Rare Color: 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe

Finding a solid C2 Corvette project car can be a battle. Production numbers were reasonably respectable, but as is often the case with any motor vehicle, the introduction of the C3 saw C2 values tumble. That means that many examples were driven into the ground by uncaring owners, while others were chopped and hacked to spend their remaining days on race tracks of one type or another. This 1965 Corvette Coupe has avoided all of those dramas, and it remains a solid and roadworthy survivor. It would benefit from some restoration work, but one of its key attractions is that its solid nature means that the buyer could tackle that work as time and circumstances allow. If this is starting to sound tempting, you will find the Coupe located in Woodstock, Connecticut, and listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set the BIN at $59,995, although the option is available to make an offer.

Chevrolet offered potential buyers the choice of nine paint colors on the ’65 Corvette, and the production figures make interesting reading. The most popular by a wide margin was Nassau Blue, with 6,022 buyers selecting that shade. Surprisingly, the least popular was Tuxedo Black, with a mere 1,191 owners ticking that box on the Order Form. Our feature car wears Goldwood Yellow, and this has two claims to fame. The first is that with only 1,275 Corvettes rolling off the line in this color, it is the second-rarest shade to grace a ‘Vette in that model year. Adding to its appeal, the company only offered the color during 1965. The seller admits that a previous owner treated the Corvette to a repaint in its original color many years ago and that it looks tired today. There’s no doubt that it would respond positively to another dose of the same treatment, but that is something that the buyer could tackle as time, circumstances, and money allow. The supplied photos aren’t highly detailed, but they seem to indicate that the fiberglass is in good condition, with no significant work required before the cosmetic refresh takes place. If all that sounds good, being told that the car has spent its life in the dry climes of Arizona is potentially the icing on the cake. That means that it should be no surprise to learn that the frame and birdcage are rust-free. The exterior trim looks like it might respond positively to some elbow grease and a high-quality polish, while the tinted glass seems to be free from significant problems.

If this Corvette has a significant negative when we start to determine its potential value, it is that it isn’t numbers-matching. The owner admits that a NOM small-block occupies the engine bay, but its specifications remain unknown. An in-person inspection would help unravel the mystery, and when we’re talking about an investment as significant as this, it is a course of action that I would strongly advise. Bolted to the small-block is a four-speed manual transmission, and even if the motor is the entry-level 327, it should allow this ‘Vette to churn out a sub-16-second ¼-mile ET. You’ve been patient up until now, so I think that it’s only fair that I throw you a spot of good news. This Coupe may look tired, but it is mechanically healthy. The owner says that not only is it roadworthy, but that it runs and drives extremely well. That leaves the option for the buyer to hit the road as soon as the cash changes hand for a spot of instant gratification.

How the buyer tackles this Corvette’s interior will be a matter of personal preference. There is a split in the driver’s seat, and a few trim pieces are missing, but it does remain serviceable. I mentioned preferences because the previous owner has made some trim changes inside this classic. The Tag shows a trim code of 437. That indicates vinyl upholstery in a combination of Black and White. The dash and carpet would have been Black. However, the remaining upholstered surfaces, including the seats and door trims, would have worn White vinyl. An interior in that configuration provides a striking visual impact, and if I were to buy this classic, I would reinstate the original look. It is worth noting that while some trim pieces are missing, the original factory air conditioning system appears to be intact.

This 1965 Corvette Coupe leaves me in a quandary. I would love to describe it as a survivor, but I don’t believe it qualifies to wear that label. The non-original motor and the interior trim color change undermine its credibility on that score. Even if the car is restored to its original appearance, the engine will potentially impact its ultimate value. If the underside is as clean as the seller suggests, whipping the paint and interior into shape should not be complicated or particularly expensive. The relative rarity of the paint color is unlikely to offset the motor question, but the ‘Vette has generated its share of interest since the owner listed it for sale. I think that the BIN price is high, but with ninety-four people watching the listing, I wouldn’t be surprised to see this classic head to a new home pretty soon.