When the 1966 Chevrolet Corvette first hit the streets, it was the big block cars that got most of the ink as ’66 was the year it grew to 427 cubic inches, and the rest as they say is history. But, arguably, it was the small block versions that were easier to drive and live with on a day-to-day basis. Production numbers were impressive, totaling 27,720 units rolling off the assembly line with over 17,000 of them coming with a small block, so it was the more popular choice among buyers. If you’ve been in the market for a really nice C2 driver and can live without the 427, this 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible may be a good car for you to take a look at. It’s located in Glendale, Arizona, and can be spotted here on eBay. So far, nobody has placed the $50,000 minimum bid, and with no reserve and not much time left this one could exchange hands without breaking the bank.
If there is any bad news, it’s under the hood, as the original engine is no longer present and at some point in the car’s past was replaced with a 1969 model 350. This Corvette was likely factory equipped with one of the 327 motors, as the hood doesn’t have the raised area in the center that the 427 cars came with. No other details are given about the 350 or its history, or whether or not it has ever had a rebuild, but the seller does say that it runs great. There’s also no mention of the transmission, and although it’s a manual we don’t know if it is original to the car.
The good news is that the current owner just purchased the Corvette last year, and prior to his acquisition, it had been a California car that was in the same family for 50 years. The seller describes the ‘Vette as being of great driver quality, with a never hit body in exceptional condition, although the Rally Red patina is showing a few touch-ups. There’s no mention if the car has ever had a respray, but the paint inside the door jambs is specified as original, as is the weather stripping. Both doors are said to close perfectly, and the chassis is claimed to be solid and rust-free, as is the unmolested birdcage.
Not a whole lot is mentioned about the interior, but from what we can see the inside presents quite well and looks really good for a driver, plus the car also comes with both the hardtop and soft top. The seller does state that the speedometer, tach, oil pressure, temperature, and fuel gauges are all in working order. He goes on to say that this is one of the nicest California driver-condition Corvettes on the market today, and claims the car drives as good as it looks, just gas it up and go! What are your thoughts on this 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible?
Nice car, too bad the original 327 is gone. In the early 70s, I tried making all my small block cars look like they had Corvette engines, but after 1968 small blocks didn’t have the road draft engine ventilation system and required a pcv. I never wanted to cut into the cast valve covers, so you needed an oil fill tube, like this car has, with a port for a screw-in pcv. In those days, I could buy the cast Corvette valve covers (#3767493) wholesale from the local Chevy dealer for $5.15 each! I’d buy a dozen, take half out of the boxes, rub them with oil and dirt and sell them for $30.00 a pair and have 6 for free + some cash. The good old days!
All Corvettes came with a PCV starting in 63, they just weren’t vented through the valve covers till 68. Prior to 68 the engine vented through the rear of the block to the air cleaner, and the PCV vented from the oil fill tube to the carb base.
This looks like a nice driver quality car, but at $50K it’s a little over priced, especially as a wrong motor, driver quality car. It was likely a no sale for this reason.
Yeah, a nice “No Reserve” auction, as long as you bid at least 50K.