Some classics represent a triumph of style over substance, lacking the level of performance promised by their appearance. Such criticism could not be leveled against this 1966 Chevrolet Corvette courtesy of the big-block nestled securely in its engine bay. Adding to its appeal is its known ownership history and odometer reading of 33,000 original miles. This ‘Vette is a genuine survivor needing nothing but a new home. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Bidding has scorched passed the reserve to sit at $73,222 off the back of some pretty intense auction action, meaning that this gem is days away from finding that new home.

Chevrolet intended the 1966 model year to be the last for the C2 Corvette, planning on releasing the C3 in 1967. This plan was thwarted by unexpected delays, meaning that the C3 didn’t hit showrooms until 1968. Therefore, the fact that updates for 1966 were relatively minor was unsurprising. Chevrolet offered ’66 buyers a choice of ten paint shades, with the first owner making this 1-of-1,463 ordered in Trophy Blue. That represents a take-up rate of 5.3%, with only Tuxedo Black proving less popular. The seller claims that this gem is a genuine survivor, having never undergone any form of repairs or restoration. The paint holds a healthy shine, with no major flaws or defects. The panels look excellent, with the bonding strips intact. The seller doesn’t mention any form of rust problems, and I can’t spot anything causing concern in the supplied photos. The trim is in good order for a survivor-grade vehicle, and the tinted glass is clear. The first owner ordered the car with the optional side exhaust, and you would have to think that the V8 lurking under the hood would sound pretty sweet exhaling through it.

The seller emphasizes that the only non-original mechanical component the buyer will find on this Corvette is the update to power brakes. This change was performed by the elderly previous owner to make the car more user-friendly. Otherwise, this Corvette is as original as the day it left the factory. It features the numbers-matching 427ci V8, teamed with a four-speed M20 manual transmission and a 3.55 Posi rear end. The big-block produces 390hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque, making this a potent vehicle that should have no trouble transforming its back tires into smoke. The seller claims that the Coupe has a genuine 33,290 miles showing on its odometer, and while they don’t specifically mention verifying evidence, the known ownership history means that such documentation may exist. Otherwise, this Corvette runs and drives as nicely as it did in 1966, with no identified mechanical issues or shortcomings.

I have to tip my hat to the seller, because they have resisted the temptation to address what appears to be the only interior flaw in a bid to protect’s survivor credentials. There is a split in the driver’s seat base that might respond positively to attention from a reputable upholsterer. The remaining Blue vinyl is in good condition, as are the carpet, dash, and bright components. Desirable factory options include the AM/FM radio and the beautiful Teakwood wheel.

Adding a big-block to the mix in 1965 transformed the C2 Corvette from an already potent vehicle into a fire-breathing beast. This 1966 Coupe benefits from that approach, providing its new owner with performance that could best be described as breathtaking. There is so much to like about this classic, and little deserving of criticism. This is reflected in the listing statistics, with thirty-four bids submitted, and View and Watch List tallies of 508 and 167 at the time of writing. People like what they see and are willing to let their wallets do the talking. It will be interesting to gauge your opinion on a possible sale price to see whether anyone can hit the nail on the head. So, it’s over to you.