Original L79/4-Speed: 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe

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The Corvette badge is synonymous with high-performance motoring, although some cars are more potent than others. This 1965 Coupe ticks the right box, with its engine bay housing the fantastic L79 version of the company’s legendary small-block. It also features some desirable factory options, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting a classic that will appeal to many enthusiasts. The Corvette is listed here on Craigslist in Toledo, Ohio. It could be yours by handing the seller $82,500, and it seems they are pretty firm on that figure.

The seller purchased this Corvette in 1980, treating it to a cosmetic refresh in 1983. Its Goldwood Yellow paint shines impressively, with no imperfections visible in the supplied photos. An in-person inspection will probably reveal the occasional mark or chip, but there shouldn’t be anything significant on a car in this price bracket. It is worth noting that of the eight paint shades available in 1965, Goldwood Yellow is one of the least common. Production records confirm that 1,275 buyers selected it, with only Tuxedo Black’s total of 1,191 being rarer. There are no fiberglass issues, while the underside shots confirm the frame is structurally sound. The glass and chrome look spotless, and this ‘Vette is 1-of-759 ordered with the side exhaust that should make the beast under the hood sound extremely tough.

Chevrolet introduced the 396ci V8 to the Corvette range in 1965. At $292.70, it represented exceptional “bang for your buck” compared to $538 for the Fuelie option. However, the big-block added 160 lbs to the curb weight, with almost all the extra mass over the front wheels. That compromised the balance and handling, making the L79 version of the 327ci V8 an excellent compromise at $107.60. That is what resides under the hood of this classic, with a four-speed manual transmission feeding its 350hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels. While a big-block ‘Vette could storm the ¼-mile in 13.6 seconds, this car’s ability to cover the distance in 14.2 seconds would cause its owner no shame. There is plenty of positive news for potential buyers. The seller confirms this car is numbers-matching and that it is 1-of-3,686 ordered with the Transistor Ignition System. They recently replaced the brake discs, calipers, hoses, and belts and performed a fluid change. It has no mechanical issues and is a turnkey proposition.

This Corvette’s interior presents as spotlessly as its exterior, suggesting it may have received a dose of TLC while under the seller’s care. The Black upholstered surfaces are free from wear, as are the carpet and dash. The console is excellent, and the beautiful Teakwood wheel looks perfect. There is more to this interior than good looks, with the original owner adding desirable options like power windows, a telescopic wheel, and a power antenna. It appears the original AM/FM radio has made way for an aftermarket retro-style unit, with speakers mounted in the rear luggage area. The seller confirms everything works, including the often troublesome clock. They hold some extra parts and are willing to negotiate on these with the new owner.

C2 Corvette values have softened over the past year, but indications are they have turned the corner and might climb to their former levels. That would make now the ideal time to buy one from an investment perspective. This 1965 Coupe isn’t cheap, but the factory options significantly increase its desirability. It has only been on the market a few days, and I won’t be surprised if it finds a new home fairly quickly. Do you agree?

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Comments

  1. Tony Primo

    This would definitely be a fun one to run through the gears!

    Like 5
  2. PRA4SNW

    I’m no expert on these, but if that is a real teakwood wheel, the seller would mention it since they are worth more than gold.

    Like 4
    • ruxvette

      It is certainly a teakwood wheel. It may be a knockoff, tho.
      Everything considered it is a nice car; perhaps a little high priced, but nice.
      $3500 for the miscellaneous parts seems a bit high also.

      Like 1
  3. John B. Traylor

    I hate yelow cars.

    Like 2
    • Glen

      Yellow cars hate John B. Traylor

      Like 7
  4. bobhess bobhessMember

    Nice car, but for the asking price I’d have the passenger seat sewn up where it’s separated from the other panel. BTW, I love yellow cars.

    Like 3
  5. 86_Vette_Convertible

    I like C2’s and this is one of the reasons why. It’s a very good looking car, but would definitely need a personal inspection before committing to that kind of $$.
    Those side pipes could result in some burnt ankles so keep that in mind.

    Like 1
  6. Rex B Schaefer

    Looks like HEI ignition now!

    Like 0

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