After spending the last 5-years in storage, this 1965 Corvette Convertible Fuelie is going to require a full service. Once that work has been performed, then this desirable classic will be ready to hit the road again. It is located in Orlando, Florida, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. The price for this timeless classic has been set at $65,000, but there is the option to make an offer.
The Corvette is finished in Ermine White, which, interestingly, was one of the least popular colors in the Corvette range in 1965. Only 2,216 cars wore this shade, as opposed to the 6,022 cars that were finished in Nassau Blue (the most popular color). The paint itself doesn’t look to be too bad and would be more than acceptable for a daily driver. There are a few photos provided of the underside of the car, and it does look to be quite solid. The exterior trim and chrome appear to be in good condition, while the aluminum knock-off wheels are a nice, and very desirable, option. The white soft-top also appears to be nicely preserved, although the rear window has begun to separate from the top itself. Overall though, the outward appearance of the Corvette does look to be really promising.
When I looked at the interior of the Corvette, two things really struck me. The first was the condition of the carpet on the driver’s side. This looks like it has been quite wet at some point, so I would really like to get a good look at the floors in that area. The second thing that I noticed is that I don’t believe that the trim is original. According to the Trim Plate, the code is “415.” This is the code for Blue Leather, so this has been changed at some point. This will be a bone of contention for anyone who wants the Corvette to be 100% original. The interior itself looks to be in pretty decent condition, although the cover on the passenger seat is showing some wear and tear. For the perfectionists out there, this might be just the motivation required to return the interior to its original color. Once again, the original owner has been ticking the boxes for some pretty desirable optional equipment. You get that wonderful teak wood wheel, which is also telescopic, an AM/FM radio, and a power antenna. The clock is said to work properly, and although it isn’t factory original, the interior could definitely be used as it is.
Lifting the hood reveals what makes this Corvette special. What you get for your money is the numbers-matching L84 engine, which is the fuel-injected 327ci V8. This fantastic little engine pumps out 375hp, and this is 1-of-771 Corvettes to feature that engine in 1965. The transmission is a 4-speed manual, while the car is also fitted with power steering. The fuel-injected 327 endowed the Corvette with pretty impressive performance figures, with a 0-60mph time of 5.7 seconds, a ¼ mile time of 14.2 seconds, and a top speed of a blistering 145mph. While it is going to require a full service after sitting for 5-years, the good news is that the Corvette runs, drives, steers, and brakes well, and the owner says that the engine feels very strong.
While it lacked the sheer grunt of the 396-engined cars, the Corvette Fuelie still possessed impressive horsepower, and the lighter engine resulted in a car that was more agile, and better handling than its larger engined sibling. Values for these have actually dropped slightly over the past 2-years, but there are signs that this trend might be about to end. That means that now might be a good time to consider buying a Corvette Fuelie because if values do increase, they could be a decent investment. Having said that, pristine examples are still regularly bringing 6-figure prices. Leaving values aside, these are simply a great car to own and drive, and isn’t that what owning a classic car is supposed to be all about?
Boring as all hell. If I don’t see another 63 split window or fuel injected corvette for ridiculous prices, that would be fine with me. The world is much bigger than this.
He’s a trick that will help you keep you from being frustrated by all of the 63 split windows or fuel injected Corvette’s, don’t click on the post. That’s probably the tactic most people employ. If you don’t like a certain car, skip it, that’s what I do.
I’m glad this site features a wide range of cars, not every one is of interest, but I’ve seen a lot of cars that I didn’t know existed. I’m glad the authors have an interest in so many different vehicles.
Steve R
Sounds like a “First world problem” your having, as these cars are rare everywhere else in the world and as Barnfinds has a worldwide audience many readers enjoy reading what your taking for granted.
Your fortunate in choice and style of many classic cars in the USA whereas many countries still only have a handful of cars such as Corvettes, or like in Australia bathe in the choice in the glory of our overpriced local crap that was sold here in the 50’-60’s.
I agree with Steve R. That this site shows enough variety daily that there is always something of interest.
First world problems are drooling over a $65k project…
dirty Harry is correct about Corvette burnout. I would also add rusted out Porsche’s and Trucks with Patina.
Thanks moosie I had to go to my desktop my cellphone did not show it l see what you see now interesting
No need to worry about rusted floorboards in a ’65 Corvette, they are fiberglass, I agree about patina’d trucks and rusty Porches but keep the Corvettes coming no matter how bland or boring they are. This Fuelie is nice, the top of the ladder of a prime example of desirability.
I LOVE seeing any C2 Corvette! Keep ’em coming, Barn Finds! Keep the Porsches coming too. Cars that are basket cases kind of bum me out though…
I don’t see a picture of the stamp! Am I missing something
For 327 365 ,It is the 13th picture in the E-BAY listing.
Nice looking car a little high on the price tag though!!!
Looks to have 67 valve covers also
IMO the biggest problem is every time someone finds a C2, there are so many people in the bushes that at least one will pay big bucks for it. That just keeps driving the prices up and up.
I admit that a C2 has style and this one looks to be in good shape. Thing is, if buying it for myself why spend this much for one when I could just as easily buy a new C7 and have a turn key driver. I admit I can’t work on a C7 because I don’t have the skills or tools to work on it, while I can on a C1, C2, C3 or my C4.
Unfortunately kids today don’t have the schooling options (shop) we had nor the incentive to learn how to do things like we did. Easier just to get Dad to buy their first 2 or 3 cars and be done with it.
I’ve got girls and they don’t care about cars nor do their boyfriends, such a loss to todays kids, learning how to fix and build things themselves. Never to know the satisfaction of building a car of their own, and truly make it their own.
Great ride, but wouldn’t a standard 4 BBL be easier to tune and maintain? Is there anyone even alive any more who can maintain an old GM mechanical fuel injection system? They were a bear to operate back when they were new as I recall. I recall many choice words from our local mechanic at the Chevy dealership working on these.
There are people that can work on the Rochester FI units. Plan on having plenty of cash and to travel a fair distance to get to them as they are few and far between. You’re right in the a 4bbl would be easier to tune and maintain.
It was not uncommon for dealers to take off the FI and put a 4bbl on in it’s place when they couldn’t get the FI working right. Thing is, today they’re worth their weight in platinum (more than gold but not quite at the level of diamonds yet).
I have a lot of doubts about the authenticity of this car. To start with, the block appears to have been restamped. Flint small blocks have the engine stamping on the right side of the pad, and the VIN stamped on the left. This car’s pad is stamped backwards! Also, I don’t see any broach marks on the pad, and the stamping itself just looks hinky. There are some other minor things wrong (master cylinder, valve covers & bolts, missing shielding, chrome plated air cleaner and wiper grills), but the biggest issue is the stamp pad.
The carpet looks moldy, which means the windshield or something else is leaking, which would cause me to be concerned about the birdcage.
It’s an attractive car, and the teak wheel and tele column are pluses, but they don’t out way my concerns with the stamp pad.
Oh, and power steering was NOT available with the fuelie.
I think it’s a restamp too.
Sure seems like a lot of Corvettes for sale lately. What, millennials got other plans for their ( daddy’s) cash than classic Corvettes? Quite frankly, with all the Corvettes around, I’d stay away from the FI ones. They weren’t the best then, can’t imagine they got any better. Fact is, I read, the only reason you see original FI units for sale today, is because they are the ones people took off in favor of a carburetor. Aside from that, it’s a really sweet Vette.