Sometimes you will look at a classic car and realize that there’s a lot to absorb about that vehicle. Take this 1966 Corvette Coupe as a case in point. The owner is candid about it not wearing its original paint color. He’s also open about the changed interior and the updated engine under the hood. Possibly the most crucial fact to consider is that an incredible two-hundred and nine people have added it to their “watch” list since the owner listed it for sale here on eBay. It seems that a few people might like what they see. The Corvette is located in Lemont, Illinois, and the owner has set a BIN of $49,000.

The owner supplies a shot of the Corvette’s Trim Tag, which confirms that it rolled off the production line resplendent in Nassau Blue. This was the most popular color choice in 1966 by a large margin. A total of 6,100 buyers chose it, while the next most popular was Milano Maroon, which found its way onto 3,799 cars. The owner indicates that the vehicle was painted in the 1980s, and I assume that it would have received its color change at that point. It isn’t clear whether this was the seller’s decision or whether a previous owner performed it. The new shade looks to be Rally Red, which was also available on the 1966 color palette. It holds an impressive shine for a finish that has to have close to four decades under its belt. It is described as a good 10-footer, which indicates that there might be some flaws upon closer inspection. However, if this Corvette is considered purely as a driver-grade car, it should pass muster on any street or at a Cars & Coffee. The frame and birdcage are as solid as a rock, with only the occasional light dusting of surface corrosion on the frame that is worth noting. The owner says that everything works as it should, although one headlamp does require a helping hand. The chrome shines beautifully, and there are no visible flaws with the glass. The wheels that the Corvette rolls on aren’t included in the sale. The buyer will take delivery of the car, complete with its original wheels and hubcaps.

For those of you who were hoping to discover that this Corvette is numbers-matching, you will probably be disappointed when we lift the hood. If you are not fussed about originality, it is a classic that offers impressive performance potential. The engine bay would originally have been occupied by either a 327ci or a 427ci V8, and I suspect it was one of the versions of the small-block. It has ridden off into the sunset, and its place has been taken by a later edition of the venerable 350ci V8. Its specifications are unclear, but it appears to wear a Weiand intake and a later carburetor. That means that its power output would be a matter of speculation, but whatever it has finds its way to the rear wheels via a Muncie four-speed manual transmission. The owner recently pulled this classic out of storage, and he went through a long list of tasks to return it to a roadworthy state. As well as replacing the carburetor, he added a new fuel tank and battery. The brake calipers were renewed, as was the radiator. In the listing, it is referred to as an excellent driver, and this YouTube video allows us to hear that sweet V8 running. It sounds as crisp and clean as you could ever hope to find.

We haven’t reached the end of the line when it comes to changes because this Corvette’s interior looks very different today than it would have in 1966. It rolled off the production line trimmed in Bright Blue vinyl, but that would have clashed fairly hideously with the Rally Red paint. It appears that whoever changed the paint also updated the interior to Black vinyl. It presents well, with no wear of issues. Beyond the color change, it appears that there have been no aftermarket additions. Desirable options include the Teakwood wheel and an AM/FM radio. The longer I look at the photos, the more inviting that interior looks. As a driver-grade car, it seems to need nothing.

Chevrolet built 9,958 examples of the Coupe for 1966, which accounted for around 35% of total Corvette sales for that model year. Investors focus on original numbers-matching vehicles, and they perform exceptionally well in the classic market. A pristine example in its most basic form can push beyond $70,000, while a perfect car with the right combination of optional extras can quickly head into six-figure territory. Our feature car is a driver-quality classic, but it appears that it can never be numbers-matching. When you consider its overall condition and the changes that have been made over the years, the asking price is probably in the ballpark. With that thought in mind, you have to wonder whether one of those people watching might have an itchy finger and that the easiest way to relieve that itch would be by hitting the BIN button. If it happens, I won’t be surprised.