1966 Chevrolet Corvette L72 427 Convertible

Description

This is it. This is the one you've been looking for. No excuses this time. Step up or go home, but you can't pretend that you want a pedigreed classic Corvette and not want to own this absolutely gorgeous, impeccably restored 1966 Chevrolet Corvette L72 427 Convertible. The facts: a recently restored, matching-numbers L72 427/450 and Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission, side pipes, and a drop-dead gorgeous Nassau Blue over White color combination. Time to put up or shut up, the best-of-the-best is calling.

This incredible Corvette is restored just the way it should be: excellent throughout, yet not too perfect as to overstep the condition these actually came in when they rolled off the factory floor. NCRS guys (should you ever want it certified, this C2 is certainly a Top Flight candidate) are extremely picky about over-restoration, so making your Corvette perfect is a big no-no in that world, and if you want a pedigree car, you'd better forget about the words "flawless" and "perfect." With that being said, this rebuild was certainly a labor of love, in fact it took 11 years to complete until it was finally finished in 2023, and with the owner taking his time like that (to the extreme), he made sure everything was done right. He worked overtime to make this car as imperfectly perfect as the factory did it, which means that the recently resprayed Code 976 Nassau Blue paint looks great, but it's a top driver-quality finish that can be enjoyed out in the sun, not chained-up in some museum or snooty collection. During the build, the body was completely stripped, gallons of deep blue basecoat was applied, and then it was subsequently buried under lots of clearcoat. So yeah, the shine isn't quite as soft as it would've been in 1966, but nevertheless the finish looks right, and once again it's not so perfect that you'll be afraid to drive this beast at a moment's notice. The restoration is only 250 miles old, so there are some extremely minor signs of use, but almost nothing that'll get you dinged at a club meet and if you show up in this car at a local car show, you're going to be the envy of every guy within a three-mile radius. Beautiful chrome and stainless sparkles against the glossy blue paint and the white convertible top is so clean it looks like it just left the dry cleaners. The side pipes are correct and you're going to command a great deal of respect with those three little numbers on the fenders: 427.

The white leather interior matches the trim tag and was restored along with the rest of the car. Fresh hides on the seats have a comfortable look with no signs of wear, very much in line with the restoration's age and mileage. New carpets, reproduction door panels with bright hardware, and an excellent reproduction woodgrained wheel all help with the inviting look. The factory gauges look brand-new, and the clock and vertical Delco AM/FM radio in the center stack were rebuilt original pieces that look fantastic as well. The chrome shifter in the center console practically taunts the driver to hammer through the gears, and even details like the seatbelts, carpets, and rear storage area are so fresh you can still smell the packaging they were delivered in.

The L72 427 V8 big block topped with its correct Holley 4-barrel carburetor and 450 horsepower is an absolute legend. Ignoring the gentleman's agreement to limit horsepower ratings to 425, Chevy zoomed past the rest of the industry with this motor, which is very likely underrated – these engines were initially introduced with a 450HP rating, but after the insurance companies and Feds stepped in, GM technically rated them at 425 despite any actual drop in power or performance. Nevertheless, the 1966 L72 427 Corvette's are known as the 450HP C2s. This is the car's original, numbers-matching engine with a matching VIN and casting code, so it's totally legit, and it was fully rebuilt, tuned, and Dyno'd back to original spec, and yes, we do have the pics that document the process. The engine bay is detailed for show with all the correct hardware and decals, and there are no questionable "upgrades" to spoil the presentation, with only the steel-braided spark plug wires and chrome distributor shield giving away the restoration. It's also fitted with a rebuilt, numbers-matching Muncie M20 4-speed manual gearbox and upgraded 3.70 PosiTraction rear end out back, so it's a blast to drive. The chassis/frame was blasted and repainted, so it's ready to show off as well, and there's new hardware everywhere you look – the front end, brakes, gas tank, ball joint, springs, bearings, swaybar, etc. are all fresh. And yes, the side pipes sound fantastic. Correct "Knock-off" hubcaps are in excellent condition and carry 7.75-15 Firestone Deluxe Champion Goldlines that finish off the factory look perfectly.

If you've ever wanted one of the best, here it is. They don't show up very often and there are hundreds of fakes running around. This high-end 1966 Corvette checks out in every way that matters, complete with a car cover, owner's manual, a Dyno sheet, and documentation of the build in tow. Call today!