1965 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

Description

With mid-year Corvettes, some of the most highly prized specimens share a few things in common: a spirited 327 V8, a 4-speed manual transmission, and a great color combination are all important, and this 1965 Chevrolet Corvette roadster meets all the important criteria. This frame-off restored convertible is dialed-in and practically begging to go win some trophies. And with only 1,500 miles on the build, it will have plenty of opportunities to do so.

Finished using its original color combination, including the gorgeous Code M Milano Maroon paint, this Corvette roadster is one of those rare cars that can actually be driven and enjoyed while it appreciates as an investment. And because mid-year Corvettes are grade-A collectables, higher-end driver's grade roadsters like this '65 are about 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, and the bird cage underneath was a perfect foundation for this comprehensive build. A professional repaint replicates the original deep maroon that shines up so well, and it plays perfectly on the C2s dramatic shape. It's not perfect (although you'll be hard-pressed to find many flaws), but for a car that begs to be driven and enjoyed, it's exactly right. They didn't take any liberties with the car, either, so it wears a correct small-block hood, proper badges, and brightly chromed bumpers that were replaced/rechromed during the restoration. Man, this is a really slick car!

Inside, the trim tag calls for standard upholstery, but the window sticker reveals the special order Maroon Trim, 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 leather interior that's uniquely American with a lot of European influences. The leather bucket seats wear reproduction seat covers that match the originals exactly, with great detail and just the right amount of comfort marks to make it look inviting. Replacement carpets and handsome door panels help add to the OEM feeling inside, and there are great-looking analog gauges in the instrument panel. A relatively rare AM/FM radio hangs in its unusual vertical orientation, there are Corvette-logo floor mats to keep it tidy, and the chrome shifter poking out of the middle console goads the driver into dropping gears and squealing tires whenever possible. The white convertible top is newer and shows practically zero wear, because if you're doing it right, you'll only need it in emergencies, as it stows invisibly underneath the deck. On a car that looks as good as this one does, the comfortable and sporty interior is certainly a highlight.

A powerful engine is critical on an investment-grade Corvette, and the 327 under the hood is an incredible runner, reportedly built to 365 horsepower specs. Recently built and nicely detailed, it's ready to hit the road. Correct Chevy Orange paint covers the block, and they did it right by painting the engine after it was assembled so it looks like it did on the showroom floor in 1965. A chrome air cleaner lid, finned Chevrolet valve covers, and a modern 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 great order too. Up close you'll see a suspension with lots of new and refurbished parts, power steering, and a Muncie 4-speed transmission, so it drives every bit as great as it looks. Standard turbine wheels with spinners look awesome on any C2 Corvette and they wear 205/75/15 performance radials for a correct look.

Documented with an original window sticker and loads of restoration photographs, 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!