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Original Paint: 1965 Chevrolet Corvette

With the classic market favoring original and unmolested vehicles, it is little wonder that this 1965 Corvette Coupe has generated plenty of interest since hitting the market. It is as original as you are likely to find, and while it isn’t perfect, there’s no doubt it would attract attention due to its unmolested nature. It needs a new home and an owner willing to treat it with ongoing care and respect. The ‘Vette is listed here on eBay in Kingston, New York. The seller set their BIN at $58,999 but will entertain offers.

If you examine the history of the Corvette, you soon discover that each generation received ongoing evolutionary styling updates, as opposed to wholesale changes. The C2 is no exception, with the company treating the 1965 model to a restyled hood, functional front fender vents, and new rocker moldings. Otherwise, it was business as usual. Our feature car is 1-of-2,831 to leave the factory wearing Milano Maroon paint. If I’m brutally honest, it doesn’t rate as my favorite shade from that year. However, that’s a matter of personal taste, and the order figure represents a take-up rate of a respectable 12%. The paint is original except for a minor repair on the left front corner. The supplied photos don’t show it clearly, but the paint has fine cracks and marks, which is understandable given its age. That doesn’t detract unduly from the presentation because the car retains a respectable shine. The fiberglass also shows a few small marks, but nothing requiring immediate attention. The underside shots reveals the frame as spotlessly clean and rock-solid, while the shining chrome and original glass round out a car guaranteed to attract favorable comments.

The originality of this Corvette extends to its drivetrain components. The car’s first owner ordered it equipped with the L79 version of the 327ci V8. This sweet little motor pumps out 350hp, which feeds to the road via a four-speed manual transmission. They also splashed an additional $75.35 on the transistor ignition, with this combination allowing the car to storm the ¼ mile in 14.2 seconds before winding its way to 137mph. The engine bay presents superbly, with the only significant change being the recent replacement of the internal components in the ignition system. The seller fitted a new fuel tank and sender unit, along with a host of suspension and braking components, as part of an ongoing maintenance program to ensure the vehicle is in sound mechanical health. They supply no information on how this classic runs or drives, but the indications are positive.

This Corvette’s interior is as unmolested as the rest of the vehicle. It features Maroon vinyl upholstery that is generally in good condition. There is a seam split on the driver’s seat base, and I would consult an upholsterer to determine whether it is repairable. I would adopt this approach, hoping to maintain the car’s survivor status. The carpet exhibits fading typical with Corvettes of this age, but the rest of the interior looks excellent for a driver-grade classic. The seller indicates everything works as it should, including the factory AM/FM radio and power antenna.

Some cars generate more interest than others when they hit the market, and the fact this 1965 Corvette already has 175 people watching the listing suggests it has struck a chord with enthusiasts. I have no doubt it will divide opinions, and that diversity is one of the attractive aspects of the classic scene. Some will argue that the vehicle needs a light cosmetic refresh to help it stand out. Others will state that with originality being a desirable quality, the new owner should leave the car generally untouched. I would probably consult an upholsterer to see whether the split seat upholstery is repairable. That would be the only item I’d touch because it seems to have no other pressing needs. Do you agree?

Comments

  1. Avatar 370zpp Member

    Leave it just like it is. Enjoy.

    Like 11
  2. Avatar Rixx56 Member

    Looks great, well priced; going only up!
    Another ‘Vette tempting many…

    Like 2
  3. Avatar CarNutDan

    My next door neighbor had one just like it but the orginal engine was worn out so he found a replacement 327 engine from a 68 chevy wagon. I Loved that car!

    Like 1
  4. Avatar Jerry Bramlett

    Not a fan.

    That looks like a mostly original interior, but I’m not buying the rest of the “originality”. Certainly not the paint, and maybe not even the block.

    The dealer admits it’s had bodywork on the left front. Look at the poor hood fit too. You can see the seam depressions in every original paint Corvette after this much time. I don’t see any in this one. A definite repaint.

    Like 6
  5. Avatar 19sixty5 Member

    Lots of rattle can overspray around that spotless frame…

    Like 2
  6. Avatar Frank Sumatra

    Jim Glass Corvette has been in business for at least 35 years, if not longer.I doubt he has lasted that long by selling sketchy cars.

    Like 4
  7. Avatar dogwater

    Wow Bramett picky picky the body lines on these corvettes were not perfect from the factory and it is rare that a car this old hasn’t had some body work like the ford Pinto you drive.

    Like 3
    • Avatar Jerry Bramlett

      Oh yeah? At least my Pinto has original paint. I think.

      Like 2
  8. Avatar Bill

    Amazing body style but all bling, big blocks of that vintage were death traps,cheaply made and terrible assembly fit,huge money pits,corvettes have always been sh***y magazine cars but I fell for the bling 3 times and contemplated a 4th anway.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar wuzjeepnowsaab

    Wow this seems like a very reasonable asking number for a nice looking unrestored StingRay given what polished up ones bring. With 250+ watchers I’m not the only one that thinks so I guess.

    Like 0
  10. Avatar George Mattar

    Jim Glass has been in business many years. No one is perfect. Nor is any car perfect. His price is below what I thought it would be. To expect a 57 year old car to have zero touch up is just insane. Wish I had room in my garage. I live an hour away.

    Like 1
  11. Avatar Joe Haska

    I am always surprised at how critical many B/F readers can be. I realize most of the time, I just take things at face value. However when it is something I think I have experience and knowledge with, I do get a lot more vocal. So I do like to pay attention to the critical comments ,because there is a good chance they are coming from people who know what they are talking about.

    Like 1

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