When Chevrolet bolted a big-block V8 under the Corvette’s hood in 1965, it turned an already potent Sports Car into a brutal beast that delivered mind-blowing performance. It raised the bar further in 1966 by introducing the L72 version of the 427ci V8, and with our featured ‘Vette Convertible retaining its numbers-matching L72, it is little wonder it has generated significant interest since hitting the market. Barn Finder Curvette deserves full credit for spotting this classic listed here on eBay in Canoga Park, California. It has attracted only three bids at the time of writing, pushing the price to $24,300, but it’s still below the reserve. If the listing statistics are an accurate guide, bidding will intensify in the final days.
Chevrolet only made minor cosmetic changes to the Corvette for the 1966 model year. These included a revised grille and some updated badging. That’s not much, but it was enough to differentiate it from the previous year’s vehicles. Our featured Convertible is a mystery machine because it is almost impossible to determine which of the ten available paint shades the first owner chose. It is an unfinished restoration project, and the seller suggests the previous owner took a frame-off approach that stalled before they could tackle the car’s cosmetic needs. The underside shots confirm that they painted the frame, and since the ‘Vette has spent its life in California, its rust-free status is unsurprising. They believe there has never been any major body damage, with the panels free from significant cracks and the bonding strips intact. Some trim pieces are missing, but the hardtop and glass are in good condition. The wheels aren’t original, and I believe that sourcing the correct ones would be appropriate for a car of this caliber.
Chevrolet limited optional engine choices to three motors in 1966. The cream of the crop was undoubtedly the L72 version of the 427ci V8. As was common practice, the company is believed to have significantly understated the power and torque outputs for several reasons. However, even the “conservative” figures of 425hp and 460 ft/lbs are mighty impressive, allowing this car to effortlessly transform its rear tires into smoke. The L72 added $312.85 to the Corvette’s sticker price, but almost 20% of buyers still chose it that year. The seller confirms that this Convertible retains its numbers-matching L72 and four-speed manual transmission. Crucial ancillaries like the intake and carburetor are original. The car’s mechanical condition is unknown, but the visual evidence is promising. Of course, that doesn’t guarantee the big-block is ready for action, but it’s an encouraging sign.
The Corvette’s interior is definitely a work in progress. It needs a complete retrim to look its best. That won’t be cheap, but this Convertible deserves nothing less. The seller says most removed parts are included, though the gauges need new lenses and the wheel is cracked. As with the exterior, the foundations are there to return the interior to a factory-fresh state. One attractive aspect of an interior restoration is that complete kits are readily available, so even a novice can achieve a high-end result in a home workshop, and the finished product is quite rewarding to survey.
The bidding history for this 1966 Corvette Convertible is modest, but it doesn’t tell the full story. The listing has attracted 453 views in the last day, and 46 people have added it to their Watch List. In reality, a high-end restoration could yield a value above $80,000 every day of the week, while perfection could push it into six-figure territory. It requires a lot of work to reach that point, but the foundations are there to achieve that goal. Have you seen enough to consider pursuing this classic further, or will you join me as an interested spectator to discover where the bidding goes?
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