Some classics create barely a ripple when they hit the market, while others open a floodgate of interest. This 1966 Chevrolet Corvette comfortably falls into the second category, and it is easy to understand why. It isn’t merely the spotless presentation and the fact that it is claimed to be a genuine survivor that has turned heads. This classic features the brutal L72 version of the company’s big-block, a genuine 13,000 miles on the clock, and a significant documentation collection. The seller is the vehicle’s second owner and feels that the time has come for it to find a third. Therefore, they have listed this classic here on eBay in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Bidding sits below the reserve at $70,777, and I believe there might be a fair way to go before the hammer falls.
The first owner chose to clad this Corvette’s fiberglass in dazzling Rally Red, a shade that accounted for 12% of total sales in 1966. The seller became its custodian in 2013 when they purchased the car from its original owner. They state that it is an unrestored classic that is as it left the factory. That makes its overall condition particularly noteworthy. There are no significant cosmetic flaws or imperfections, with the frame and birdcage said to be solid and clean. The chrome and glass are in good condition, but it is the documentation that helps this classic to stand out. It includes the original Dealer Inspection Report, Congratulatory Letter from Chevrolet to the first owner, the Title, Window Sticker, Owner’s Manual, Radio Instruction Manual and Card, and Bloomington Gold and NCRS Bow Tie Certificates. The factory side exhaust suggests there is more to this classic than meets the eye.
The Corvette’s Window Sticker confirms that the first owner focused on outright performance when ordering this classic. They ticked the boxes beside options L72, M21, G81, K66, F41, J50, and J56 on the Order Form. That equipped this ‘Vette with the 427ci V8 producing 425hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque. The rest of the options include a four-speed close-ratio transmission, a 4.56 Posi rear end, transistor ignition, the special suspension package, and power-assisted heavy-duty brakes. That makes this one of the most potent Corvettes to roll off the line in 1966, capable of storming the ¼-mile in 13.5 seconds. That figure looks pretty impressive by modern standards but would have commanded enormous respect when the car was shiny and new. There is one spot of slightly bad news, but it isn’t disastrous. The first owner took delivery of the car in January 1966 but noticed an odd coolant stain only a couple of months later. An investigation by the selling dealer revealed a casting flaw in the engine block. Chevrolet replaced the bare block under warranty, utilizing the original cylinder heads and ancillaries. The engine pad is clean, but the casting information confirms it is date-correct. It has only accumulated 13,000 miles since Day One, and while the seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence, the collection of documentation may include the appropriate paperwork. The ‘Vette has been meticulously maintained, suggesting it is a turnkey proposition.
While the drivetrain features plenty of desirable options, the first owner restricted their interior luxury touches to an AM/FM radio, a Teakwood wheel, and the hazard warning switch. They selected Black vinyl trim, although Red was also available with the exterior paint shade. This car’s interior is as impressive as its exterior, further supporting the claimed odometer reading. There is no visible wear, the carpet isn’t faded, and I can’t spot any aftermarket additions beyond the protective mats. It is easy to see why this classic has accumulated its NCRS and Bloomington certifications.
There have been sixteen bids submitted on this 1966 Corvette, but they tell only part of the story. The listing has received an incredible 705 views during the past day alone, and 108 people have placed this car on their Watch List. That demonstrates how much interest this classic has generated. There is seemingly nothing justifying criticism about its condition, while the specifications, options, mileage, and documentation make this a genuinely special vehicle. The bidding should comfortably climb into six-figure territory, but how high will it go? It will be fascinating to gauge your opinions and to see if any readers hit the nail on the head.
Wow !!! Hey Bob I will bring some Leinenkugels and my chair. We can have a few and admire this beautiful piece of sculpture. Amazing vehicle!
That last shot really shows what a piece of pure automotive art looks like. WOW!.
You said it bob.
I have never been a Corvette fan. But this one is very special! I hope it finds a good home.
Mid-year Vettes and 63-65 rivieras are the two most beautiful designs of the era in my opinion. Certainly there must’ve been a garage somewhere with a couple that had one of each, how cool was THAT household?
That said: I was lucky enough to work in a body shop that specialized in fiberglass and had the opportunity to drive many examples of these. For all my automotive loves these were the biggest letdown of any vehicle I lusted after. I wanted to be as blown away by the driving experience as the visual but it just wasn’t there. I fully expected to get in and flick one of these around like a gymnast. The driving experience Was more like piloting, a weird small heavy truck, it just never felt in any way like a sports car. A cool car, a muscle car, yes, but not a sports car.
After that, I could step into a well set up Camaro, and yeah, it didn’t handle quite as well, but it sure was a lot more fun to toss around and row gears.
This red beauty is one incredible machine., I can say this: I still smile every time I see one……. :)
It’s nice to have a message on the original block replacement if that unfortunately occurs. A beautiful red C2!….
Good luck with the sale (as if it needs it right… :-) )
Regards,
Owner of a 1963 340 HP 4 speed split window.
I was fortunate to date a woman with a red 66 coupe while I was in my 20’s… next best thing to owning one. It was also equipped with factory side pipes, knock off wheels and a 327/powerglide. It also had a teak wheel, this one isn’t the teak but the standard plastic wheel. Sweet 66!
I was fortunate to date a woman with a gray primered ’64 convertible while I was in my 20’s. She was the parts manager at a Chevy dealer, and in the process of restoring hers at the time.
Look closely, that’s the optional Teak wheel. This car as optioned is just about the perfect ’66. Had I been the lucky soul ordering it, I would have gone with a different color, (blue, dark green, or maroon) but I certainly wouldn’t shy away from this one because of the color.
I respectfully disagree. I’m confident that’s the standard walnut-grained plastic wheel. There’s no teak wheel listed on the window sticker, either.
Jerry Bramlett: I stand corrected, you are correct, that is not the optional Teak wheel.
Beautiful C2 but with only 13k miles how much will it need to make road worthy? Looks like a museum piece……
I concur with KC. With the low mileage and desirability, the price will be in collector car showpiece range and likely not see much road use ever again. The car was built to be driven. It will end up being a prized piece of jewelry. Far from a Barn Find, but thanks for bringing it to our attention.
Not necessarily. I have a 25 year old Vette that is absolutely pristine but I still put about 1200 miles a year on it. I would most definitely drive this (albeit sparingly)
I’m guessing the tires are too old to trust at freeway speeds, but with those NCRS awards, it will go down the road just fine as-is.
After watching the Saturday coverage of Barrett-Jackson, the current 75K bid seems like nothing for a classic original.
A highly optioned L72 1966 with a $70,000 reserve. What’s wrong with it?
The bidding is now at $75,000, and the reserve hasn’t been met. I’m guessing the reserve is in the $150,000 to $200,000 range.
Why doesn’t anyone talk about a potential flaw with 1963 – 1967 corvettes. The ones in today’s market that are commanding the astronomical prices.
I’m talking about the “Bird Cage”. that out of sight out of mind metal structure the surrounds the windshield and continues down the “A” pillar to the frame.
Due to poor sealants used back in the day that dried out from the elements introduced moisture which laid dormant for years. Poor anticorrosive paints not available in those early weren’t much help.
It’s must that the car is thoroughly checked out before making that BIG jump.
I think that one of the most common comments that I see regarding older Vettes on Barn Finds are warnings about the bird cage.
I was just about to say the same thing – lots of comments regarding the Corvette birdcage, and well-deserved.
Been ponderin’ on this car a bit, and I have come to the conclusion that it is possible that it spent a lot of its younger days making 1320-foot trips, hence the low miles. The way that this car was ordered does not exactly conjure up visions of a sunny afternoon cruiser. 425 horse motor, 4:56 posi rearend, M-21 gearbox, (2:56/1 low gear) and chambered exhaust, (about as close as you can get to straight exhaust) Just guessing, but I can’t come up with a better idea as to why it was ordered this way, (unless of course the owner lived somewhere around Woodward Ave.)