Some owners demonstrate greater restraint than I will ever possess. I can’t imagine owning a classic like this 1965 Corvette Convertible and leaving it in storage for over thirty-five years. That is its story, although the dry environment has left it structurally sound and ripe for a faithful restoration. Adding to the Corvette’s appeal, the engine bay houses the L76 version of the beautiful 327ci V8. It is set for a new home, and with the bidding past the reserve, that move is only days away.
Chevrolet had a banner year with the Corvette in 1965, with a sales tally of 23,562 representing a new record. Things would improve in 1966 as the ‘Vette firmly established itself in the motoring landscape. The first owner chose the most popular paint shade when ordering this car, with Nassau Blue selected by 6,022 buyers. That figure is comfortably more than the 3,782 cars finished in Glen Green, while Tuxedo Black remained the least popular with a total of 1,191. The paint hasn’t aged well, and the new owner will probably strip it away as part of a high-end restoration. The fiberglass is free from significant problems, and the listing suggests the storage environment must have been almost ideal. The seller states this classic is rust-free, with the frame and birdcage as solid as the day this classic rolled out of the St Louis, Missouri, factory. It appears the previous owner may have commenced a restoration, but the process stalled at the first hurdle. They removed a few items, and although the side glass and some trim pieces are present, the buyer faces compiling what should be a relatively short shopping list to replace any missing components.
The big news in 1965 was the mid-year arrival of the big-block option for the Corvette. The VIN suggests this car probably pre-dates that addition, but the first owner cemented the Corvette’s performance credentials by selecting the L76 version of the 327ci V8. With a cost of $129.15, it represented excellent value for money. The base engine produced 250hp and 350 ft/lbs of torque, allowing a ‘Vette with a four-speed to cover the ¼-mile in 15.4 seconds on its way to 116mph. Throw the L76 into the mix, and power climbs to 365hp. Was there a performance improvement that justified the cost? This car would have stormed the ¼ in 14.2 seconds while the top speed rose to 145mph. I think the answer to that question is a resounding yes. The seller states that the odometer shows 44,000 miles, and they believe the reading could be genuine. There is nothing like verifying evidence to remove doubts, but the car’s history makes it plausible. This beauty hasn’t fired a shot in years, and I probably wouldn’t rush coaxing it back to life. That could lead to catastrophic damage, so a thorough inspection would be a wise first step. Budgeting for a rebuild as part of the restoration is advisable because it is better to have the money and not need it than to need it and not have it.
The originality of this Corvette continues when we focus on its interior. It is missing the carpet and some small plated items, but it is essentially complete. The first owner ordered this ‘Vette with an AM/FM radio but passed on other luxury appointments. The Blue vinyl would have made a positive impression when this classic was in its prime, and it could do so again following a retrim. A kit is the easiest and most cost-effective approach, and the market is awash with companies that can supply them. It is advisable to research this carefully because it is a significant investment. The best kits might cost more, but they will typically survive the decades more effectively than the less expensive alternatives.
The seller listed this 1965 Corvette Convertible here on eBay in Kansas City, Missouri. Bidding currently sits at $28,199, which is above the reserve. That means it will head to a new home in a few days. I would love to think that one of our Barn Finds readers will become its custodian because that guarantees it will fall into the hands of a genuine enthusiast who will do it justice. It has spent too long in storage and deserves nothing less. Do we have anyone who might pursue this recently unearthed treasure?
But why is that car standing on its little tippy-toes?
Car was probably on blocks or jack stands and the shock fluid turned to gum.
Never was a big Corvette fan but I like this model year. No rust in the frame is a big plus. I had an uncle who bought one of these and had extensive repairs to do on the frame. California car too but near the coast.
California? Was that ever mentioned in the ad? If by some chance it was ever near the coast, every piece of metal would have oxidation, that’s not present on this car. I live in the Bay Area, grew up about 10 miles from the coast, this car is not from anywhere near the coast.
Steve R
No, and he was referring to the one his uncle bought, and NOT this one!!!
Matt, thanks for the clarification, I didn’t read his post as thoroughly as I should have before I responded.
Steve R
“This beauty hasn’t fired a shot in years, and I probably wouldn’t rush coaxing it back to life.” Do we need to get this fancy? You probably guessed the ebay listing states “Will need to trailered home.” Yes, it doesn’t run, won’t run.
Wow!! This appears to have all the ingredients for a great restoration project. 4 speed roadster, 365hp, numbers matching and no rust, if all these claims are accurate this is great find. Someone is going to get a terrific project with a solid foundation, build, drive and enjoy!
This one is ‘good bones,’ for sure. The 396 always got me juiced when talking about the ‘65’s but this one at least is going to sound throaty.
Especially with the missing mufflers and tailpipes. :)
I know I sound like a broken record, its of my recent experience of restoring a vehicle that had been in storage for a long time. Just do your do diligence don’t be over optimistic and be prepared for lots of surprises after you get it running. If it doesn’t run or drive out are taking a huge leap of faith.
I know what you mean Joe. My Son and I are working on a 1980 Corvette 4 speed project that sat for a long time. We discovered clogged fuel lines as we were installing the new gas tank. What a nice surprise! I’m glad that Junior caught it before we installed the tank. Life would be boring without these challenges, I guess. We’ll keep knocking the problems out, and yes, we are not overly optimistic. We’re enjoying the build though, sometimes it is all about the journey.
Love the color combo. Love the L79. Love the factory wheel covers. Just can’t shell out more than $30,000 for another project. Wish I could. Someone will get a great car, but have to spend some serious money to make this an NCRS Top Flight car. I would just do the suspension, go through the engine, put on a repo N11 exhaust and drive with the crappy seats. Life is too short to worry about getting stone chips on your $20,000 paint job.
This Corvette says it has 44,000 miles on it?
With only 44,000 miles this corvette has way more miles on it then listed. Maybe 144,000 or more and with it not running your chances are that the engine could be stuck with not running
for years or worse blown. This is just my theory on the car. But I have had trouble with a couple of cars I’ve bought and there’s more to this then your eyes can see, if money is no object then you may like doing a 3 to 5 year restoration on this. My apoine only is this car is worth 3500