1965 was mid-way through the run for the second generation of the Chevrolet Corvette, which began with the 1963 year model and lasted through the ’67.  Chevy made a total of 23,562 Corvettes for 1965, of which 15,376 were convertible models, so this is one of those cases where the coupe is rarer than the drop-top.  Lots of enthusiasts remember the ’65 Corvette for being the year of the big block, as it could be had with Chevy’s new 396 power plant, which required a special hood just to make room for the large engine.  While the 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible offered for sale here on eBay is not equipped with the monster motor, it does have an interesting history and plenty of good things going for it, so if you’ve been looking for a C2 project this one may be worth checking out.  The car is located in Monrovia, Maryland, with a current bid of $23,399 and the reserve not met.

Although we don’t get the exact up-to-the-minute status of the car, it sounds like the seller may have recently acquired the Corvette from a garage where it had been sitting since 1993, as he mentions that this was the last year the car was on the road.  In the early seventies, it was turned into a street and strip car, with some really beefy tires on the rear and fender flares added.  The seller says that the car appears to have never been hit or wrecked, but headlights and buckets have been glassed over on the front.  Doors are said to close with one finger!

Inside, the original dashboard is stated to be in excellent shape with no cracks, and the original radio is still in place.  The ‘Vette was a factory 4-Speed but was changed to an automatic in the eighties, so the wife of one of its owners could drive it.  The clutch pedal assembly is still intact, which is a little odd, but probably a not too difficult weekend change-out if the new owner chooses to leave the Turbo Hydramatic 350 automatic in the car.  No word on the gauges or if they are all functioning, but they do look to be in well-preserved condition cosmetically.

A 1965 dated 327 HO code engine has been installed, and although it sat for a long time, the seller says it fired right up with a jug of gas after he replaced the coil, points, and condenser.  He also says the motor has no leaks and doesn’t smoke, and that it carried 60 pounds of oil pressure when tested.  A new gas tank also comes with the car, and the seller believes it wouldn’t take a whole lot more effort to drive the car as it is.  The car also has a factory positraction rear end, with the tag still on it.

Being off the road for so long and sitting in a garage has been kind to the underside of this Corvette, which the seller says has helped save the frame.  The pictures showing the south side don’t seem to show anything to cause immediate alarm, just what appears to be some surface rust down there.  The birdcage is also said to be solid.  What are your thoughts on this 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible?