There are few sights sadder than a desirable classic that has fallen foul of a fender bender. That has been the fate of this 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible. However, the damage appears to be purely cosmetic, making it a prime candidate for restoration. Its engine bay houses the most powerful version of the small-block V8 offered in that model year, giving it performance to match its looks. The seller has listed the Corvette here on eBay in Saint Charles, Illinois. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at $18,827.
The history of this Corvette is unclear, meaning we have no idea of the story behind its panel damage. It is 1-of-2,311 cars ordered in Mosport Green in 1966, which placed the popularity of this shade around the middle of the road among the ten colors offered in that model year. It would have looked stunning before the accident which dramatically impacted the front and driver’s side. The damage appears to be essentially a flesh wound, with no indication that there are structural issues requiring attention. The seller includes a used rear quarter panel, but the nose and front fender require repairs or replacement. Bumpers will also find their way onto the shopping list, but the remaining trim looks acceptable if a driver-grade result is the buyer’s aim. There is no soft-top, but the factory hardtop and side exhaust both enhance this car’s desirability.
I acknowledge that the 427ci big-block made the 1966 Corvette an absolute beast because there is no substitute for cubic inches when the subject turns to outright acceleration. However, I believe that this Corvette would have been one of the nicest as a “complete” driver’s car to emerge in 1966. The first owner ordered it with a 327ci V8, and since it is the L79 version, it sends 350hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Its 14.2-second ¼-mile ET might have fallen short of the figure produced by the big-block, but with considerably less weight hanging over the front wheels, this car would be far more nimble on twisting roads. There is no supplied information regarding the car’s mechanical health, although the seller confirms that this classic is numbers-matching. However, the clean engine bay and lack of obvious long-term fluid leaks are both positive signs.
One look at this Corvette’s interior suggests it was treated respectfully before the accident. The Green vinyl upholstered surfaces are in good order, with no signs of abuse or wear. The dash is excellent, and the carpet isn’t badly faded. I can’t spot any aftermarket additions or major factory options beyond the AM/FM radio. Overall, the presentation is comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle.
If the damage to this 1966 Corvette Convertible is superficial, returning it to its former glory won’t be difficult. It probably won’t be cheap, but a car of this caliber deserves the best. It has only received ten bids at the time of writing, but with 115 people adding the Convertible to their Watch List and over 1,500 listing views in the last day alone, it appears this ‘Vette has generated plenty of interest. Are you tempted to join the party, or will you sit back with me as an interested observer?
That’s painful to look at. Looks like it got hit in the rear and pushed into something hard up front.
Seller says the cars from Ohio but doesn’t mention anything about damage or rust on the frame etc. I live in St Charles, I’ve never seen it on the road
Got to wonder if there’s any damage to the frame. I gotta say, I don’t ever recall seeing this color on the Stingray but I like it and the interior color too.
The frame and birdcage are bent… badly. Look at the fit of the hardtop at the windshield frame.
This car needs ~$35,000 worth of professional body, frame, and paint work. I seriously doubt it can be repaired to a high standard by any hobbyist out there. Then, after you’ve got at least $60,000 tied up in it, you have a salvage title for a green/green nothing-special Corvette with one top. Just say no.
I agree! The writer calls this a “flesh wound” and claims no sign of any “structural issues”. From a quick look it doesn’t appear to badly hurt, but I think it’s deceiving because most of the real damage is down low.
From the relationship of the hardtop to the windshield frame, doors and door glass, plus the bend in the left side of the decklid, it looks like the whole left side is shortened up. Looking at that, the nose and the damage to the left rear quarter, it’s hard to imagine this car didn’t sustain some frame and structural damage. The overhead shots show the core support’s bent and torn loose from the inner fenders and the radiator itself. How could you do that kind of damage and not bend the frame?
The only thing I don’t agree with Mr Bramlett on is his estimate. With a quality paint job going for as much as $20K, a new press molded nose is $6000, a PM hood is $2200, a US made bumper set is $2800, the bumper brackets around $800, and so on I’m thinking $50,000 plus. All for a car with a branded title that will be hard to resell, and maybe even hard to insure?
Anything can be fixed….except the title (legally). 2 years ago, I strongly considered a C2 with very similar damage as a winter project. I examined it closely, and carefully costed everything out. With me doing most of the work, I “might” break even if I were to sell it.
This car appears to have frame and birdcage damage that will be a challenge to repair perfectly. Even after extensive (expensive) work it will always have a Salvage Title limiting desirability and value. Pass.
BTW, I ended up buying a cheap ($10K) ’64 roadster for that winter project. It was a very rough barn find, but had a mint frame, and clean title.
Seller has an error in the description which is repeated in the title here. The car is an L79, not an L78 (which is the 396 / 375HP big block).