The Chevrolet Corvette got its first major redesign in 1963 and would provide a needed boost in sales figures. The ’66 models were little changed as the Mako Shark-inspired C3 Corvette was only two years away. This edition of the former is a work-in-progress from an older restoration that has long since begun to show its age. Located in Accomac, Virginia, this Laguna Blue ‘Vette is available here on eBay for the Buy It Now price of $34,900.57 (why the 57 cents?) or you can make the seller an offer.
Corvette production was 27,720 units in 1966, a far cry better than the first outing of the car in 1953 when only 300 copies saw the light of day. Only seven percent of ‘Vettes were painted Laguna Blue in ‘66, so the seller’s example starts in rarer (but not rare) territory. Four engines were available in the Corvette that year, two each of the 327 and 427 cubic inch motors. None of them are still in this car as a crated LT1 350 rated at 370 hp went in at some time in the past. No mention is made as to its running condition, but considering its outdoor perch, we assume it’s a roller.
The paint still has a shine, but there is a lot of flaking on the hood, so you’ll probably end up removing it all and starting over. That process was already started with some pieces removed in anticipation. The body shop will have to address some frame rust that we’re told is in the rear corners. Otherwise, it’s stated that the car has never been hit or had to have any major prior bodywork. It’s hard to gauge the condition of the overall car as mostly “portrait” photos were used (folks, “landscape” works much better for autos).
Some mechanical effort has been put forth, such as to the steering, suspension, rear end, and transmission, although in one of the interior photos, no shifter is present. The seats are said to be replacements and already out of the car so you could more easily deal with things like the carpeting. The auto is a convertible, but it currently wears the optional top that was also available. Most everything may be here except for the mufflers. If you’re looking for a C2 project to work with, does this one fit the bill?
1966 Corvette originally came with a choice of two 327’s or two 427’s, not a 350 as the article mentions.
The tach has a high redline, maybe a solid lifter engine from the factory.
Thats not a tach is a clock if you read it 12pm is at highest point like a clock a tach would be about 6000 rpms that high up.
Doug, If you look at the pictures on eBay, the tach shows the high RPM marking.
Hmmm…$35k for a car that still needs paint, interior carpet and other bits, probably a motor rebuild, and any unforseen items or pay about $60k for one that is done. Man I think the sellers of these projects are a bit ambitious with their valuations.
Poncho: with so much work to do? Highly ambitious ask! Nice car though. I would swap out the sm for a 396! That’s my preference. GLWTA
They mentioned frame issues too, this is a disaster waiting to happen
To me that’s a lot of cash outlay for a project that will take at least that amount to to make it worthwhile I would value the vette at $17,000 to $20,000 as it sits
Couldn’t agree more, and the former price, 17 k.
I’m thinking around 20,000.57. Way too much work and cash outlay needed for this vette plus the frame is rotted in spots per the article.
That’s what the author said.The lt1 was put in the car sometime in the past by someone not the factory .Actually If memory serves me correct as I didn’t look it up I believe there were 3 427s 390 hp,400hp tri power only available on a/c cars and the 425 hp solid lifter 4 bolt engine.Don’t remember how many 327’s I think it was 3 though with the top hp one being FI.
FI stopped after 1965…
250, 300 and 340 up as I remember
I verified my memory with Corvsport.com, engines for 1966:
327ci/300hp
327ci/350hp
427ci/400hp
427ci/425hp
Preproduction had the solid lifter cars at 360hp and 450hp, no-one seems to remember why they were lowered. Interesting the 1965 with the solid lifter 396ci, was rated at the same 425hp. The tri- power cars debut in 1967.
The 67 tri-powers were 400 and 435hp. In 68, they added a 4-barrel at 390hp. Of course there were the L88’s at 430hp.
I verified my memory with Corvsport.com, engines for 1966:
327ci/300hp
327ci/350hp
427ci/400hp
427ci/425hp
Preproduction had the solid lifter cars at 360hp and 450hp, no-one seems to remember why they were lowered. Interesting the 1965 with the solid lifter 396ci, was rated at the same 425hp. The tri- power cars debut in 1967, 400 and 435hp. In 1968, they added a 4-barrel 427ci/390hp.
Appears to have a small front pad where the code and vin would of been stamped if not a crate engine . 1970 lt-1 had a long pad . Just observing a photo . Again the lt-1 had 0 stamped rocker arms . I would need to see a receipt and verify the CE stamp on the front pad +++ more
Heads are later 1974-75 angle plug ?
The value of this car is primarily affected by three factors: the state-issued VIN, the “some” frame rust, and the high-redline tachometer. If the tach is original to this car, it indicates the factory engine was the 427/425hp solid lifter version.
Personally, I can’t get over the state-issued VIN. This car is now just hot-rod material to me.
Oops!… I don’t see any indication this “never-wrecked” Corvette ever had a hood support mounted on the driver’s side fenderwell. That makes it a factory small block car.
A lot of confusion/misinformation in this comment section. The above charts are from “The Complete Corvette Restoration & Technical Guide -Vol 2 1963 through 1967 by Noland Adams. This is a bible of factory minutia of C2 Corvettes.
If you can find a copy this book, there are 450+ pages of more C2 Corvette detail than you can easily absorb. It gives you minute production changes, dates and serial number breakdowns, etc etc.
I must digress on the LT-1 part. Those are NOT angle plug heads; at least the one plug next to the dipstick aint! Ol’ Virginny smokin something thats not legal the lower 48… like the guy at the auction says: $4999.00 SOLD!
Who cares about every nut and bolt? Cars were meant to driven Fifty years ago, one of my best friends bought an original 65 FI Roadster for $1,800. Engine trans missing. He bought a NEW LT-1 long block from our local Chevy dealer, where we would both work in the mid 70s. He also bought a set of angle plug heads and put it together with a Tarantula intake and 850 Holley. He also bought a BW Super T10 4 speed and installed.3.70 gears if memory serves me. A set of black Hooker side headers completed the car. He would drive it to Island Dragway in NJ, about a 50 mile drive each way, take it down the track on street tires and run 12.9 ets consistently. He also daily drove rhe car until 1975. Today, he and I still have Corvettes.
Yes, it is a mid-year and almost any mid-year is desirable, BUT it still is a piece of junk. No one mentioned the 67 hood on a 66 car?
I agree with 427 Turbojet…there is a ton of misinfo here…even to the tach being confused with a clock. If that is the born with 7000RPM tach it left the factory with a big block. It is not a factory air car, but it is a mess. For $17-20 grand it would be a project for someone with expertise, patience, and a pickup bed full of beer! Unless the owner has had it since new, or did the years-old ‘restoration’ there is no way he would know if it is a no hit car.
Ok, I’m done.