1965 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

Description

This 1965 Corvette roadster features an awesome color combination, a strong-running small block, and a long list of options, including A/C, side pipes, and a hardtop. Beautifully restored a few years ago, it remains in excellent condition, perfect for those summer drives in the country, or a long road trip to the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green.

Resplendent in its original code A Tuxedo Black, this great-looking little roadster has clearly had a lot of money spent on the restoration. A lot of restorers aren't prepared for the special needs of Chevy's fiberglass sports car, but clearly experts were behind this restoration, and left original details intact instead of obliterating them in search of perfection. The panels are in great shape overall, much nicer than these were when they were new, and with a red stinger on the big block, it's got a seriously aggressive look. Gaps are good all around, and of course, using modern paints has resulted in a finish that's miles deep and shines in the sunlight like a precious gem. The chrome, including the small front and rear bumpers, and all the Corvette emblems have been restored or replaced, leaving you with a clean, sophisticated sports car that has a ton of eyeball appeal.

Inside, the original standard black vinyl interior was upgraded to red during the restoration. Red, of course, was an available option in 1965, so there's no deduction there, and a car of this caliber really does deserve something a bit flashier than black. The upholstery is supple and undamaged, showing only what most folks would call comfort marks where someone has spent some time behind the wheel, probably grinning like crazy the entire time. Everything else inside was refreshed during the restoration, from the door panels to the carpets, and all the gauges work properly. Aftermarket A/C and a digital stereo are great additions to the Corvette's interior, especially on a car that you're going to want to drive. Overhead, there's a black matching hardtop.

Power comes from a potent and reliable 327 which gives this beautiful convertible plenty of power, but also an agile feel that's the essence of Corvette ownership. Nicely detailed at the time of restoration, it's clear that someone has been driving and enjoying this car, and who can blame them? Still, all the correct details are still there, from the original chrome air cleaner to the blue stripe hoses and correct tower clamps, although there is a big aluminum radiator up front today. The original "ram's horn" exhaust manifolds were left as-cast, just as they were in 1965, which is what the judges at Corvette shows often look for, and they feed a set of awesome-sounding side pipes. The transmission is a 2-speed PowerGlide automatic, which is a relatively rare find in a Corvette and it completely transforms the car's personality, making it an easy cruiser that's fun to drive. The suspension was rebuilt and rides like a vintage Corvette should, and the 4-wheel brakes are smooth and progressive. And Wheels are knock-offs rolling on modern 215/70/15 redline radials that look awesome.

These cars were made to be driven and are absolutely superb on the open road; it's almost a crime NOT to drive them. Fortunately, the hard work, including the restoration AND the first bit of road rash, has already been done for you. All you have to do is call!