so of production, for what it’s worth. And I agree, the seller’s asking price is far too aggressive.

    Like 0

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