Have you ever looked at a classic car and wished that you could meet its original owner? I have at times, and this 1966 Corvette is one of those cars. That original owner wasn’t afraid to splash some cash because this vehicle features some of the most desirable options that a buyer could order in 1966. These include the ground-pounding 427ci big-block V8 and a 4-speed manual transmission. He sounds like the sort of person who was intent on creating the “total package” with this classic, and that makes him a person after my own heart. The car presents beautifully following a cosmetic refresh in 2008, but now is the time for it to head to a new home. Located in Iowa City, Iowa, you will find the Corvette listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $66,000 off the back of some spirited action, and this has pushed the price beyond the reserve.
The only thing that disappoints me about this Corvette is the quality of the photos that the owner supplies. This sole shot provides a complete overview of the exterior, but it paints a positive picture. The owner states that the car received a refresh in its original shade of Silver Pearl in 2008 and that the bumpers were re-chromed at the same time. The vehicle has had little use since then, which has allowed the presentation to remain first-rate. The paint has no visible flaws or problems, while the fiberglass has no cracks or issues around the bonding strips. The beauty with this classic goes more than skin-deep because the frame and underside are faultless. There is no evidence of rust or rot, which augers well for the state of the birdcage. The original owner ordered the Corvette with Soft Ray tinted glass, which remains as immaculate as the exterior trim. Adding to the desirability of this classic, it rolled out of the showroom with a side-mount exhaust and genuine aluminum knock-off wheels. These items remain in as-new condition, and with the big-block exhaling through that exhaust, this baby is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.
Buyers in 1966 were spoiled for choice when they ordered their new Corvette, and this one went pretty ballistic to order a car that commanded respect off the showroom floor. He ticked the boxes beside the L72 version of the 427ci V8, the M21 4-speed manual transmission, and the Posi rear end. With 425hp being churned out by that big-block, this Corvette was a seriously fast car. Pointed at a ¼ mile, the vehicle would render the journey a memory in 13.5 seconds. The Corvette would eventually run out of breath at 138mph, proving that it is no one-trick pony. It appears that this person wasn’t completely fixated on making this Corvette a brute in a straight line because he was 1-of-2,705 buyers to hand over an additional $36.90 for the F41 suspension package. This Corvette is a numbers-matching classic, and a previous owner treated that 427 to a rebuild back in 2011. This was money well spent because it appears to mean that the buyer won’t be digging into their wallet with this beauty. It is said to run and drive well, and the wide-open road is beckoning this Corvette and its new owner.
While the exterior has been refreshed and the big-block has been rebuilt, the seller claims that the Corvette’s interior is original. If this is true, that makes its condition praiseworthy. The upholstered surfaces show no evidence of wear or physical damage, while the carpet and dash are equally impressive. The only notable fault that the owner mentions is the non-functioning odometer. According to the listing, this hasn’t worked in the 5+ years that the seller has owned the vehicle, so that’s a fault that I would rectify sooner rather than later. Beyond that, there’s nothing for the buyer to do. Once again, the original owner ticked the boxes beside a host of desirable interior optional extras. These include the beautiful Teakwood wheel with the telescoping function and an AM/FM radio.
This 1966 Corvette is quite a car, and when you look at how the original owner loaded it with optional extras, it was nearly as good as it got for buyers in that model year. It presents beautifully, and the bidding action to date indicates that plenty of people like what they see. They’re not alone in that, because I wouldn’t be sorry to find it parked in my garage. That’s not going to happen, but the car is mere days away from going to a new home. If the bidding continues at its current rate, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it heading into six-figure territory. The Corvette’s overall condition and its equipment levels would well justify that sort of price. The ongoing increase in values that these classics have experienced could make it an investment that is as sound as bluechip stocks or shares but offers a far more enjoyable ownership experience. I can’t see a downside to that, can you?
Except for the whitewalls, gorgeous!
I agree, the white walls kill it.
With a 427 under the hood I would say quickly due away with the white walls by a few healthy burn outs. Love to see those white walls going up in tire smoke.
Gorgeous car based on the pictures. Couple of minor things: the tail lights aren’t original from what I’m seeing. Unless it’s an export car, I think there should be dual red tail lights on both sides. White wall tires are so-so IMO. Either go black wall or red line which were out there in that time frame. Side pipes look great but could be a leg burner.
Other than that, the car looks great.
The inner clear lights are back up lights which became STANDARD on all 1966 Corvettes.
The pictures are correct!
You are correct, I was thinking of the wrong year.
You are correct about the off road exhaust, as Someone who has restored some of these, I can attest to leaving some ankle skin behind when getting out and forgetting just how hot they get…..not a joke….just a bad idea from GM!
I agree that redlines would be preferable but whitewalls were a very popular option in 1966 so I don’t view them as out of place. Don’t care for the sidepipes. Beyond their potential for burns I don’t think they complement the lines of the C2 – it makes the area between the wheels appear much “chunkier” (for lack of a better word) and doesn’t really do the silhouette any favors. Just my opinion and YMMV of course.
In all the Corvettes I’ve owned I never had an issue with factory side exhaust causing burns, they do get warm tho.The outside headers/exhaust (Hooker, OK Kustom) are a bit warmer, but never burnt me .This is a very nice Corvette but price wise deserves an in person intense inspection. The WW tires wouldn’t be a deal breaker for me.
Big block and no ac? No thanks-it’s an oven.
Too many nit-picking comments on a beautiful Corvette.
The whitewalls?
I would be happy with this one, if it even came with purple-walls.
The 66 427 had 3 different HP ratings.
Billy, 390 horsepower, 425 horsepower & what other one , unless you mean the 425 that was rated at 450 for a short while ?
Yes. By changing the air cleaner sticker from 425 to 450 another 25 hp was gained. The early 66 high HP Vettes were rated at 450 until the insurance companies complained.