It is fair to say that some classics are created more equal than others. Take this 1966 Corvette Convertible as a prime example. It is an original and unmolested survivor with a long-term ownership history. However, it features a range of desirable factory options that might make it irresistible to an enthusiast seeking an investment-grade vehicle. The seller feels that after over five decades in their care, the time has come for it to find a new home. Therefore, they have listed the Corvette here on eBay in Homer City, Pennsylvania. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at $66,400.
The seller purchased this Corvette from a family friend in 1970, becoming the car’s second owner. It retains its original Ermine White paint, with the seller emphasizing the vehicle has never undergone repairs or restoration. The fiberglass looks excellent, and the paint holds a shine that is impressive for its age. A close inspection will probably reveal flaws, but the first impression made by this classic is positive. It has spent its downtime in a heated garage, making the absence of rust issues unsurprising. The chrome and glass are free from problems, but that isn’t the end of the positive news. The original owner ordered this classic with a soft-top and the optional hardtop. That scores points with purists, as does the original side exhaust. You probably don’t think it could get better, but the aluminum knock-off wheels aren’t the typical reproduction items. This is 1-of-1,194 Corvettes ordered in 1966 with the factory wheels, and it retains the complete set of five in excellent condition.
Survivor-grade C2 Corvettes are always desirable, and the fact this one is numbers-matching will tick the right boxes with many enthusiasts. Its 327ci V8 sends 300hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Another desirable attribute is its power steering, an option selected by a mere 20% of Corvette buyers. Time always takes a toll on original classics, and the owner admits they have replaced items like the master cylinder and carburetor. It isn’t bad news because any removed parts were retained and are included in this sale. The Corvette rolls on the tires it wore when the seller purchased the car in 1970. They look okay and seem to hold air, but I would probably replace them before undertaking any serious motoring. I would rather do that than perform an unplanned journey into the roadside undergrowth following a failure due to age. The Corvette runs and drives beautifully, and its only need is the replacement tires.
The originality of this classic continues when we open the doors and examine its interior. The original owner ordered it trimmed in Code 430 Green vinyl. It has never been repaired or restored, and its overall condition tells the story of a car that has been treated respectfully as a valued family member. There is no wear or physical damage, and the carpet has escaped the typical fading issues. The dash is spotless, the beautiful teakwood wheel looks perfect, and there are no aftermarket additions. The list of desirable options continues when we discover the original owner ordered this Convertible with an AM/FM radio and power windows.
This 1966 Corvette Convertible seems to tick the boxes for a buyer seeking an investment-grade classic. Its overall condition and originality are admirable, while the list of desirable options helps its cause. The only surprise I can identify is the subdued bidding activity. It has only attracted five at the time of writing, although a couple of factors may be at play. The first is that the auction launched at a price few mere mortals consider genuinely affordable. It is also worth noting that it is early days in the listing, and plenty of time remains for the action to intensify. I believe it will, but what price would you expect when the hammer falls on this classic?
This was just posted here less than a month ago.
I agree here or BaT…..
I can’t get into older vets painted white,it just looks like something is missing
Pretty sweet. Needing tires, red-lines would give it a better look than the whitewalls I think. The steering wheel unfortunately is not the teak wood, but the standard plastic wood-grained wheel. Still a very nicely optioned car. Would adding a vintage air setup hurt the value of what appears to be a nice original??
Nice Vette
Slightly Overpriced.
1st thing that I’d do is get rid of the side pipes and go back to rear exhaust.
Did it on my 63.
Hate the exhaust smell.
Other nice Vette.
Had side pipes on my ’69. Never got burned. You learn to keep your legs away from them!
Never burned my legs either.
It’s just that the exhaust comes right at the window.
Don’t like smelling like exhaust fumes.
Foe me it’s my preference.
The tires are at least 53 years old, and you’d “probably” replace them? I think you meant to say you’d “immediately” replace them. Tires half that age are dangerous for street use.
Now that’s a nice Corvette. The thin whites are period correct and look good but after burning my ankles on a customer car with side pipes I might lean to running them out the rear again.
Stock side exhausts from the factory don’t get hot enough to be a problem they have covers.
The finned rocker covers and aluminum intake manifold suggests to me that this is a 365-hp 327. If I recall correctly, the 300-BP version wore red steel covers and a cast iron manifold.
Ed, I believe the last time it was listed here on barn finds it was stated that the intake manifold was painted silver , besides that the tach has a redline for a 300 horse 327, 5300 RPM . And the 365 motor would be 6500 RPM. As for the finned valve covers , thats a mod that a lot of guys did to dress up under hood aesthetics. Very nice Corvette that I’d love to call mine.
Yep, you are right Ed
Love the white color. Owned a 63 split window with side exhaust for 50 years . Had covers and never got burned. If your exhaust smells that bad it’s time to fine tune.
Not sure what ‘survivor’ really means but this is a very nice, mostly unmolested (by appearance) mid-year Corvette. Aluminum valve covers have been added (I did it to my ’66) and it appears the fan has been changed as every fan I’ve ever seen was black. Beyond that, I don’t believe the KO wheels are original to the car (color). Again, my ’66 has 5 KO wheels but it wasn’t built that way. The steering wheel is the genuine imitation plastic walnut, not teak.
It is a St Louis car so the side pipes could be original. And no, you will not burn your ankle on these pipes.
My only concern would be it’s first few years in PA and, potentially, being driven in the winter.