Chevrolet’s Corvette grew from strength to strength during the 1960s. After a less-than-auspicious start in the 1950s, the 1966 model year signaled the badge had cemented its place in automotive folklore. This ’66 Convertible presents superbly following a recent repaint, while its drivetrain is original and in excellent health. The seller admits there are minor flaws, but nothing prevents a new owner from indulging in immediate classic motoring fun. The Corvette is listed here on eBay in Monrovia, Maryland. Bidding sits below the reserve at $41,455, although there is time for interested parties to stake their claim on this tidy driver.
During its early production life, Chevrolet questioned the wisdom of the Corvette program. Sales fell far below expectations, and the company was on the verge of retiring the badge after disappointing results during the first three full model years. However, the success of the Ford Thunderbird, a car that wasn’t a genuine competitor, motivated the company to dig in its heels and persist. The decision was wise, and the subsequent C2 range undoubtedly guaranteed its long-term survival. This Corvette presents beautifully and does so for a good reason. Only sixty days have passed since its panels were stripped bare and repainted in the original shade of Trophy Blue in a clear-over-base process. Chevrolet offered ten paint colors on the 1966 palette, and with only 1,463 buyers selecting Trophy Blue, only those finished in Tuxedo Black are rarer. The seller stated that stripping away the original paint confirmed the fiberglass was flawless, with the underside shots revealing a frame that is equally impressive. The factory Hardtop received a refresh, and while there is no soft-top or frame, sourcing those parts shouldn’t be difficult or expensive. The chrome and glass are comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle, and the factory side exhaust should allow the V8 under the hood to sing a glorious tune.
Buyers could choose from four engines to power their ’66 Corvette, and while this car features the entry-level 327ci V8, it isn’t a soft touch. It sends 300hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque to the Posi rear end via a four-speed manual transmission. There was no genuinely slow option within the range at the time, and this car’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 14.7 seconds on the way to 131mph demonstrates that. Potential buyers will first appreciate that this is a numbers-matching classic. This is a prime consideration when assessing its investment potential. The engine bay presentation is tidy and doesn’t flatter to deceive. The Corvette runs and drives perfectly and is ready for some rapid wind-in-the-hair motoring with a new owner behind the wheel.
The Corvette’s interior throws us a curveball, but it presents acceptably as a driver-grade classic. The Tag indicates it rolled off the line with its interior trimmed in Blue vinyl, and the dash retains that shade. The remaining upholstered surfaces and carpet are Black. It is unclear when the change occurred, and reversing it will depend on the buyer’s desire for originality because nothing requires immediate attention. However, some cracks in the passenger-side door trim may provide the catalyst to perform a refresh. This would be an ideal time to return the inside of this classic to its original form because it would require door trims, seatcovers, a carpet set, and little else. There are no other changes, although the seller notes a few functional issues. They have ordered a replacement for the radio speaker, as this doesn’t work. The clock has stopped, which is typical. Specialist rebuild services exist to tackle this issue, although high-quality reproductions are readily available as an affordable option.
Despite initial issues, Chevrolet’s faith in its Corvette program was well justified. The badge repaid the company with steadily increasing sales each year, with a record 27,720 buyers handing over the cash for one in 1966. This one isn’t perfect, but it needs little to boost its presentation to a high level. The fresh paint and numbers-matching drivetrain increase its desirability, making the seventeen bids submitted at the time of writing unsurprising. Whether it finds a new home will depend on the seller’s reserve, which is a mystery. Recent sales results suggest it should be getting close to the mark unless the seller is being ambitious. What reserve would you set, and do you think the bidding will reach that figure?
This is a nice car. After seeing a few comments on how whitewall tires don’t belong on a ‘Vette I look back here and see at least two with whitewalls are for sale. I also remember that at least 50% of the new cars in the ’50s and ’60s had white wall tires on from the factory. Guess you can have your own opinion but an awful lot of folks bought ‘Vettes with whitewalls over the years. Me, I could care less. The cars are great looking with or without.
Having lived through the 50’s and 60’s . . I think there were more like NINETY percent with whitewall tires ( some had black wall too ) I don’t know who started the “you just HAVE to have Goodrich white lettered tires” on your car, but in my opinion it looks horrible ( your eye is drawn right to those letters while you’re walking up to the car ) I had some correct, thin stripe white wall tires made for my ’68 Camaro three years ago, since nobody was making them in a radial at the time. In my Camaro’s case, a ’68 never would have had a Goodrich tire from the factory either – Goodyear or Firestone were the most common – some might have had Uniroyal, too. The ’68 Z28’s had white lettered as standard, it was rare for any other to have lettered tires. ( almost ALL have them, now ) Being a NCRS judge for ten years, I can’t ever remember judging one from the 50’s to 60’s with white lettered tires – they would have lost some points for sure.
My buddy’s ’68 Z/28 had Goodyear white letter tires. Oldsmobile did not offer them until 1969, and they weren’t available on the GTO until ’69 as well. Can’t say for sure on the Firebird line up. These look good with a thin whitewall or redlines in my opinion.
My 67 came with white walls.had it on the tank sheet, had 3 mid years , all came with white walls
I agree. I worked in gas stations more than 50 years ago. All we sold were white walls.
Take off that hard top that nobody uses anymore,put up the convertible top put on rally wheels with white lettering and you have a sweet looking vette! That’s what I did this past summer and the first person bought it
Its a looker going to go for high price
Great car. I like the hardtop look. Initially not much major stuff to do other than the radio speaker and clock. Might consider a quartz conversion.
As far as the tires, anything other than red or white narrow stripes is out of place and would look funny.
Sweet!
Nice car. Could use a few power options, though.
Im not a vette guy but 66 and 67 is my favorite years!!
It’s a very nice looking car. I originality is not a must this car would be perfect.
As stated it needs some interior work but certainly liveable. I’m a side pipe guy so, even though they were not available on the car I like ’em.
Prices on C2’s are softening a little but I suspect it will go for high $50’s.
Baby-doll. Period.
lower power option, needs upholstery, need soft top .$40K tops
Nice old Corvette. I like looking at the old cars I grew up with. I also remember what it is like to drive a car without power steering and brakes. It didn’t matter when I was in my teens and 20’s because that’s what was available. Hit a pothole without power steering and it can break your wrist.
Ill keep looking and remembering these old classics but, maybe a new Dark Horse?