Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Original Paint: 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Coupe

This 1965 Corvette Sting Ray Coupe is a barn find that the current owner now uses regularly. It could continue to serve in this role, or the buyer might choose to treat the classic to a cosmetic restoration. It is a complete car, and it even wears its original paint. Located in Eureka, California, you will find the Corvette listed for sale here on Facebook. The owner has set the sale price for the Sting Ray at $58,000.

The Glen Green paint that the Corvette wears is claimed to be original. It is now starting to look a bit baked, and there are plenty of minor chips and marks visible around the car. However, there are no signs of any cracks or fatigue issues with the fiberglass. This means that a cosmetic refresh would potentially be a straightforward process. Of course, the buyer might also choose to continue driving this classic as an original survivor. The reality is that it would still grab plenty of attention either way. The owner doesn’t provide any information on the state of the frame or birdcage. The fact that it appears that the Corvette has spent its life in California is going to be a significant help in that area. The external trim and chrome present well for a driver-quality car, and I can’t spot any problems with the glass.

The interior is upholstered in Green leather, and it is in impressive condition for its age. I can spot some sagging along the outer edge of the driver’s seat, and some wear on the wheel rim, but the rest of the trim looks to be in good order. There are no rips, tears, or seam separations. The dash seems to be in good order, and it appears that the factory radio is still in its rightful place. I’m not sure if the carpet is original, but if it is, then it is in remarkable condition for a 55-year-old car. There are no engine photos, but we know that the Sting Ray comes equipped with a 327ci V8 and a 3-speed manual transmission. This combination should deliver 250hp and would allow the vehicle to rip through the ¼ mile in 15.2 seconds. Even though the Corvette was found languishing in a barn, it is now said to be in good running order. The owner admits that he clocks between 20 and 50 miles per week to keep things fresh and healthy. He also describes it as being a blast to drive, which is a claim that I don’t doubt. The listing indicates an odometer reading of 55,000 miles, but the owner doesn’t mention this fact in the text of his listing. That might be a question for prospective buyers to ask. What he does say is that he holds a significant amount of documentation for the Corvette and that this dates right back to its original sale in 1965.

There are plenty of people who will gravitate towards meticulously restored classics at shows and Cars & Coffee events. This is entirely understandable because those cars are usually pretty impressive vehicles. However, it is worth standing back sometimes and watching how many people are attracted to original survivors like this 1965 Corvette. If you have never done this, then the high numbers might surprise you. They aren’t perfect, but they wear their survivor tag with pride. They also tend to be the sorts of cars that enthusiasts like to own because these are classics that can be driven with a clear conscience. Chips and marks aren’t necessarily welcome, but they are nowhere near the sort of concern that they can be with pristine examples. This car has all of those attributes in its favor, and it is, after all, a classic Corvette. Something tells me that it is going to find a new home very soon.

Comments

  1. Avatar Turbo

    Hmm. Three speed. Low HP engine. Meh. Not feeling it at that price. Not to say that it isn’t a good car, but you could get something in the Vette world that would make your heart race for that money.

    Like 5
  2. Avatar Eric B

    Hopefully ends up in the hands of someone that will keep it as a survivor and not some boomer that’ll tear it apart for a concours resto so he can stare at it, rub it with a diaper and collect show trophies

    Like 10
    • Avatar newport pagnell

      Or some Millennials resto-mod with 20’s and subwoofers.

      Like 6
    • Avatar Tom c

      Rub it with a diaper, now that was funny, made my morning. We’ve all seen that guy.

      Like 6
  3. Avatar Roger R Radtke

    There were several different optioned 327 engines that year. Need more information to determine the true value

    Like 1
    • Avatar gbvette62

      This car has a base 327/250, it was only engine available with a 3 speed in 65. The 300 could be had with a 4 speed or Powerglide, while all other 65 engines came with a 4 speed.

      Like 0
  4. Avatar 370zpp Member

    I did not realize these were ever available with manual 3-speeds. (learn something every day).

    I’m also guessing the diaper reference is not talking about the disposable ones. Are the re-usable ones even available any more?

    Like 1
    • Avatar 1966 coupe

      3 speed was the standard transmission through the 69 model year. You had to pay up for the 4 speed or automatic.

      Like 2
      • Avatar 370zpp Member

        My girlfriend long ago, who drove a primered 64 convertible with a 4-speed led me to assume they all were like that. My 72 was a 4-speed. I would love to own a C2, 4 speed now myself, but these are priced out of practicality for most of us. Enjoy that 66.

        Like 2
  5. Avatar Kate O

    those are leather seats. there’s no way anyone in their right mind would put vinyl seats in a corvette! I think the driver’s side looks a bit “shiny” because of more use but look closer at the passenger side

    Like 0
  6. Avatar jokacz

    I knew someone who had the same color 65 coupe with a 3 speed. He got the 3 speed to save the 188 bucks that a 4 speed would have cost. This can’t be his car because he would never spring for leather or white walls. And the guy was from a wealthy family. I guess that’s how the rich stay rich.

    Like 1
    • Avatar jokacz

      3 speeds are very rare, but I hope that doesn’t make them desirable.

      Like 3
      • Avatar 370zpp Member

        Yeah, kinda like fender skirts.

        Like 0
  7. Avatar eusmine Member

    I would’t restore that car for any amount of money.
    Looks amazing as-is and would be much more fun to drive.

    The green interior would not be my pick if ordering new but it adds a cool theme to the car for a survivor.

    Very Nice.

    Like 0

Leave a Reply to Turbo Cancel reply

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.