Some classic cars leave their owners facing difficult decisions. That would appear to be the case with this 1965 Chevrolet Corvette. It looks slightly rough around the edges, but it retains most of its original paint and interior trim. That means that its new owner will have to decide whether they head towards a faithful restoration or whether maintaining it untouched is their best option. If we examine the car more closely, we may find one aspect that tips the scales in favor of the restoration path. Located in Ransomville, New York, you will find the Corvette listed for sale here on eBay. Strong bidding has seen the price reach $50,499, but this remains short of the reserve.
At first glance, there is clear evidence that this Corvette is no trailer queen, but its condition is acceptable for a survivor-grade car. The seller indicates that most of its Ermine White paint is original, with only the occasional touch-up. It still shines fairly impressively for its age, although a perfectionist would be sorely tempted to treat the car to a cosmetic refresh. The fiberglass shows no evidence of crazing or any other issues. There are no signs of any prior accident damage, and when we delve below the surface, the frame looks rock solid. The exterior trim and chrome look as tidy as the paint and panels, while there are no problems with the tinted glass. That would make retaining this car as an original survivor seem like a no-brainer. However, one aspect may tip the scales towards a restoration.
The seller supplies no engine photos but says that the ‘Vette features the 250hp version of the 327ci V8 wearing the cosmetic updates to present like the 300hp motor. Bolted to the 327 is a four-speed manual transmission, with this combination offering the potential of a ¼ mile ET of 15.3 seconds. The seller indicates that this classic runs and drives well, describing it as an excellent driver-quality car. That brings us to the point where we must consider whether the buyer may choose to restore or preserve this Corvette. The seller states that the transmission, starter, alternator, and water pump, are original. However, the motor doesn’t rate in that list. It suggests that the car is not a numbers-matching classic. Therefore, retaining it as an original survivor is no longer as high a priority as it may have been. That could make the restoration Vs. preservation question easier for the buyer to answer. It will still be a tough choice, and I’m glad it is them rather than me facing it.
The interior trim is one aspect of this Corvette with no questions hanging over its originality. Its first owner ordered the car upholstered in blue vinyl, which remains untouched, with no additions or modifications. After fifty-seven years, it is showing its age. The carpet is badly worn and faded, while the seats have a couple of splits and seam separations. However, the rest of the interior doesn’t look too bad. There is no crumbling plastic, physical damage, or other issues for the buyer to consider. If the buyer isn’t concerned about originality, a new carpet set and seat covers will lift the interior enormously. It isn’t highly optioned, but it does feature a factory AM/FM radio.
There’s no questioning the desirability of the C2 Corvette, and the fact that this car has already received thirty-one bids is proof positive. Plenty of time remains on this auction, meaning that if you find yourself drawn toward this classic, you have the chance to stake your claim. If you are considering making a move, which path would you take? Would you keep the car as it stands, or does the question mark hanging over the originality of its engine tip you towards returning it to its former glory? If you are the successful bidder, I’m sure that all of us would be interested to know your course of action.
I would buy it and drive it. Until I won the lottery.
Not to pick nits, but the tags are ’66 – ’72. They are, however, correct to the area. Ransomville is in Niagara County, hence “NF” for Niagara Falls DMV office. That aside, this is a real looker. It could be a really nice driver.
Ransomville, LOL! I’d drive it as is after going thru the mechanics. Lots of suspect bidders but still hasnt hit the ransom, errrrrr, reserve. Presents nice. Looker over good.
Cheers
GPC
I always wonder how oil pans he dents anywhere on them, that location is weird.
What?
Daral, I got a dent like that on the oil pan of my ’64 Chevy C-10 panel. It was caused by a rock that popped off of my left front tire. I was just glad it didn’t make a hole.
Man … if only we had known back then to get the original short block rebuilt instead of using it for a core.
I am from the area and I’d be greatful the dented pan isn’t worse. These kinds of dents are also common during backyard engine removal. Great car! Would easily be a great driver!
There’s a lot going on with this motor. I looked at it and what the seller said with interest, so I did some homework on it. The “HE” engine code is correct for a 65 Vette, 250 HP 327, 4 speed. But the same engine code could also be a 66/68 Vette, 300 HP 327, 4 speed. Since the seller does NOT list the engine under “Original parts” in the eBay listing, it has to make you question if it is original or not. If the block is not original, the “Survivor” value goes out the window.
The block casting number, 3782870 was used in lots of 327 Vettes from the mid 1960’s. I can see a casting date that looks to me like D215. That would be April 21, 1965. If that’s correct, it makes the block a 1965 250 HP 327 just like the seller claims it to be.
The VIN number tells me that it was probably built late in the model year, it’s VIN 22367 of 23654 built. So the motor was probably built in May of 1965, that makes the block casting date believable. I’m sure somebody will tell us exactly what day the car was built, but that’s not me.
The carburetor is a Carter 3721 that is correct for a 1965 300 HP 327. The correct carb. for this car (If it is a 250 HP 327) would be a Carter 3697. The aluminum intake is not correct for a 250 or 300 HP 327 as far as I know. Both are cast iron. The intake for a 65 350 HP 327 would be aluminum, that’s my guess at what it may be. I have one, but at this point in the night I’m not going to the barn to look at a part number.
Before offering $50K for it, I would look it over VERY closely in person and consult an expert who knows a lot more than I do, because there’s a LOT going on here.
I’d preserve it and leave the number matching obsessed to look for another car… the seat of the pants experience will be the same.
Joe
Joe, you’re correct. It will drive just the same whether it’s numbers matching or not. I just don’t want somebody to pay “numbers matching money” for it if it doesn’t have the original engine block and heads. From what I see, that may or may not be the case.
The fact that the seller lists what is original and the engine isn’t there, makes me question it. Then there are shots of the block casting number and casting date, but no picture or mention of the complete block stamping is also curious. Usually when things like this happen, somebody is covering up something.
I’m not big on numbers matching, restored to better than factory cars. I have a 69 Z/28 that’s low miles and mostly numbers matching. But it’s a “day two” car with a Moroso cool can under the hood and towing lugs welded on the frame from the days when the original owner towed it to the drag strip in Richmond VA. I haven’t changed it in 40 years I’ve had it and I’m not going to. A couple guys at the local shows with perfectly restored cars look at it and don’t understand why I won’t get rid of the obvious hot rod stuff, but it is the way it was in the 1970’s and I like it that way.
Ended at $51,000, Reserve Not Met.
Begs the question: Just what is a non-numbers matching mid-year Corvette really worth?