One quick glance is all it takes to grasp that this 1965 Chevrolet Corvette has gotten some mods on the outside, which is all well and good if you’re into that sort of thing. However, as far as originality factors go, the beauty here is the engine and transmission. Although not currently in the car, this one comes with the factory 327, and unless you want fuel injection, it’s the best variant of this size that could be had in ’65. There are lots of positives to consider here, so for those seeking a C2 project, this one’s probably worth a close look. This pointed-nose ‘Vette is in Long Beach, California, and can be found here on eBay, with the no-reserve auction currently resting at $10,600.
The background here goes that the seller bought this one on eBay six years ago, with big hopes of a restoration himself, enlisting the help of a buddy to overhaul the engine. Unfortunately, that task was assigned three years ago, and this one’s still sitting over at his friend’s house. Now that things have stalled, he’s ready to sell and use the proceeds to move forward with his ’63 instead. The 327 is of the L76 variety, the top-dog small block of the four versions with a carburetor on top, rated at a healthy 365 horsepower. It’s said to be the numbers-matching component, as is the Muncie 4-speed manual transmission, so this is a very desirable combo.
Original plans included amputating the nose, which I sort of have mixed feelings about. On one hand, it’s different and certainly an attention-getting factor. Whoever performed the transformation seemed to do a decent job on the application, and while the front section needs some cosmetic attention, the fit appears acceptable, and the recessed lights underneath do look pretty cool. However, I couldn’t blame any future owner who wanted to axe this immediately, and return the exterior to 100% stock. Fortunately, the rest of the outside appears quite decent, including the hardtop, so this one seems to be at a great starting point, whichever path is taken.
Only one photo from the interior is provided, but it’s enough to show that most of the inside parts are present, with many still appearing to be in nice shape. A few knobs are missing, and the dash padding will need to be replaced, but the instruments, seats, and console are described as nifty, and I wouldn’t argue with that statement at all! The positives of this 1965 Chevrolet Corvette seem to outweigh the negatives, and this one seems like a good find for enthusiasts searching for a solid mid-sixties example to restore. Retaining the original engine and transmission sounds like a no-brainer, but what would you do regarding that front end?
Absolutely not.
Too many questions on this one and would take a lengthy and intense inspection to see what’s still there. The nose may have been an addiction due to a collision. Just saying. Will mention my brother had a 65 fastback with that engine and 4 gear and it would come to life at 4k through to redline.
Yes, it definitely looks like somebody was addicted to something to install a nasty looking beak like that!
This car makes me sad. I just can’t imagine someone spending the time and money to get it back on the road in any form. It won’t even appeal to the Modo-Thingo crowd.
But I believe everything has a selling price. Since it’s offered at no reserve, it will go to some new owner… unless there are shill bidders like in most eBay auctions.
2000. for a bare front clip light assemblies and minor accessories which usually cost another 2000. plus labor and going to the store for a few cases of go go juice. wonder if he kept the old parts????? that would certainly be a plus…
I think they were trying to make it like the original mako shark design but ended up with Charlie the Tuna.
Cool Corvette!
Kinda confused? The carb sits sideways on this intake? The primaries are on the driver side of the car and the secondaries sit on the passenger side of the car?
The carburetor sets on the manifold the same way it does on any other car, the primaries and secondaries are the same size, not sure why the ported the manifold the way they did, but it probably was scienced out, there’s usually a good reason.
It’s the Mach 5, but the Dark Knight version!
LOL! I was thinking the same thing!
Needs more cowbell.
That was the design on some dual plane manifolds.
I am old and have seen them in the past.
The carb sat normally.
The carbs on these had same size throttle plates, so “no go” with Spread Bore, or Quadrajet carbs on these manifolds
Relisted due to deadbeat bidder. Was over $20K the last time I checked it. Over 8k again this time. So, in the words of Jim Carey, “there’s still a chance!”
SOLD for $19,050.
37 bids.