Pick Your Color: 1965 Chevrolet Corvette

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Buying an unfinished project build can be fraught with perils. Sometimes it can be hard to know what you are getting yourself into, as a coating of primer can hide some pretty awful secrets beneath. That doesn’t appear to be the case with this 1965 Chevrolet Corvette. The project has stalled at a point where potential buyers can see exactly what they are getting for their money, and what they are getting is a project that shows plenty of promise. It appears that most of the hard work is done, and the new owner will need to add the finishing touches and choose what paint color they wish to apply to the beautiful fiberglass body. Located in Lexington, South Carolina, you will find the Corvette listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has hit $27,800, but this remains short of the reserve. The owner offers a BIN option, which he has set at $42,500. A big thank you has to go out to Barn Finder Larry D, who has once again managed to spot a fantastic project for us.

It appears that this Corvette has led quite a life because there is evidence that it has worn at least two different paint shades throughout its existence. However, the Trim Tag indicates that it rolled off the line finished in attractive Glen Green. Those days are long behind it now, but the car is at the point where some basic preparation could see the next owner apply a fresh coat of paint reasonably quickly. The fiberglass generally looks in good condition, with no significant flaws or problems. There may be a small few small cracks and spider-webbing, but addressing these should be a straightforward process. The frame for the soft-top is in good condition, but the owner admits that the soft-top itself will need to be replaced. There is a factory hardtop included, which is also due for restoration. The owner includes a good collection of exterior trim pieces in the sale, but the buyer may need to locate items like new bumpers.

While the buyer may need to spend some time and money on the panels and paint, the frame and drivetrain present no such challenges. The owner has beautifully restored the frame, and it is in as-new condition. Slotted into the frame is a 1963-vintage 327ci V8 that would produce 300hp. Those ponies find their way to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. While the vehicle is not numbers-matching, both the engine and transmission are freshly rebuilt. The owner has coaxed the motor to life, and he says it sounds extremely nice. He has also installed many new suspension components, new fuel lines, new brake lines, a new fuel tank, and other hardware as needed. Once reassembled, this Corvette should drive like a new car.

This shot reveals that there are plenty of parts included in this sale. It appears that there is a new teakwood wheel, along with many interior trim pieces. However, the owner indicates that the Corvette will require an interior restoration. Scrutinizing the supplied photo suggests that most of the major components are present, so a trim kit may be the most apparent course of action. When finished in vinyl, these generally sell for around $2,200. That isn’t exactly pocket change, but it represents a one-off expense in a project of this type.

Imagine for a moment that you have this 1965 Corvette parked in your workshop. You have worked through preparing the panels, and you’re ready to apply a fresh coat of paint. Do you opt for its original Glen Green, or is there another shade from the 1965 color palette that takes your fancy? Maybe you don’t want to stick with a factory color. Due to the stage that the preparation has reached, you could apply any color that takes your fancy. In such a case, what would your choice be? I look forward to reading your feedback on this one. I’m also interested to know if any of you feel inclined to pursue this one further.

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Comments

  1. doug

    Seriously, is anyone dumb enough to 42,500 for this run of the mill POS?

    Like 9
  2. ruxvette

    No POS, it’s a decent car. However, as you point out, $42k for a finished $75k car? It would be a labor of love.

    Like 5
  3. dogwater

    Great project for someone that could do a lot of the work themselves. but I think the price is a little high.( and Doug if someone paid for 42K there not dumb they have the money you don’t have)

    Like 12
  4. Chuck

    Dogwater, so you are saying just because a person has the money and does something dumb it makes him smart???
    FYI, it is their, not there.

    Like 1
    • ruxvette

      It’s actually they’re…

      Like 15
  5. Chuck

    dogwater, so you are saying that because a person has the money to do something dumb, it makes him smart??
    FYI, it is their, not there.

    Like 0
  6. bigbird

    If you know fiberglass and paint this would be a great one to finish off. Any Corvette, even the cross-fire dogs are going up in value. I would like to see someone get it and finish, not just stick back in the garage.

    Like 1
  7. ruxvette

    It’s actually they’re

    Like 3
  8. gbvette62

    I really wish that Barnfinds writers would learn the difference between the a Corvette standard “walnut” grain plastic steering wheel, and the optional real wood teak wheel. Like most Corvettes, this car has the standard plastic wheel, yet once again a Barnfinds writer is claiming it’s a teak wheel.

    Considering that this car is probably a $60K car when done, $42,5K is a little strong, but not far out of line. A lot of work has been done, but if you’re paying someone else to do the paint. interior, & top, you’re going to be investing another $20K-$25K in the car. If you can buy the car for $40K, and only put another $25K in it, unless you’re a flipper, how can you go wrong. In this day and age to have $65K tied up in a car that’s worth $60K, is a win. Drive it and enjoy it for a few years, and the fun you’ll have with it will be easily worth the extra $5K.

    Like 3
  9. Ron

    Very nice completed cars are available from the high $40’s to the high $50’s so yes $42 for one with this much work left to do is too much…

    Like 0
  10. Jerry

    I’ve seen finished or survivor matching number 65’s in the mid $60’s. Way to expensive for a NOM project.

    Like 0
  11. George Mattar

    When I saw that black paint where the VIN and trim tags are riveted, I smelled a rat. That originally was that baby puke green color. If the car was rust free, why does he need repo tags? Yes, a ton of work has been done, but there is plenty do and yes $42,500 is too much.

    Like 0
    • gbvette62

      I just checked back in to mention the seller’s comment that the car had reproduction trim and VIN tags. I’d missed that when I looked at the ad earlier, and as far as I’m concerned, they’re a big red flag and a deal killer. I didn’t look that closely at the pic of the tags, partly because the shot’s not that good, and partly because Glen green is an attractive color, but not one that is usually chosen by owners changing a car’s color.

      By the way, Glen Green is not “baby puke green”, it’s a very dark green, so dark that in certain light it looks black. It’s a one year color, and looks really good on a car with saddle interior, knock offs and gold lines. I don’t know of any 60’s Corvette color that I’d describe as baby puke green.

      Like 2
  12. Carmanic CarmanicMember

    Having rebuilt a pile of parts into a pretty nice “Heinz 57” ’64 convertible, I felt the onset of a panic attack when I saw this ad. If you didn’t disassemble it and never rebuilt one of these, run away. Despite being a high-ish volume, well-documented car built on a production line, the hand-fit nature and reassembly sequence of literally everything will take every ounce of your patience and every moment of your free time. Yes when you are done you will have one of the most gorgeous things with four wheels, but it’s not going to come easy or cheap.

    Like 0

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