1966 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray

Description

When you dream of a 427 Corvette, you dream of THIS 1966 roadster. It isn't stock, but it's one of the few 427 'Vettes that actually live up to the legend with a snarling big block that absolutely delivers on every promise made over the past 50 years.

As for purists, this car does wear its original color of Nassau Blue and someone invested a great deal of time and money to make it look like it's ready for the show field at Bloomington Gold, but it is far from an original and we know it. This car definitely has presence, with glittering paint, super straight fiberglass bodywork, and awesome gaps that are far better than the factory could manage. There's also a black stinger on the big block hood with those three magic numbers on the scoop which combine with the side pipes to make for a very visible warning to other cars on the street. Detailing is sharp with arrow-straight creases in the bodywork that identify the mid-year 'Vettes. There's also beautiful chrome on the bumpers, correct badges wherever needed, and, of course, those incredible side pipes that look almost as cool as they sound.

Code 414 means there's a correct bright blue interior as well, fully restored and ready to rumble. The vinyl upholstery is quite convincing, doing a very good impersonation of leather with just the right amount of use to look very inviting. Matching carpets, new door panels, and a beautifully restored dash all add to this Corvette's high-quality look. You can see at a glance that it's not completely stock, as there are a pair of Auto Meter Ultra Light gauges mounted up on top to monitor oil pressure and temperature, and the factory gauges are in great condition. It's also worth noting that the clock works and someone has cleverly fitted a vertically-oriented AM/FM/cassette stereo in the center of the dash with controls for the CD changer hidden behind the seats. As you can guess, this is one 427 that was built to drive, not collect trophies, and you won't be disappointed with the appointments inside. A nice-fitting black convertible looks virtually new and includes a crystal clear plastic rear window.

Horsepower is the reason we lust after 427 Corvettes, and this sucker delivers, but it ain't stock by a long shot. At a glance, it's nicely finished with a lot of race-grade equipment and upgrades that make it more reliable on the street. The air cleaner looks original, but the color-matched valve covers, lots of braided stainless lines, and a serpentine belt accessory drive are notable changes. There are aluminum cylinder heads, a Weiand intake, and long-tube headers to help build horsepower, and it's likely that this one is actually making the huge horsepower numbers that the legends talk about. A big aluminum radiator with twin electric fans eliminates heat issues and it'll bark the tires through first, second, and part of third gear thanks to a bulletproof Muncie 4-speed transmission. The underside is very neatly finished and clearly aimed at hitting the road, so it's not over-detailed but it's clean enough to need no excuses. The stock suspension and brakes do a good job of harnessing the horsepower and classic knock-off style wheels wear modern 215/70/15 BFGoodrich redline radials.

This is not a Corvette for purists and trophy-collectors. Instead, it's a personification of a legend, an icon that actually delivers on its promises, and the flat-out nastiest sounding car in our showroom. Call today!