Chevrolet had quite the year in 1965 with their already legendary Corvette. Total sales exceeded 23K units – an all-time high, new exciting engine options were introduced, and the old familiar power plants were still on board. The long arm of the law, regulatory-wise, was still a few years off and the ‘Vette’s present and future were bright indeed! And for your viewing enjoyment, today we have a beautiful and rare example from that halcyon year. It is located in Lynnwood, Washington and is available, here on eBay for $60,200, reserve not yet met. There is a BIN option of $79,950 too.
Convertible models outsold the coupe by almost two to one in ’65, a surprise for me as I casually assumed it was the other way around. The 250 HP, 327 CI V8 was still the standard engine and the vaunted 375 HP, “fuelie” continued in the line-up as well. New powerplants included a hydraulic lifter equipped 350 HP, 327 CI, and a brand new 425 HP, 396 CI Mark IV big-block motor. Four-wheel disc brakes became standard though 316 souls opted for a “drum brake credit”. And, side exhausts made their first factory appearance.
Tuxedo Black is considered a rare color for ’65 though there were 1,100+ examples produced. That said, it was the least selected color with Nassau Blue coming in first. And speaking of black, this Corvette is resplendent in its Tuxedo. Black is a tricky color, it will show, and magnify, every ding, depression or wave, – a trait that sometimes occurs along a Corvette’s bonding strips and header panel. That’s not the case here however, the seller doesn’t detail the age of the finish other than to say, “older paint” so it’s probably an older repaint but regardless, the images show no issues. Some may consider the white-stripe tires to be quaint while others might think that they are completely incongruous on a car like a C2 ‘Vette but they were a typical 1965 option with 19K buyers anteing up. Also of note, is the first year “hood stinger”, it would be repeated in ’66 and then changed for ’67.
And that hood stinger is all telling as it indicates that this Corvette is powered by Chevrolet’s new, one-year-only (or half-year only) 425 gross HP, 396 CI big-block, “L78” V8 engine. Introduced mid-model year, 2,157 buyers selected the $292 option. The engine appears to be pretty original except for the bell housing which is of a scatter-shield design. Gear changes are handled by a Muncie four-speed manual transmission but the seller doesn’t state which one, the standard M20 wide-ratio unit or the new for ’65, M22 “Rock Crusher” close-ratio gearbox. Research indicates that there were only about 30 cars equipped with the M22 so chances are good, this isn’t one of them. So, how’s it run? The seller claims, “Fast fun affordable“. Agreed on points one and two, the third is debatable.
The interior is as nice as the exterior though the seats have that comfortably used English smoking room look about themselves – the leather is a bit creased. It’s a nice effect but may not appeal to all. The remainder, including the door panels, carpet, instrument panel, and rear cargo compartment present perfectly and appear to need nothing. One of the neatest traits of a C2 interior is the vertically mounted radio, it’s a small item but a defining one too.
The 396 engine was short-lived for Corvette as it was replaced in 1966 with the L72, 427 CI motor. Interestingly the HP output assigned was the same 425 gross HP rating as the 396. The debate will continue regarding the handling characteristics of the small-block vs. the big block-equipped car and I’m hardly the expert on that topic. Whatever the case, this ’65 Corvette has to be a blast to drive – I know that I would enjoy it, how about you?
Thanks to Corvsport for all of the statistics.
Where are the back up lights? Super car!!
the back up lights were part of the “comfort & convenience group” (option code ZO1) for $16.15. So this car doesn’t have that option. I guess you take someone with you who gets out to let people know behind you that you’re backing up. If I can’t drive it, I’ll volunteer to be the “back up guy”.
Hide a backup beeper somewhere. They used to sell them in a license plate frame. I had one on my pickup when I did field service. You weren’t allowed to drive on many work sites without one.
I believe the original bias plies were even skinnier, tho can wider tires be fitted w/o fender lip clearance issues? These radials as well seem too skinny for a big block. Odd that Hankook tires(fitted here) these days seem more popular than American made tires on classic cars – is lower price the reason?
IMO no need for such a heavy expensive battery.
If you need the larger size tires with a whitewall (225 R75 14 or 15, for example) Hankook is one of the very few manufacturers making those sizes. :-)
That’s one beautiful machine right there.
Wow. I just got through dreaming about the B5 Cuda also featured today and then I stumbled upon this fantastic beauty.
I need to dry the drool from my keyboard before it starts smoking.
It’s a beautiful car, still would prefer a proper SBC in it but I sure wouldn’t push it out of the garage for having a big block in it.
Is that a HEI ingnition?
Standard points ignition. The chrome cover is part of the factory installed system to reduce electrical interference to the radio.
The 396 came standard with the K66 option (transistor ignition)
I bought a new 1967 fast back coupe with 427 435 horse power 4-speed, side pipes were so loud I hated that, also summer time the heat from those pipes was awful. I did love the car it was fast and a neat car to have. But I didn’t have a choice when I bought the car, the 68’s were being ordered then so you had to take what dealers had on stock. I wanted a small Block and no side pipes but I love the car and couldn’t order what I wanted in 1967. You had to order 6 months in advance to get what you wanted. I didn’t know that then. So I took what they had on the New Car lot. Oh well it was a fun car .
This was always my favorite Corvette hood scoop/bulge.
Beautiful car.
geez, am i the only one that sees the BIN as reasonable or, dare i say it, a bargain at $80k for this monster?
Beautiful Corvette. Of all of the midyears I think the ’65 396 is my favorite. The fact that the 396 was the first big block offered in the Corvette and was available only for part of one year, makes these pretty rare. That the SS396 Chevelle became so strongly identified with muscle cars of the era adds to the attraction. Re the whitewalls, they were pretty much the norm for the time, Corvettes not being an exception (if you look at a midyear Corvette brochure whitewalls will be on most of the cars).
I had a black on black that got away. Awesome running car. 396 m21 and 4.11 gears.
Incorrect spark plug wires.
Is this car still available?