Original Paint: 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

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This 1965 Corvette Convertible is a two-owner classic that has never been restored. It remains quite presentable, but some light restoration work would have it genuinely sparkling. It comes loaded with options, which combine to make this already desirable vehicle something pretty special. The Corvette is located in Springfield, Illinois, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding currently sits at $43,200, and the reserve isn’t met.

The Corvette is finished in Nassau Blue and comes with both a soft-top and a factory hardtop. The hardtop is in excellent condition, while the soft-top is very respectable for a classic of this age. The owner says that the paint is mostly original, although the Corvette has received some minor touch-ups. This work was completed to a high standard, and the owner says it is hard to pick. Metallic paint of this age is almost always going to have some imperfections, and this car is no exception. There are a few chips and some checking, but the car remains quite presentable. The fiberglass is generally in good condition, and the owner states that the vehicle is structurally sound. With chrome that shines nicely and glass that appears to be flawless, the Corvette presents as a tidy driver-grade classic.

Chevrolet offered the 1965 Corvette with several different engine configurations, and this car was built with one of the best. What hides under the hood is a 327ci V8, backed by a 4-speed manual transmission. This V8 is the L76 version, producing 365hp. That makes this car a bit of a beast, with the ability to smash the ¼ mile in 14.2 seconds. The drivetrain is all original, which is important when considering the Corvette’s overall value. The brakes have recently been rebuilt, and all of the brake lines have been replaced using the correct components. There is also a new radiator, but the original is included in the sale. Otherwise, under the hood remains basically original and unmolested. The owner says that the Corvette runs and drives well and is ready to be enjoyed by a new owner.

The originality of the Chevy continues when we move to the interior. This has never been touched, and if the buyer wants to continue driving the car as a survivor, there would be no shame in that. The seats are upholstered in blue leather, and this is showing its age. This is especially true on the driver’s seat, which wears a few splits and other damage. The other item that might require attention is the carpet. Below the mats, this is in as-new condition, but it’s looking rough around the edges. The interior remains serviceable, but a new carpet set and new seat covers would lift it enormously. The rest of the trim and the dash are excellent, while the interior also features a factory AM/FM radio and the beautiful teakwood wheel.

If someone out there is looking for a 1965 Corvette that could be driven and retained as an original survivor, this car could be a strong contender. Treating it to a light cosmetic refresh would also pay dividends because the color and trim combination would make this classic really pop. Choosing to follow either path would be okay because the Corvette would still command attention and respect wherever it went. I don’t know which direction I would prefer to follow because both have their merits. Which way would you go?

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. jwzg

    Blue on blue, heartache on heartache…

    My heart aches I can’t afford this one. There is no better color combo.d

    Like 29
    • 86_Vette_Convertible

      What he said

      Like 12
    • Patrick J. Flynn

      Mine was similar but with a white interior. The 365 was a solid lifter engine so needed a bit of TLC to keep properly tuned. The 350HP was much better and just as fast. Only the Fawn Beige one with the chamois interior was prettier. Miss this stolen car every day.

      Like 3
  2. Matt

    Wow – nice C2! Assuming everything checks out (paint originality, numbers matching, etc…), and the seller is being reasonable, this one should change hands between $50 and $55k. Wish I had the coin…

    Like 12
  3. JoeNYWF64

    With such low mileage & original paint like that & obviously garaged its entire life, why would the carpet be so faded? & worn on the passenger side?
    I seen a ’74 firebird with 250k miles & the orig carpet still looks new – tho it is black cut pile – not blue loop. & it was garaged 75% of its life.

    Like 0
    • A.G.

      Overall the carpet isn’t worn or faded, it’s just dirty.. Why would the carpet be so dirty in non-wear areas?

      My major concern would be the wear on the clutch pedal pad.

      Like 1
    • robert semrad

      How do you know it was original carpet?

      Like 0
  4. Gordy

    I had a white 65 roadster..300 horse 4sp. Best car I ever had…bought it in 66 for $3600. Only had 6000 miles on it. I might have to get another.

    Like 6
  5. George Mattar

    The comments on the carpet are stupid. Carpet will last almost forget, especially the 80/20 loop used in those days. Carpet does fade in sunlight, but if kept clean should last a long, long time. Dragging your shoes over a dirty carpet wears it out. This is a super nice car at a very reasonable price when you consider the dreamer selling that POS red 68 Camaro for the absurd price of $28,000. And the 365 hp engine waa the second highest horsepower small block avail able in 1965.

    Like 7
  6. jerry z

    There is a photo of my brother’s ’65 Vette, same as pictured with my dad, niece, and nephew standing in front of the car. The photo is from 1970. What a car!

    Like 2
  7. John S

    It looks like a very honest mid year Corvette to me. As for the correctness, there is just not much to pick on.

    Like 3
  8. Steve Clinton

    Santa, this is what I want for Christmas!

    Like 4
  9. Patrick J. Flynn

    Drove mine across the USA three times. Nothing better than turning the key in this car. King of the world stuff. The braking and handling were super in this car and the M-22 4 speed was absolutely flawless. Dropping the soft top while seated at a light was just showing off. True driver’s car.

    Like 7
  10. Ike Onick

    “Drove mine across the USA three times.”

    Don’t you have to go across four times to get back home?

    Like 3
    • Patrick J. Flynn

      Not when you start in Motown and then out to Surf City…and round trip it again.

      Like 3
  11. Russ Ashley

    Nice looking Vette. This is about the first one I’ve seen on here with the original shifter still in place. That makes me think that either he put it back in or maybe he just didn’t bang on it much. From the looks of the car I would say the latter.

    Like 1
  12. Glenn ReynoldsMember

    My 63 had the stock shifter too. When it decided to to go into both forward and reverse at the same time, I had to get used to crawling under the car and moving the external rods back into place. Even considered cutting a hole in the driveshaft tunnel so I could do it from inside.

    Like 0
  13. Stuart Richter

    I’d have a blue Christmas with this one… Was in the USAF in Korea when this one hit the streets.

    Like 2
    • Patrick J. Flynn

      Mine was purchased by a Vietnam era fighter pilot who didn’t make it. I bought it in 1981. His family kept it until he was finally found. I missed that by a hair. Always hoped he might appreciate how I kept and used it. F’n thieves got it.

      Like 0
      • robert semrad

        I don’t understand…..what did you miss by a hair? By almost not making it back?

        Like 0
  14. Billy

    comment too follow the post

    Like 0

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