Fully Documented: 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

Finding a desirable classic like a 1965 Corvette Convertible that is original and unmolested will undoubtedly draw attention and generate interest. When that car comes with documentation that traces its entire history to Day One, that is the equivalent of striking the automotive Mother Lode. Such is the case with our feature car, which is a turnkey proposition needing a new home. The seller has listed the ‘Vette here on Craigslist in Merrick, New York. It could be yours for $63,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L. for spotting this beauty.

The original Order Form for this Corvette reveals the first owner wasn’t scared to spend the required cash to own the car of their dreams. It is 1-of -2,216 ordered in Ermine White, with the seller confirming it received an older repaint in that shade in the 1980s. It still presents well, and with any flaws or defects in the paint or fiberglass being relatively minor, the new owner could leave this beauty untouched and still be sure it would receive plenty of favorable comments and admiring glances wherever it goes. Its beauty is more than skin-deep because the lack of rust in the frame and birdcage means this Convertible is structurally sound. The matching soft-top has a few wrinkles and slight cloudiness in the back window, but its condition is acceptable for a driver-grade classic. The Order Form reveals this car left the showroom with the optional Hardtop, adding $236.75 to the sticker price. The chrome and glass condition is consistent with this ‘Vette’s driver-grade credentials, and the original steel wheels are wrapped in classy narrow whitewalls.

This Corvette wouldn’t have been the most potent to grace our streets in 1965, but the original owner spent the money to ensure it wasn’t a motoring slug. They selected the L75 version of the beautiful 327ci V8, teaming it with a four-speed manual transmission and a 3.36 Posi rear end. The L75 delivers 300hp and 365 ft/lbs of torque, allowing this drop-top to race through the ¼-mile in 14.6 seconds. A brave driver who keeps the pedal to the metal will be rewarded with a top speed of 131mph. This Corvette is numbers-matching, with the seller confirming the engine has never been touched. Their attention to detail and desire for originality have seen them retain any removed original mechanical components, which they include in the sale. They include an enormous collection of documentation dating back to when the original owner placed their order at the dealership in Martinsville, Indiana. Such provenance can be challenging to find in the classic world, adding further to this car’s desirability. The Convertible runs and drives beautifully and is an NCRS Blue Ribbon recipient.

The interior condition often tells more about a classic’s life than any other aspect. If that is the case, there seems no doubt this Corvette has been treated respectfully throughout its life. Its Red upholstered surfaces show no wear or damage, while the carpet has avoided the typical fading issues. The interior shots don’t provide an overview of the dash, but what can be seen looks extremely promising. The Order Form confirms the original owner splashed an eye-watering $203.40 on an AM/FM radio, which remains intact. The seller says everything works as it should, and there are no signs of aftermarket additions.

This 1965 Corvette Convertible is a beauty, and while the 1980s repaint probably disqualifies it as a genuine survivor under the strictest definition of that term, its condition is still mighty impressive. A classic in this price range can rarely be considered affordable, but it is competitive in the current market. It has been on the market for under a day, and I won’t be surprised if it finds a new home fairly quickly. Do you agree?