One drawback of modifying a desirable classic is that the changes can often deter purists who may have been drawn to the vehicle in unmolested form when it hits the market. This 1967 Chevrolet Corvette is a case in point, with the seller confirming updates to its engine and transmission. However, with the removed components included, returning the car to its factory form is a viable option. This ‘Vette is a tidy driver-grade classic that is listed here on eBay in Sugar Land, Texas. The seller set their BIN at $65,000 with the option to make an offer.
Chevrolet planned to release its new C3 Corvette for the 1967 model year, but design delays pushed the launch back to 1968. Therefore, the company limited updates to the existing C2 in 1967, knowing that its current offering would effectively be obsolete the following year. This ’67 Coupe is a tidy classic finished in Marlboro Maroon. It was a popular shade, chosen by 3,464 buyers. Only Goodwood Green and Marina Blue outsold it, but this shade still accounted for 15% of the overall tally. The seller is candid about the car’s condition, admitting that close inspection will reveal minor cosmetic flaws. However, potential buyers seeking a driver-grade classic will find the appearance comfortably acceptable. They don’t mention rust, and the Corvette’s location should have protected it from potential problems. The trim is in good condition, and the glass is clear.
Okay, we’ve reached the point where we must confront the mechanical changes made to this classic. The first owner ordered it with the entry-level 327ci V8, delivering 300hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque. They teamed the V8 with a two-speed Powerglide transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The transmission took the performance edge off the 327, but was chosen by 10% of buyers. However, this car’s current owner removed the transmission, replacing it with a four-speed 700R4. The numbers-matching motor inhales through an FiTech fuel injection system, which should deliver greater refinement. Some readers will decry the changes, especially when made to such a desirable classic, but it isn’t all bad news. The seller retained most of the removed components and will include them in the sale. Therefore, returning this car to its factory form should be a piece of cake. Otherwise, they say that this Corvette is easy and fun to drive.
Trimmed in Black, there is little to criticize about this Corvette’s original, unrestored interior. The upholstered surfaces are free of significant wear, as is the matching carpet. The dash is spotless, and the bright trim is excellent. The seller recently rebuilt the gauges and added air conditioning from the fine folks at Vintage Air. It features an upgraded retro-style stereo and a factory telescopic wheel to tailor the driving position.
It is undeniable that the changes made to this 1967 Corvette would make it a more user-friendly package with measurable performance gains. However, purists would undoubtedly prefer this car in its factory form, which they can pursue thanks to the included original parts. I suspect that this classic will divide opinions, and it will be fascinating to see what most of our readers feel is the most appropriate course of action. Would you leave this Corvette untouched, or do you value authenticity? It’s over to you.
Authenticity is for people who spend all their time washing and waxing their cars rather than driving them. This car has got to be a hoot to drive.
in todays world , modded cars are everywhere . dime a dozen . BUT to find a car that is as it was built ….now THATS special .
Thanks Adam, nice write-up. Authenticity = $$$, I agree that this car is a better machine as it sits or goes. It’s nice that the original components come with the car if you ever want to take it back.
Absolutely great that the original parts were retained. A 10% take rate on a ’67 Corvette option is worth holding onto. If it does ever get sold to an originality freak, they can convert it back.
Myself, I would enjoy it as it sits. Let the next owner worry about originality.
In my opinion, you can have a car that sits in the garage or storage, and most people actually forget about it. The enjoyment of a car is to enjoy it. I remember when I placed my custom 81 vette in a car show, a father and his little 6-year-old daughter came to admire it. She began touching it, awing over it, and her daddy said NO NO NO sweetheart, don’t touch the car, the owner will be mad. Well, since I was right there, I asked her if she really liked the car, and she said “YES”. Well, I said, ‘How about this? You get in, and sit like you are driving it, and we can get a picture.’ Her father was so appreciative of the treatment and not selfish. I said, I am not one of those guys who don’t want people to really enjoy a custom car. It was a nice car show.
Many years ago I was at a car show in Burbank with my 5 year old son and we were admiring a blue Bugatti SS100, when Jay Leno picked up my son and sat him at the wheel. What a treat. Gotta love Jay.
That was AWESOME what you did for the little girl she’ll never forget that
The best Corvettes were built between 1963-1972. All with manual transmissions. In all my 50 years of owning cars, I don’t believe i have ever heard of a custom 81′ vette.
I’m the same way. At shows I always let kids in and take as many questions as possible. An acquaintance once asked why I did that, my answer was simple. My cars are to drive and enjoy. If we don’t teach kids that cars are to love and drive then they will look at cars as nothing more than investments. That investment mindset is why many car guys can’t afford to be car guys, and there are way too many cars in beautiful garages that never get driven. Think about that the next time you see a kid looking at your ride.
Very nice clean Corvette here. I would have not added A/C.
You obviously don’t live in Texas.
A/C and Overdrive are by far the BEST 2 ADDITIONS!
To my eyes, this generation Corvette still makes me stop, pause, admire her lines and go off into daydreams of owning one. That dream will live as long as I do!
The 327 remains at the top of the Chevrolet small block family, imo. Someone is going to get a nice Sting Ray right there!
In 1971, My high school Metal Shop teacher, Mr. Watkins had a ’67, same color as this one. Very cool. Always wondered if he hung on to it.
Perhaps I’m the exception, but I would never…ever…have a Corvette with an automatic. I’m old (80+) and every Corvette I’ve owned, since my first in 1966, has been a 4 speed car. And, I drive my ’66 vette (4spd with 3:70 gears) 2-3 times per week.
This is a decent looking example…just an automatic.
Somebody bought it right, my guess. Straightforward swap-out of the Powerglide?
I said the same thing until we bought my wife a 67 convertible with a Powerglide decades ago.
A LOT to be said about cruising on a nice day with the top down and NOT having to row the boat!
Try it!
You might like it!
It may blow some people’s skirts up around their ears but I agree 100%. Starting with my first one, (a ’65 L-79 roadster) every Vette I have owned has been a 4 speed except my current one, and it’s a 6 speed. I am 76 and partially disabled due to a stroke and there’s no scenario where I would have one with an automatic (except maybe one of those new rocket ships)
I agree. I had a C3 with manual and when you drove the car, you DROVE it. The clutch was stiff and the shifter was not the smoothest thing either.
I then drove a friend’s C5 with auto and it felt like driving any other car – boredom. Too smooth, nothing tactile to do, and no gas fumes!
I wouldn’t want to row gears in a daily driver, but in a sports car, give me manual every time.
How long will the AC hose last lying .on top of the exhaust manifold?
Unlike others I like an automatic transmission and I like the 2 speed powerglide. Tis a good looking ride at a reasonable price.
Well the automatic transmission doesn’t do well with me. At least not on this car. I could live with the other upgrades. But it’s nice the owner kept “most” of the original parts. The C2 is my favorite Corvette,but I have to have my rear windows split.
327s ARE REAL STRONG SCREAMERS
Questions. Is the original Powerglide included in the sale? Usually you have to chop up the tunnel to fit any automatic other than the Powerglide. Was that the case? Can you share pics of the VIN plate and the Trim plate under the glove compartment, please. Also a pic of the VIN number and block number on the pad under the AC. Thanks, Chuck
Chuck, click on the EBay link and reach out to the seller if you are looking for more details.
Nice it has no N14. If you actually drive your old Corvette, N14 is unbearble after 20 miles. Also, the beautiful lines of the 67 are ruined with side exhaust.
I completely disagree. I think side exhaust completes a ’67, and because the tips are slightly behind the driver and turned outward they don’t drone as bad as one would think.
WhaaaT??? I just had my ’66 sidepipe car out for a drive this morning and it was music to my ears (altho, at 80 my ears ain’t what they used to be). I have put hundreds of miles, in one sitting, in sidepipe cars and never once regretted the decision. Plus, aesthetically, they add a lot to a C2.
As a side note, the only (somewhat) unbearable sidepipe car I owned was my ’59 with side mount headers…with no mufflers.
I really like this car, and kudo’s for keeping the original parts. I recently purchased a 71 convert, 4 speed, AC, tilt/tele, deluxe interior, factory hardtop. The previous owners replaced the intake, carb, distributor and other parts but retained them. I am in the process to returning it back original, as a survivor. LOVE 67’s, but a bit out of my price range. The OD and AC are perfect!
Questions. Is the original Powerglide included? Any pics of the VIN tag and the Trim tag? Pic of the engine pad with the VIN and Engine type under the AC? Thanks, Chuck