1965 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

With Corvettes, the most highly prized specimens share a few things in common: matching numbers, a manual transmission, and a great color combination are important, and this 1965 Corvette roadster meets all the important criteria.

Finished using its original color combination, including the gorgeous code UU Rally Red paint, this Corvette roadster is one of those rare cars that can be driven and enjoyed while it appreciates as an investment. And now that Corvettes are grade-A collectables, even the driver-grade cars like this are going to be as safe as money in the bank. The fiberglass body is quite straight, with crisp body lines and doors that close with that unique Corvette sound. Two-stage urethane paint replicates the original hue, a vivid red that shines up well, so it plays quite well on the C3's dramatic shape. It's not perfect and you won't want to park this one in a trailer, but for a car that begs to be driven, it's exactly right. They didn't take any liberties with the car, either, so it wears a correct hood, reproduction badges, and brightly chromed bumpers that show well despite their age.

The trim tag calls for code 407 red vinyl, so that's what went into the car when the time for replacement arrived. Corvette stylists were hitting on all 8 cylinders when the Stingray was designed, so you get a gorgeous, well-detailed interior that's uniquely American with a lot of European influences. The red bucket seats wear reproduction seat covers that match the originals exactly, with great detail and no wrinkles. New carpets and door panels help add to the fresh feeling inside, and there are great-looking analog gauges in the instrument panel. The only deviations from stock are the AM/FM stereo radio in the center stack, but it accurately replicates the Corvette's original vertical orientation and a discreetly installed A/C system that's remarkably effective with modern components driving it. There's a white convertible top that fits so well we were almost afraid to put it down, and the crystal clear rear window looks like new. On a car that looks as good as this one does, the interior is a highlight.

Numbers matching is critical on an investment-grade Corvette, and the L75 327/300 under the hood is this car's original engine. Rebuilt to stock specs and fully detailed in 2011, it's ready to hit the road. Correct Chevy Orange paint covers all the engine surfaces, and they did it right by painting the engine after it was assembled so it looks like it did on the showroom floor. A chrome air cleaner lid, beautiful finned valve covers, and a chrome alternator add some under-hood sparkle, but there's no denying the appeal is in how it runs. Ram's horn exhaust manifolds lead to a recent dual exhaust system that sounds right and the rest of the chassis is in good order, although not detailed for show. Up close you'll see a rebuilt suspension and Muncie 4-speed transmission, so it drives even better than it looks. Pretty knock-off wheels with spinners look awesome on any C3 Corvette and they wear 205/75/15 Michelin whitewall radials for a correct look.

Still modestly priced, this 1965 roadster is a car you can show with pride, drive with a big grin on your face, and will always be worth at least what you've spent on it. Call today!