Do you know what I like about a car like this? I like knowing the history of a car. I like knowing that what I am looking at are the body panels that were installed at the factory, free of filler and other hidden issues. A flashy, restored car that’s been through a long succession of owners is a pig-in-a-poke. Who knows what’s “real” and what isn’t? Located in Lake George, NY, this unrestored original 1965 Corvette is listed here on Craigslist for an asking price of $37,500.
This is a pretty basic Corvette. It has the one of the lower horsepower engines and an automatic transmission. There are no accessories such as power steering, power brakes, power windows, or air conditioning. There is no hardtop shown in any of the pictures and the ad doesn’t mention one. It does have a radio and heater! The custom wheels seen in the photos will not go with the car. It will be sold with the original wheels and hub caps.
The interior of the car is consistent with the exterior. It appears to be in good, unmolested original condition. When the time comes for someone to restore this car, it would be a good idea to take a lot of pictures to document the “before” condition. It could then be proven that the restoration began with a good original car, not a basket case that was built using reproduction parts.
The engine is either the 250 or 300 horsepower version. The ad doesn’t say and I don’t know how to tell the difference without knowing the block stampings. It is said to be the matching numbers engine which is a big plus. Much of the ignition shielding is missing but at least the original valve covers and breather are intact. There are no pictures of the undercarriage and the owner makes no claims regarding the condition of the frame. Since the car is in NY state, it would be a good idea to put the car on a rack and give the underside a thorough inspection before handing over any cash. Anyone out there looking for a C-2 restoration project?
If there’s a good picture of the front of the engine, 300 HP motors have double hump heads 250’s had a single pointed marking , with the lack of other equipment i would guess it’s a 250 HP motor
This is an automatic so it is a 2 speed Hydramatic.
powerglide!
I normally find ‘original owner’ to be an asset(duh!), particularly when it comes to a C2(duh!)! However, for this vehicle, I don’t see anything historically representative. And the asking price is too high…I would like to have the car given my opinion as I’d feel free to build it as I desire with no regard to preserving a C2 that represents the best of the best. A small block with an aluminum top-end, Holley Sniper, MSD, CPP/Ridetech etc suspension/brakes, et al, type of build would make for an awesome, fun car that would be a looker, too!
I don’t need to go fast anymore. 250-350hp is fine for a cruiser. I’d put some pwr brakes/steering,wheels,paint(Marina/Nassau blue) and enjoy. As long as the frame/cage is solid,this would be a nice build. Been for sale for a few weeks tho with a lowered price…
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c1-and-c2-corvettes/2960125-ignition-shielding-on-65-a.html
It’s interesting that you found a 7 year old post from the Corvette Forum to link too, that I had posted twice in.
It looks like a pretty original 65, though personally I think white with a black interior is just about the most boring color combination there is. The Powerglide doesn’t help with the boring factor any either.
For $32,000-$35,000, it might be a nice project for someone, but by the time you paint it and put an interior in it, you’d probably be better off buying a car that’s already done.
There is a lift in the background of one of the pictures, considering the cars location and price, why not spend a few minutes to take some undercarriage shots?
I think New York is a “no title” state, how do you show it’s truly an original owner car. They ad wasn’t written like it is.
Steve R
I like it just the way it is. Rough C2’s have a tough look, like the punk at the corner that may mug you, or just ask for a light. You never know which it’s gonna be.
I am not a Corvette expert, but if I could have a Corvette ,this would be the one. Americans, real patina, no accessories and I would drive it like I stole it. Too much fun!
Wasn’t the double air filter intake only a ’63 feature?
The dual snorkle air cleaner was used on the 63, 64 & 65 327/250 and 300 horse engines.