Almost any C2 Corvette will attract interest when it hits the market, but when a seller lists one with No Reserve, there is a fair chance that the action will be intense. Such is the case with this 1965 Corvette Convertible. The seller admits it requires a total restoration, but it appears the critical components necessary to return this drop-top to its former glory are present. The seller has listed this classic here on eBay in DeKalb, Illinois. Forty-five bids have pushed the price to $28,672 with only a few days left on this No Reserve auction.
Being forced to part with a beloved classic due to circumstances beyond your control is a bitter pill to swallow, but that has been the fate of the seller and this Corvette. They are elderly, and would probably have considered returning this Rally Red classic to its former glory if it weren’t for deteriorating health. The information they provide is very limited, but it appears they may have already performed the cosmetic part of their build. The paint holds an excellent shine, and although the photos are limited, I can’t spot any significant cosmetic shortcomings. The same can’t be said for the hardtop, which is begging for attention. The underside shots seem to indicate that the frame is solid, and the seller doesn’t mention problems in their listing. The chrome and glass look acceptable if a driver-grade result is the new owner’s aim, and the Rally wheels appear tidy.
One aspect of this Corvette that doesn’t seem to require much attention is its interior. The seatcovers are both torn, meaning the winning bidder must splash some cash on replacements. However, the remaining upholstered surfaces are in good order, the carpet looks new, and the dash shows no evidence of major flaws or problems. The ‘Vette retains its factory AM/FM radio, and I can’t spot any aftermarket additions. Therefore, spending around $350 on a set of new seatcovers might be all that is required to achieve acceptable presentation.
The seller’s lack of information extends to this Corvette’s mechanical specifications and health. The engine bay undoubtedly houses a small-block V8, and while I believe it is probably a 327, I can’t be certain. However, I am sure that we have readers who can make a definite call, so I welcome your input. It appears that the engine is bolted to a four-speed manual transmission, and even in its mildest form, this combination offered excellent performance. The engine looks clean, but we know that it doesn’t run. Therefore, factoring a rebuild into the restoration budget would be wise. After all, it is better to have the cash and not need it than to need it and not have it. The seller indicates that the Convertible rolls and steers, so loading it up for the trip home would be easy.
It is fairly common to see an owner retain a tight grip on a classic, even when they reach the point where they know in their heart that they will never be able to do it justice. That is why this 1965 Corvette Convertible is a breath of fresh air. Its elderly owner has chosen to move it to a new home with an enthusiast who can do it justice. For that, they deserve a pat on the back because leaving it to deteriorate in a garage would be easy. The process could be long if an in-person inspection reveals issues that aren’t visible in the photos, but it should also be worthwhile. The intense interest generated demonstrates that plenty of people are willing to tackle its restoration, but could you be tempted to join the bidding war? You might have to act fast because the end is rapidly approaching.
Paint looks like it was done with a vacuum cleaner spray attachment or rattle cans. The frame is rusty but just how bad can only be determined in person. The motor is a newer (1970’s?) SBC. If the dash is original it came with the 365HP 327…which means nothing now. It needs A LOT but, if you are truly a DIYer it might not be too bad a deal. I would want to talk to the selling party to see if they have any parts/literature/docs, etc. Buyer beware.
I’m not entirely sure what year that mill is. It looks to have both the earlier oil fill tube at the front of the intake manifold, as well as a later oil fill cap on the L valve cover…and yes, the paint job looks a little amatuerish…
I didn’t see accessory bolt holes on the heads either though it has an HEI distributor and the exhaust manifolds have provisions for AIR injection. This might be the case where someone bought a roller then threw some parts at it to make it look “complete”. A non-running core engine that’s worth a couple of hundred dollars bolted in place will often increase the price by a couple of thousand dollars above that of an engineless roller.
Steve R
Too many unknowns to buy on-line. It is a MUST to see in person. That frame looks sketchy, the engine I have my doubts. Looks Like a 14 year old started to work on it.
This car is a fine example of “what was I thinking”? The buyer will be so far underwater before he even pays for it that he’ll think he’s a fish, because he’ll have been hooked. It is a composition of parts from 1963 and beyond, biggest problem being that it’ll need a replacement chassis, there is not one part on this car that won’t need replacing or rebuilding, not one nut or bolt that will not have to be turned, cleaned or replaced and not one part that is original to this car, even the door panels are from a C2 coupe, not to mention the 1963 seats. What a sad state for this wonderful car to be in, I hope the buyer has lots of patience & money, but one thing he (or she) does NOT have, is experience with, and that is an old Corvette, but they will be an expert by the time it is finished!
One thing I nearly missed, this car has a 1963 chassis & also appears to have drum brakes, I am guessing here, but I believe that the car to be a 63 that has been re-VINned, but I cannot be sure without seeing the car up close, something the buyer should do prior to paying for this thing and with a state trooper to verify this cars status.
Even though I am a long time Corvette owner as well as a huge fan, there is something about this car that gives me pause. Some of it are things that have already been mentioned, the rest of it is just kind of a gut feeling. It appears that person’s unknown have fooled around with this thing in some sort of a misguided attempt to semi restore it, or to upgrade it. I don’t know, but it would be a hard pass for me, along with a word of warning to a perspective buyer. Look this thing over VERY closely before you commit to it.
I had to look twice because I swear that this would have been a Corvette from our old Miami EBayer friend from the recent past.
It has been thrown together enough to attract EBay bids, but once this crap mobile lands at the new owners home, they will be (un)pleasantly surprised at what they just bought.
PRA4SNW…ah, yes, the infamous guy peeing by the tree. This is about that caliber. after a second look I just started laughing at the conglomeration of parts…dash knobs included. Just WOW!!!
He has a bunch of junky looking cars listed, but this is the only Corvette. If he keeps selling cars on eBay it’s just a matter of time before something else of his gets featured.
There are enough red flags with this car that even someone that doesn’t know anything about Corvettes should be wary.
Steve R
I agree buyer will be unpleasantly surprised, but the good news is he will know what it needs, EVERYTHING!