Only Original Once: 1966 Chevrolet Corvette

The ad for this 1966 Corvette uses a funny way to say that it wears its original paint: “It has never even been painted”. “Good thing,” I want to respond, and if I bought it, it would remain that way, despite some checking in the factory finish. How many times does it have to be said that they’re only original once? Add that positive to a generally tidy-looking original engine, with an odometer reading 77,000 miles, and you’ve got a gem in a day when the unrestored patina is prized. The car is for sale here on craigslist for $59,900 in Hudson, Florida. Thanks to Patrick S. for this great tip.

The Corvette was 13 years old and midway through its second generation by the time this one came off the line. The C2 body style, which ran from 1963 to 1967 and to many is regarded as the tidiest and most beautiful design on any Corvette, up to the current mid-engined C8 generation. 1966 model Vettes could have an engine as large as 427 cubic inches. Everyone wants the big blocks, but it’s not uncommon to see a 427 cubic-inch monster heaving and laboring in a July 4th parade, its engine struggling to keep cool. That makes this car’s mini-mill 327CID quite the practical alternative, whether on Independence Day or any day your fancy strikes you. The 327 had 300 horsepower in standard form, and 350 hp in its upgraded iteration. This car is motivated by the standard engine backed up by a four-speed manual transmission.

The current owner says the Vette needs total restoration. Is that a fair estimate of its condition?  I’d say it’s a bit of an undersell. Sure, it is not quite as tidy in its cockpit as in its engine bay. The car looks to be in need of a replacement interior kit, but that’s a weekend project or a few days in a pro shop. Mostly, this Vette begs to be left alone, as one look at its even door gaps and factory spinner knock-off hubcaps will attest.

So what might be the downside? Is Tampa Bay an area where sea salt creates rust? Obviously, this does not apply to the body of a fiberglass car, but there are no pictures of the underside. The seller notes, however, that the Vette has never been hit, so let’s assume the car is clean and focus on the positive. If I bought this car, I’d just put some seat skins and interior door panels in it, figure out why it has what appears to be a can of something called “Fire Gone” on the passenger seat, and recondition the car mechanically so that it drove reliably. Restoration of this original-paint treasure would wait for a future day.