1966 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray

Lot details
Registration No: PMC 86D
Chassis No: M1CH69025
Mot Expiry: March 2011

Growing up from its first foray as an anaemic six-cylinder roadster in 1953, the Corvette matured fast, gaining V8 power in 1955 and packing more muscle (such as a fuel-injected 283 cu in V8 in 1957), options and ornate styling cues with every year. In 1963, the second generation debuted with clean, sharp-edged styling by Larry Shinoda that introduced a coupe to the Corvette for the first time, to compete with the E-type that partially inspired it. This C2 style lasted until 1967 after which it was replaced by the C3 Stingray; these 'mid-year' cars are some of the most collectible Corvettes today. Four-wheel disc brakes arrived in 1966, along with the option of the big-block 396 cu in engine, but even the base 327 cu in powerplant gave 300bhp. Only 9958 '66 coupes were apparently built, against 17,762 convertibles.

This coupe, in the classic mid-year shape, has been extensively restored with new parts at a cost of £20,000 on top of its £14,500 purchase price in 1989. Stunningly upgraded and refurbished by a fastidious owner over 18 years, it has received a repaint over what the vendor describes as "perfect panel fit", plus new leather trim and carpets. But the owner really went to town on the mechanicals. The full specification is too detailed to list here but the basics are an overhauled original 327 cu in engine with shaved and ported heads and 650cfm Holley double-pumper carburettor on an Edelbrock Torquer manifold, breathing out through ceramic-coated headers and a stainless steel exhaust; a Mallory Unilite electronic distributor fires the sparks, and an aluminium radiator and header tank plus twin electric fans keep the smallblock motor cool. The four-speed gearbox has Muncie close ratios operated by a Hurst shifter, and a McLeod clutch. Rejuvenated and upgraded suspension, riding on Compomotive alloy wheels and tyres, and cross-drilled and ventilated brake discs complete the specification. The car was reportedly put together with numerous new fasteners, bushes and trim parts. "All the instruments work, including the clock and radio, and it drives superbly", adds the vendor.