1966 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

LT1 Spec Engine – 400+ hp / Factory 4-Speed

Totally Restored Hardtop & Soft Top  

Extremely High Quality Paint, Interior, Engine Compartment

Multiple First Place Show Winner!  – Exhilarating, Reliable Performance  

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HISTORY – THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE

This 1966 Chevrolet Corvette convertible is a factory produced, 4-speed manual example that was purchased by the original owner, James Wagner of Oakland, Ca, from Val Strough Chevrolet, Oakland, CA on 11/8/65. The original Chevrolet Owner Protection Plan including the “Protecto-Plate” is included, as is the factory issued 1966 Corvette Owner’s Guide.

The current owner purchased the car over 18 years ago and has used the car sparingly and invested a considerable sum to tailor-make the car to meet his high standards.  The previous, enthusiast owners took equally good care of the Corvette sparing no expense to maintain the car. While it has been used minimally, the owner started and drove the Vette car on a regular basis, and never stored the car for prolonged periods of time.

Interestingly, since 1966, the car has remained within 100 miles of the delivering dealer with documentation of ownership dating back the original delivery in 1965, and receipts dating back as far as 40 years.

ENGINE / RESTORATION DETAILS

The file documents the comprehensive, high performance rebuild of the 350c.i. engine to LT1 specifications initially completed by ASC (Automotive Service Center).  In 2014, approximately 2K miles ago, the cars current owner invested in excess of $8,000.00 (receipts included) to freshen the engine and other mechanical components.  Engine build specifications include:

– 4 bolt main 350 c.i

– TRW Pistons .030 over

– Sealed power rings

– Clevite rod bearings

– Clevite main bearings

– Cloyes true chain & sprocket

– Bond cam bearings

– Sealed power lifter

– Melling oil pump

– Crower chromoly returns

Within approximately 2K miles:

– New Dart aluminum cylinder heads (Part # 1271111-127222 (Detailed tech sheet on request)

– New Crower camshaft (Grind # 282-SF)

– Install “Musclecar” Clutch

– Resurface flywheel

– New rocker arms & push rods

– New timing cover seal, intake gasket set, valve cover set, exhaust manifold gasket set

– All new heater hoses, coolant hoses, coolant, water wetter, gaskets

– New water pump

– New transmission mounts

– New rear leaf springs and cushions

– Replace control arm bushings (upper & lower)

– Replace ball joints

– New Chrome alternator

– Complete tune-up

– New MSD ignition

– Oil service (Brad Penn Racing 20w/50w)

– American Racing wheels – custom powder coated

– New tires – BF Goodrich Advantage T/A 225 55 R17”

– Red calipers to coordinate with exterior body color

– 4 wheel alignment / balance

– New convertible top

Note: The Corvette runs cool even in warm California climate; all gauges are functional with excellent oil pressure & charging system.  Compression check revealed even compression of 150 lb. across all cylinders.

The work, outlined above, was done to enhance performance with receipts documenting much of the maintenance work and upgrades.  Also included are product brochures and technical specifications of major components.

The current owner has used the Corvette as a fair weather, occasional use car and entered it in a number of local and Corvette club shows.  It has been featured in Vette magazine, and won a host of trophies and awards including a number of first place awards including Best of Show, Best Corvette, Best Sports Car, and Best Modified Corvette among others

This C2 includes the following:

– A restored factory hardtop that has not been placed on the car since being re-done

– Car cover stand and custom cover for hardtop

– Original 1966 Corvette Owner’s Guide (Owner’s Manual)

– 1966 Corvette Protection Plan

– Original Protecto-Plate showing Oakland, CA delivery to Mr. James Wagner 11/8/65

– Photos of the awards/trophies (the originals remain in the owners “Man Cave”)

A factory 15” spare mounted with an older tire (out of the car)

– Receipts for recent repairs and repair/restoration documentation dating back to 1977

– Carries a clear California title with no encumbrances

– Original to car, black/yellow California license plates (2)

– Quality indoor car cover

CONDITION / RESTORATION / PERFORMANCE

When the car was restored using a “Cost no Object” approach.  Subsequent to the restoration, the cars owner completed a number of mechanical and cosmetic improvements including the addition of 17” American Racing custom powder coated wheels.

Details of the cosmetic restoration include a complete chemical strip, repair of any areas and considerable strengthening of notoriously weak areas on the Corvette.  The car was blocked several times, and primed until the body was laser straight.  The efforts show with the quality being as high as we have seen on a Corvette; a real challenge on the fiberglass body of the early Corvettes.

Paint is extremely high gloss and was completed using MS Glasurite primer and four coats of Urethane.

The car received a complete, body disassembled respray in “Rosso” (Ferrari red) with 4 coats of urethane   The stock hood was replaced with a ’67 big block hood and highlighted with custom black paint and subtle side striping.  The look is fantastic and, adding to the appeal of the Corvette, is a set of high quality 17” custom powder coated American Racing wheels and virtually new BNF Goodrich tires.

The virtually new black soft top with perfectly clear window fits very well and latches properly with restored, chromed fittings (refer to photos).  The car comes with a restored factory matching hardtop with a new window, trim, headliner, and rubber trim.  The front rubber trim piece that meets the windshield header is missing but is an easy fix.

The car has always been stored inside and has never seen rain since being restored.  The undercarriage photos support that the cars chassis is free from damage with no indications of rust.

The interior is in equally excellent condition.  He seats are free from any damage showing only fine, mild patina.  The dash is complete with factory gauges that are functional display readings, well within acceptable limits.  In fact, the oil pressure registers at the highest mark on the gauge, the car runs cool and the charging system is fully operational.  The clock has been rebuilt and seems to have a mind of its own, but does not keep accurate time.

The door panels, dash, carpet and other areas of the interior have the appearance of a recent restoration despite having been completed several years ago.  Having had a numerous mid-year Corvette’s during out 25 years in business we find that often times, “The devil is in the details.”  This car has been restored with a high level of attention to detail and has many features that we don’t often see on less comprehensive or amateur restorations.  For example, please review the photos to see the following:

– No seat belt damage to the center console

– Beautiful inner door jambs, forward and aft

– Clear factory gauges & unmodified dash

– Wooden steering wheel with functional horn

– Excellent carpet with Corvette log front mats

– Immaculate seat backs and rear carpet

– All new rubber trim

– Original GM AM/FM radio & power antenna (works!)

– Fully functional electrical system including headlights, turn signals, brake lights, etc.

– Completely replace, re-chromed, or NOS exterior stainless, chrome, and emblems

– Excellent exterior lenses

What does the Corvette need?  Frankly, not much.  Taking a very critical look at the car, only a few items come to mind as “opportunity” areas.  The speedometer is functional, but the odometer is stuck at 82,459 and the trip meter at 999.  There is a piece of rubber missing from the leading inside edge of the hardtop where the hardtop meets the windshield header (top of the windshield).

We can identify no mechanical needs and the exterior / interior are in “ready to show” condition.

The trim tag located below the glove box door provides the following production details when originally produced:

• B25 – Produced September 25, 1966
• Style 66 467 – 1966 Convertible
• Trim 414 – Bright Blue vinyl
• Bo 9dy A-3444 – A.O. Smith
• Paint76 – Nassau Blue

The completely rebuilt, LT spec motor reportedly produces ~400 hp and is backed by a 4-speed manual transmission with posi-traction rear.

The rebuilt LT1 specification engine has not been dynode but previous owners report as high as 450 horsepower.  While we are unable to verify this number, based on years of experience with a wide range of high performance cars, we feel confident that the car has in excess of 400 hp.   The transmission is a factory 4-speed and the car is fitted with posi-traction, 4-wheel disc brakes, and red painted brake calipers.  Outside of the upgraded wheels (note the photo showing the car with rally wheels that were on the car in the past), and the 1967 big block hood, the car retains its stock appearance and configuration.

Based on the performance of this Corvette, we recommend that the car go to a new owner who is familiar with high performance cars.  Frankly, in the wrong hands, this car could be dangerous and requires a driver who will who treat it with the respect it deserves.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Wheel base—98”
• Length—175.3”
• Width—69.6”
• Height (coupe, loaded)—49.8”
• Carburetor—Holley 4160 (600 cfm)
• 4-speed close ratio gearing—2.2:1/1.64:1/1.28:1/1:1
• Rear end ratio—3.70:1
• Fuel capacity—20 gallons
• Cooling system capacity—19 quarts w/ heater

HISTORY OF THE SECOND GENERATION (C2) CORVETTE

The second generation Chevrolet Corvette termed a C2 and known as a Sting Ray, is a sports car produced by the Chevrolet Division of General Motors for the 1963-1967 model years. This generation has become the most desirable of all Corvette generations to date, and are termed “mid-year” (mid 60’s) Corvettes.

The C2 was designed by Larry Shinoda under the direction of GM chief stylist Bill Mitchell. Inspiration was drawn from several sources: the contemporary Jaguar E-Type, the radical Stingray Racer Mitchell designed in 1959, and a Mako shark Mitchell caught while deep-sea fishing. For the first time in the Corvette’s history, wind tunnel testing of 3/8 scale models helped refine the final shape. Zora Arkus-Duntov led the development of an entirely new chassis for the C2, including independent rear suspension. In 1963, all engines were 327 cu. in. with varied carburetion or fuel injection. Either a 3 or 4 speed manual or a Powerglide automatic transmission was available. The C2 was available as either a coupe or a convertible (roadster). The first year 1963 model proved a hit, with production about 50% more than 1962. The 1963 coupe, with a unique split rear window, has become a highly desired classic.

The 1966 model styling was quite similar to the previous 1965 model, primarily because Chevrolet expected to debut a new Corvette design for 1967. However, that debut was delayed until 1968. The 1966 model’s frontal appearance was mildly altered with an egg crate cast grille insert to replace the previous horizontal bars. Roof vents, which had been both functional and non-functional in previous mid-year coupes, were deleted. Corvettes also received a script emblem in the corner of the hood for 1966. Head rests were a new option. Backup lights, incorporated into the inboard taillight housings, became standard. For the first time, a 427 cu. in. engine was available in addition to the base 327 cu. in. block. Fuel injection was dropped; all engines were carbureted. Model year 1966 would prove another record-busting year, with volume rising to 27,720 units.

Classic Cars Ltd.

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