Original Paint: 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 427/4-Speed

This 1966 Chevrolet Corvette ticks enough boxes to make potential buyers sit up and take notice. It is a well-documented vehicle with desirable factory options, and it wears its original paint on an undamaged body. The big-block under the hood and odometer reading of 64,800 miles probably seals the deal, explaining why it has attracted plenty of interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Exton, Pennsylvania. Bidding sits below the reserve at $51,800, and it will be fascinating to see how much higher it must climb before the shackles are off on this beauty.

The 1966 model year brought minor evolutionary changes to the Corvette’s exterior. Chevrolet was biding its time, knowing that an entirely new model with what would become iconic styling was only a couple of years away. This ‘Vette rolled off the line wearing Mosport Green paint, bringing us to the first aspect of this classic that commands attention. The seller claims that the paint is original and that the car’s fiberglass panels have never suffered a hit or any other damage. That makes the presentation admirable if the information is correct. There are no significant issues for the winning bidder to tackle, and preserving it as a survivor appears viable. The underside shots add a slice of intrigue because the frame and floors are so clean you would think the car recently rolled off the production line. No explanation is provided, but the photos confirm this classic is structurally sound. The chrome and tinted glass look excellent for a driver-grade vehicle, and this Corvette retains its original hubcaps.

The impressive presentation continues inside this Corvette, with the excellent Black vinyl upholstered surfaces. It is another aspect of the car that raises a small question in my mind because the seatcovers look far tighter than I would expect from a vehicle of this age. Slight stretching would have been unsurprising, but these look virtually perfect. The carpet has some slight fading and wear on the driver’s side outer edge, and the Black finish on the gauge fascia shows minor deterioration. However, with the gauges featuring clear lenses and crisp markings and no evidence of aftermarket additions, this interior has no apparent needs.

Some purists will be disappointed to learn this Corvette isn’t numbers-matching. However, that isn’t the end of the world. Vehicles of this caliber featuring a 100% original drivetrain will inevitably command a premium in the market, and some owners will limit their use due to the significant investment involved. Classics like this Corvette will almost invariably sell for less, meaning owners are generally more willing to hit the road for some motoring pleasure. This ‘Vette’s engine bay houses the 427ci V8, with the original owner adding a four-speed manual transmission, power steering, and power brakes. If the air cleaner decal is correct, this big-block should produce 390hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque. Those figures promise ferocious performance from a car tipping the scales at 3,329 lbs. The seller states the car has a genuine 64,800 miles on the clock but fails to mention verifying evidence. However, it runs and drives perfectly, meaning the new owner could fly in and bond with this gem as they drive it home.

If this 1966 Corvette were a numbers-matching survivor, I would expect an original example that presents this well to comfortably top $70,000 on eBay. A higher figure could be there for the taking if two or more people are determined enough. However, the loss of its original big-block will impact its potential value. That factor hasn’t deterred people, with the ‘Vette already receiving twenty-five bids. This classic is well beyond my budget, but I’ll watch the auction to see the result. Will you join me, or are you joining the bidding party?