While some buyers assess the investment potential before spending their cash on a classic, others focus more on the ownership experience than any future financial windfall. This 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe offers the best of both worlds. It has a history that increases its desirability, it is unmolested, and the odometer reading is low for a vehicle of this vintage. There is little doubt that it could provide someone with a far more enjoyable experience than they might gain from staring at a Share Certificate, making it worth a closer look. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the Corvette listed here on Craigslist with an asking price of $79,900.

A known ownership experience is always desirable when assessing the relative worth of a classic, and this Corvette ticks that box quite effectively. It is a two-owner vehicle, with the second owner becoming its custodian way back in 1970. That is always reassuring because any vehicle that has survived so nicely for over five decades in the care of a single individual will usually have been treated respectfully. The first owner ordered this ‘Vette in Silver Pearl, a shade selected by 2,967 buyers. The seller doesn’t mention a history of restoration or repairs, but when a car fits within this price bracket, that is a question worth asking. However, they confirm that this is a Californian Black-Plate classic and that the frame is rock-solid. The headlamps operate as they should, the fiberglass shows no evidence of distress, and the paint retains a wonderful shine. Therefore, the first impressions made by this Corvette are extremely positive.

The positive vibes continue below the surface, with the seller indicating that this classic is numbers-matching. The first owner selected the entry-level 327ci V8, delivering 300hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque. They teamed the small-block with a four-speed M20 manual transmission, and with the Coupe weighing in at around 3,160 lbs, it produced performance befitting a genuine sports car. The seller states that this car recently received around $5,000 worth of recent suspension work and that it is in excellent mechanical health. They claim that the ‘Vette has a genuine 78,000 miles on its odometer, and while they don’t mention verifying evidence, the ownership history may make confirming the figure possible.

The first thing that I noticed when examining this Corvette’s interior was the spotless carpet, making me wonder whether it was new. The seller acknowledges that the vehicle recently received sound deadener, which represented an ideal opportunity to install a new carpet set. The car features its correct Black vinyl upholstery as per the Trim Tag, and it appears to be virtually perfect. There is no evidence of wear or physical damage, with the same true of the dash, console, and plastic. It features a modern retro-style stereo, although the original AM/FM radio is included if the buyer wishes to return the interior to its factory form.

I have always believed that the release of the C2 marked the moment when the Chevrolet Corvette came of age. It brought a Coupe variant to the mix that proved an immediate success and saw the introduction of the first big-block option that transformed an already potent sports car into a fire-breathing beast. This 1966 example is slightly more subdued, but it will still provide the buyer with excellent performance. Its history, condition, and odometer reading appear to make the seller’s price realistic, and with the C2 continuing to exhibit climbing values, it could be an excellent long-term investment. That sounds like a win/win situation to me. Do you agree?