For enthusiasts, ownership of a classic car is more about a passion for their vehicle of choice, with numbers and build totals taking a back seat. However, sometimes numbers can tell an interesting story within themselves, and that would appear to be the case with this 1965 Corvette. It is claimed to have been fully restored, and is a turn-key proposition for the next owner. It was also originally ordered with some really great optional extras, and it is these that tell a bit of a story. The Corvette is located in Monroe, North Carolina, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding on the Corvette has made its way quite quickly to $38,100, but the reserve hasn’t been met.

In 1965, Chevrolet produced 8,186 examples of the Corvette in Coupe form, which accounted for approximately ⅓ of total production for that year. This particular car is finished in Milano Maroon, with a total of 2,831 Corvettes wearing that shade. The vehicle has been treated to a full restoration, and it does present very nicely. The paint has a great depth of shine to it, and there are no signs of any significant chips or scratches. The panel gaps appear to be tight and consistent, and the numerous photos that the seller supplies of the underside indicate a classic that is solid and rust-free. The trim and chrome seem to be in nice condition, while there are no signs of any flaws in the glass. The Corvette was ordered with the cast aluminum knock-off wheels, and once again, their condition looks to be very impressive. When considering rare options, these have to rate up there with the best of them. They were a relatively expensive $322.80 option, with 1,116 buyers choosing to tick that box on the order form. That represented a take-up rate of less than 5% of all Corvette buyers in that year.

Some cars can be strong on style but can be lacking in substance, but that isn’t the case with this Corvette. This is a full numbers-matching car, featuring a 327ci V8, backed by a 4-speed manual transmission. This isn’t any old 327, because it is the L79 version, which brings 350hp to the game. That makes this a car to be respected, because this combination should see the Corvette demolish the ¼ mile in 14.2 seconds, before trucking on to a top speed of 137mph. The owner claims that the vehicle has covered a genuine 38,000 miles, but he fails to mention whether he holds documentation to verify this. What he does say is that the Corvette does run and drive very nicely, which I find pretty easy to believe when I reflect upon its overall condition. Once again considering the numbers, the L79 was a relatively cheap item, adding $107.60 to the base price. This might explain why 4,716 buyers chose that particular engine.

One aspect of the Corvette that didn’t come in for any significant attention during the restoration is the interior. What you see here is an interior that is largely as it left the factory. It isn’t perfect, but the overall condition remains very presentable for a survivor. The seats are upholstered in black leather and are free from rips, tears, or any significant wear. The dash, console, and the door trims all present well, although there is a small amount of edge-wear in a few spots to reinforce the survivor status. I have been looking at the photos to try to determine whether there is some damage to the aluminum dash fascia on the passenger side, and I really can’t be sure. It is possible that it is merely a trick of the light, so take a good look and see what you think. There have been no aftermarket additions, and the original AM/FM radio remains untouched. The most obvious sign of age is shown by the carpet, which is beginning to fade. It still doesn’t look horrendous, so if the next owner wants to leave the interior as it is, then it really wouldn’t be a problem. However, new carpet and some very minor restoration work could potentially make this interior really “pop.”

It seems that there’s little doubt that this 1965 Corvette would suit the person who is looking for the sort of classic that can be driven and enjoyed immediately. For me, that makes it an attractive proposition, but for anyone who is seeking perfection, the few minor issues inside the vehicle would provide some tasks that would allow them to place their own mark on this classic. The fact that it has been optioned with leather upholstery and the knock-off wheels make this a pretty desirable example, and I suspect that the bidding might have a fair way to go before the reserve will be met. Still, with values remaining very strong for many years now, this could also represent one of the most enjoyable investments that a person could ever make. That’s something worth thinking about.