Fantasy Junction

Description

1966 Corvette Roadster L72 427/425HP
s/n 194676S106515, Engine no. T1II6IP 6106515
Laguna Blue with Blue Interior

Widely regarded to be one of the greatest sports cars of the 60’s, and one of the greatest Corvettes of all time, the C2 generation or “Sting Ray” is an American icon. Introduced for the 1963 model year, the cars were an instant hit. The excellent engines from 1962 were carried over, but the remainder of the car was new, with its now iconic styling and new suspension, which did away with Chevrolet’s ancient king pin system dating back to 1941 at the front, and independent for the first time at the rear. In 1963 and 1964, all cars were equipped with 327cid engines, ranging in output from 250hp to 375hp. 1965 was an important year, with the introduction of disc brakes all around for the first time, addressing a longtime area of criticism of the car, particularly considering its significant power ratings. 1965 also marked the arrival of the big block engines (initially 396cid and then 427cid for 1966 and 1967), with the small block continuing on with various power output as well. For 1966, the big block engine was available in 390hp or the top of the range 425hp engine, although early 1966 427 engines were actually rated at 450hp before being revised (on paper only) to 425hp to satisfy insurance companies and government regulators.

This particular car is an exceptional example. Not only is it a desirable specification matching numbers car in its original and attractive colors, it has covered just 30,000 miles and has been restored to NCRS award-winning standards. The car was originally sold on 19 July 1966 and was purchased at Van Praag-Chandler Inc. in Paris, Illinois on 19 May 1967 to a Gerald Mitchener, who traded his 1963 Chevrolet convertible toward the car. The included bill of sale indicates the following options: 4-speed transmission, tinted windscreen, AM/FM radio, transistor ignition, side exhaust, positraction, and L72 425hp engine. The color is also noted as being blue with blue interior. The car comes with its original Protect-O-Plate.

The car was comprehensively restored (photo documentation is included) in 1990, at which time it was owned by the well-known collector Otis Chandler. The restoration was performed to the highest standards, and indeed, the car went on to win 3 NCRS Top Flight awards in 2001-2002, as well as a Performance Verification Award, which together earned the car a Duntov Mark of Excellence Award in 2002. Judging sheets are included. The car was restored in its original colors of Laguna Blue (978) with blue vinyl interior (418BA). The engine case stamping and trim plate were both verified by Corvette expert Al Grenning. The car was subsequently owned by Marc Andreessen (founder of Netscape and VC firm Andreessen Horowitz) before being sold to its current owner, also a resident of California.

Today, the car remains in exceptional condition, a testament to its careful ownership and high quality restoration. The car has covered approximately 1000 miles since the restoration, and runs and drives very well. The body is straight with excellent workmanship and high quality paint. It shows very little wear, with light swirls and other minor blemishes, but its overall presentation is consistent with a car painted a couple years ago. The chrome has light swirls but is otherwise excellent. The glass and lights are also excellent and the car sits on gold line tires.

The interior is equally nice. The upholstery, carpets, door panels, and dashboard are all in near new condition and are still suitable for showing. The instruments are excellent, the original AM/FM radio is present and even the footwell lights work. The indicated mileage of 30,356 is from new.

The engine is extremely impressive, also extremely close to a show-ready presentation. The engine is correctly painted, the ancillaries are correctly finished, and every aspect of the engine compartment is highly detailed, crisp, and nearly spotless.

The car is a pleasure to drive. The engine starts easily and idles properly, with correctly functioning high idle circuit when cold. Once the engine is at temperature and it begins idling normally, there is a fantastic lumpy character that signals that the car means business, an impression that is underscored by the fact that the car rocks when it’s revved. The engine is very well-tuned, with tremendous torque and power, and nice linear power delivery and carburetion. The gearbox has a stout, reassuring feel, but is slick in its operation with great synchromesh, nice positive linkage, and a generally user-friendly feel. The brakes work well, pulling the car up evenly with good linear pedal effort. The steering is light and slightly vague as these cars tend to be, and the suspension is compliant and comfortable. The exhaust note is fantastic and the car provides the inimitable big block experience that exists only in American cars.

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a fantastic big block Stingray Convertible. A beautifully restored, matching-numbers, award-winning 30,000 mile example, this car has a distinctive and attractive original color combination, and is a truly exciting well-dialed car to drive. It is complete with extensive photo documentation from the restoration, numerous awards including its Top Flight awards, judging sheets, and bill of sale from 1967.

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.

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