Lot details
Registration No: MNH 56K
Chassis No: 1946715101411
Mot Expiry: Oct 2013

The third generation Corvette (C3) came to market in 1968. While the engine and chassis components were mostly carried over from the very successful C2, the interior and most striking of bodies were all new. The exterior design was a development of that penned by Larry Shinoda under the guidance of Bill Mitchell for the Mako Shark II concept car. The newcomer was steadily developed over its 14 year production reign, during which sales of the Coupe tended to outstrip those of the Convertible - as a result, the value of the drop-top cars is now usually far higher than those of the Coupes. The ladder-type chassis was broadly as created for the C2 by Zora Arkus-Duntov - the most significant element of which was the independent rear suspension that featured lateral struts, radius rods and transverse leaf spring. By 1971 the choice of V8 engines ranged from 350ci (in either 270bhp or 330bhp form) to 454ci (in 265bhp or 425bhp guise). Some 21,801 Sting Ray's were manufactured in that model year.

This great-looking left-hand drive Sting Ray Convertible vacated the St Louis, Missouri factory in 1971. Nestling under the bonnet bulge is one of the mighty 454ci (7.4-litre) big block V8s. It drives through the optional three-speed automatic transmission to a Positraction rear axle. This handsome two-seater muscle car sports Bright Metallic Blue paintwork teamed with a matching Blue leather interior and new hood. 'MNH 56K' has in recent years been the subject of a body-off refurbishment by Claremont Corvette where everything was checked and overhauled as required before reassembly. Apparently always used as a collectors' vehicle and driven no more than 32,000 miles from new, the 'vette is felt by its vendor to have "excellent" bodywork, paintwork, interior trim, engine and transmission, and is now being sold complete with factory hard top and MOT into June.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has an MOT until Oct 2013.