Hiding in this garage is an unfinished project build showing plenty of promise. This 1965 Corvette Convertible features fresh paint and a rebuilt engine. With the more difficult and expensive work complete, the buyer faces the prospect of adding the finishing touches. The seller has listed the Corvette here on eBay in Marble Falls, Texas. Bidding sits below the reserve at $25,100 with a BIN option of $39,000 available for those wishing to bypass the auction process.
The seller is quite sparing with their information about this Corvette, failing to reveal if it represents a faithful restoration. If that is the case, that makes it 1-of-1,191 Corvettes produced in 1965 wearing Tuxedo Black paint. The only rarer shade was Goldwood yellow, with a tally of 1,275. The seller states that the car was recently repainted using a two-stage process, although it requires a wash and a cut and buff to present at its best. The fiberglass appears free from cracks and other problems, and it seems that there are no rust issues. The deal includes an excellent factory hardtop, but it is unclear whether there is a soft-top. Another great unknown is the presence, or otherwise, of trim items like bumpers and badges. They don’t rate a mention in the listing text, and I can’t spot these items in the included images.
The mystery deepens when we tip the hood forward, because it is unclear whether the 327ci V8 occupying this Corvette’s engine bay is numbers-matching. The seller also doesn’t enlighten us regarding which version it is, but with the entry-level engine producing 250hp, this car’s performance would have been considered quite impressive in 1965. A four-speed manual transmission is hooked to the engine, and once again, it is unclear whether it is original. The seller states that the V8 hasn’t fired into life since receiving a rebuild, and that it will require wiring and other work before that happens. They purchased new brake calipers and a fuel tank that the buyer can install as the build progresses.
The unfinished nature of this build is best reflected by this Corvette’s interior. The dash needs restoration, the upholstered surfaces require a retrim, and it appears that one of the seats is missing. The photos also suggest that some bright trim pieces may not be fit for purpose, further adding to the financial burden. However, with high-quality parts and kits readily available, there is nothing to prevent the interior from returning to a factory fresh state if the buyer is willing to splash their cash.
While some enthusiasts are unwilling to tackle an unfinished project build, the listing statistics for this 1965 Corvette Convertible demonstrate that people are willing to take on this classic. It has received over 900 views in the last day, and with Watch List and bid tallies of 71 and 11, respectively, I believe that it will find a new home. The paint and engine rebuild would have been the most expensive aspects, although there is still a shopping list of parts required before the car recaptures its former glory. Is this a project that you might consider, or will you monitor the auction as an interested spectator?
I am always leery of an unfinished project. The engine doesn’t state professional rebuild or ever started? No receipts of engine rebuild showing what was completed on the engine. The engine as stated is not necessarily numbers matching or what missing items to complete. To me 40 grand is a big ask with less information, but good luck completing and definitely get a wiring harness for 1400 to complete that section as bad wiring harnesses causes fires. I wish the buyer luck on his project car and hope all works out great with a good base that has a strong frame, bird cage and getting missing parts. The black color is a nice color on C2 Corvettes.
To me, it looks like a bag of filth. You don’t get any info on the car. It may be fine, but I’d be getting it pretty cheap before I’d take a chance on it, good look sellr.
engine doesn’t look like rebuild, just fresh paint on some of intake, not on back part of intake. Also oil pan smashed & lower block doesn’t have fresh paint. Looks like engine was ran a lot, paint burned off sides of block. Nose should be checked to see if bonding strips there & not damaged. Frame doesn’t look very clean to me, looks pitted.
I contacted the seller through eBay. He responded quickly and politely, but didn’t offer his name or phone number. He answered my questions clearly.
The original trim and VIN tags are present below the glove box. The car left the assembly line painted maroon with a maroon vinyl interior. He does have a used Harrison radiator for it. The fan shroud he has looks like it may fit a passenger car. There are no bumpers or brackets, or trim for the hard top. The tach has a solid-lifter redline.
The ad photos show a cut-out for battery installation at the rear of the driver’s fenderwell. This indicates a driver’s side battery tray which usually (but not always) means a 396 or factory a.c. car. The hood on it now is for a small block, and the dash has no a.c. controls or outlets. The hubcaps in the photos are from a ’66 Corvette. The center console appears to be from a ’63 Corvette. The plastic woodgrain steering wheel has a bad split at the top.
I’m not going to bid on the car. It would just be too time-consuming and expensive when done for me.
I agree, also no soft top frame which will cost over $3000.
Vastly OVERPRICED BIN given the condition, what is missing and what the car needs.
The end of the auction will NOT break $30K in my opinion.
I don’t know what it’ll sell for but with more than 4 days left and $1825 remaining to surpass your top dollar estimate seems unrealistic.
If we’re betting I’d say it’ll end closer to the BIN than to 30k
It looks and sounds like it may need alot to finish. What about the one behind it???
Vin has an approx build date in June 1965.
Last 5 of vin are 19212.
Trans code says Muncie was built April 7.
Sure would be nice to see the engine stamp pad – but if the deck was blocked it may be absent.
if the dash is correct and no ac there is only one other thing it can be is a 396 car then the price is ok
James, there have been documented cases of ’65 Corvettes built with that fenderwell panel that were not 396 or factory a.c. cars. Also, it’s possible that the front fiberglass has been replaced on this car.
If it’s a 396 car, there are other clues that would confirm it. I just can’t see enough in those terrible engine compartment photos to tell exactly what engine originally came in this car.
thanks jerry
Small block valve covers.
Come on people stop nitpicking if the frame and birdcage is good it will be a great project the C2 will always hold there value
SOLD for $31,100.