Fantasy Junction

Description

1965 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster Restomod (auction ends July 11th)

VIN – 194675S120802
Exterior Color – Red
Interior Color – Black
Engine – Chevrolet LS3 376 cu. in. V8
Transmission – Tremec 5-Speed Manual
Current Miles – 63,443 miles

VIN Decode

1 – Chevrolet
9 – Corvette
4 – V8 Engine
67 – Convertible
5 – 1965 Year
S – St. Louis assembly plant
120802 – Build number

Trim Tag Decode

K24 – June 24 build
65 – Year built
467 - Convertible
STD – Standard Black Interior
900UU – Rally Red Paint

General Overview

It’s hard to beat the history, performance, and great looks of a Corvette Roadster. Based on the early Corvette race car designed by young Pete Brock and later brought to production through Larry Shinoda’s refinements in 1963, the C2 series Corvette has continued to be a favorite among collectors including new generations of performance-minded enthusiasts who enjoy a bit more power and modern updates in their vintage cars. Nowhere is that more evident than in the rise of Restomod collector vehicles. Combining the very best in vintage style with modern brakes, suspension, and powertrains, a well-built restored-modified car combines all the spectacular features of the vintage era with contemporary performance and comforts – capturing the best of both worlds.

History and Build Details of This Car

This car was delivered from the factory in 1965 finished in Rally Red (900UU) and standard black interior. The car was ordered with no options, radio delete, manual 3-speed transmission, and a 250hp 327 engine. Though not much is known about the early years of the car, it was a solid restoration candidate in 2008 when it was treated to a professional restoration and subsequent NCRS Top Flight restoration award achieved under previous ownership in 2011. By 2013 it was purchased out of Danville, KY by the current owner. At the time of purchase, the odometer indicated 62,420 miles, which are noted on the current clean California title as “actual miles”.

The transformation from stock was carefully managed during disassembly while retaining the exceptional restoration quality performed to NCRS standards. The build team removed the main driveline components, brakes, lines, and unbolted the body from the frame, evaluating all systems for the new installation. The exterior trim and interior original features were retained as well as Corvette script, chrome, and details.

The basis of the build began with a Street Shop C2 custom chassis. This custom chassis is mandrel formed, powder coated, and features superior C4 front and rear suspension while maintaining the same body attachment mounts – ideal for original Corvette body installation. The frame also allows for a lower center of gravity for the engine, which improves handling. Continuing with build details, QA1 coil over front and rear shock absorbers and a Viper rear end with 3:73 gearing were fitted to the chassis. Brakes were also fully updated with 13” front and 12” rear BAER brakes using a Wilwood master cylinder and a Hyrdatech CNC machined T6 billet aluminum firewall mounting plate. A Flaming River rack and pinion unit with power steering was fitted, steered by the stock Corvette three spoke faux wood rimmed steering wheel.

An LS376 6.2-Liter crate motor with 480 hp was mated to a Tremec TKO600 5-speed manual transmission and fitted to the newly mounted custom chassis. The lightweight LS3 cast aluminum block engine features a nodular iron crankshaft, cross-bolted main caps, powdered metal connecting rods, and aluminum L92 ported heads. The engine was fitted with an LS3 intake manifold, fuel-injection, and throttle body with an EFI controller dialed in for the higher horsepower. Other features include a Stainless-Steel fuel tank, Dewitt custom aluminum radiator, VintageAir air conditioning, and 17” EVOD aluminum wheels.

As part of the build, the team installed a new Custom Autosound “Secretaudio SRMS” AM/FM 200-watt 4x50 sound system with integrated USB MP3/WMA Flash Drive Player, iPod Direct Control Interface, and remote control. All this was thoughtfully concealed into the rear storage portion behind the seats. The system is designed to pair with an iPod or MP3 player which can be controlled with a remote-control device once connection is initiated. The system includes a pair of speakers built into a custom-made speaker housing nestled into the storage area. The interior has otherwise been maintained without modifying the original interior appearance. All told, including the purchase of the car in 2013, $166k was spent completing the entire project to the level seen today.

The current owner has enjoyed the car for more than a decade accumulating minimal miles with services performed as needed including a 2019 service with new braided front brake hoses, a new parking brake cable, rear brake adjustment, parking brake adjustment, a new clutch, a new pilot bearing, and a new clutch bearing. While the clutch work was performed, the clutch pedal pivot was modified with a specially made bracket which allows for smoother shifting with the Tremec transmission.

Condition Overview

Today this Corvette roadster presents in excellent condition offering a beautiful largely stock appearance while featuring a series of exceptional performance improvements concealed beneath the stock 1965 roadster body. The red paint is glossy and very smooth with excellent coverage throughout the body including fine finishes applied to the underside opening panels and door jambs. The hood, doors, and trunk show excellent panel gaps and proper fitting to the body. The convertible top is in very nice condition with taut fit to the windshield and easy operation as it nests into the hidden storage tray. The exterior chrome and various trim, emblems, and badges are in excellent condition. The glass, lenses, and lighting are also in very good to excellent condition and all rubber and exterior gasket materials appear to have been restored in preparation for when the car received an NCRS Top Flight Award. The beautiful stock Corvette grille, hidden headlights, and corner bumpers deliver great presence to the front end. The 17” cast aluminum wheels and center knockoff are in excellent condition. Kumho Ecsta SPT 245/45R17 radial tires are mounted. Impressive stance, hunkered down over the modern profile wheels give this Corvette a muscular presence befitting the power that lurks under the hood.

The interior is reflective of the original design and layout, restored using correct components and materials. The black interior is finished with matching black door panels, a black dashboard, and radio delete center console. The instrument panel is in excellent condition as are the center console, accessory knobs, and beautifully finished faux wood steering wheel. The correct low pile black carpeting, Corvette script floor mats, and stock textured black inserts add to the sporty cockpit. The center console retains a stock shifter appearance cleverly concealing the modern Tremec 5-speed manual transmission, which has a custom shift indicator mounted in place of the former 3-speed plaque. Air conditioning has been added to the car using under dash air vent tunnels with rotating adjustable vents at each corner.

Under the hood, the beautifully finished LS3 engine has been detailed with a high level of quality, not just in the build, but with excellent cosmetics, finishes, and a harmonious blend of original and new components. The overall finish is very crisp, detailed, and tastefully done. The underside reveals exceptional engineering and attention to detail leveraging modern C4 suspension, coil over shock absorbers, and Viper independent rear suspension, all of which is tucked under the stock body offering little clue even to those familiar with Corvettes as to what lurks beneath the gleaming red Stingray body.

The car starts immediately with a sonic burst of energy from the twin side pipes. With the recently installed new clutch and improved shifting pivot, the 5-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly, engaging the near 500hp engine offering high performance jaunts to freeway speeds in a matter of seconds. Power rack and pinion steering is excellent as are the larger four-wheel power disc brakes. Handling is substantially improved with the advanced suspension and exceptional engineering designed into the specially built Street Shop frame.

This exceptional Corvette is a tribute to modern engineering and state of the art restomod development blending all the great visual attributes of the original Corvette roadster design with contemporary power and performance. Ready for future shows, outings, or local vintage cruising events, this Corvette Restomod is sure to delight the next fortunate owner.

Items Included with the Car

This Corvette roadster is offered with a California car cover, battery tender, 1965 owners guide and owner protection plan booklet, select copies of service records, a copy of the NCRS Top Flight award, audio system information and remote control, a jack, and a new set of wheel locks.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608