Fantasy Junction

Description

1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 Roadster
s/n 194677S118089, Engine stamped 7118089
Goodwood Green with Black Interior

The launch of the 1953 Corvette created quite a stir among automotive enthusiasts. Although it was more of a boulevardier than performance car, within a short period of time, racing victories mounted, designs became more dynamic, and the Corvette was vaulted into the pantheon of great American performance cars. Even among the finest European cars of the 60s, the Corvette offered top performance at a reasonable price. When the 63 Stingray arrived it was a stunning revelation of design and performance. Captured initially by the youthful Pete Brock and refined by Corvette designer Larry Shinoda, during the four year run, the phenomenal design changed only slightly while handling and performance took powerful leaps at the hand of legendary Zora Arkus Duntov.

For 1965, the big news was the arrival of standard disc brakes and optional big block engine (initially 396 cubic inches with 400hp), which grew to two 427cid options for 1966 (390hp and 425hp), each of which gained an additional 10hp for the definitive 1967 model year. Thus, the 1967 427cid/435hp L-71 motor was the ultimate development of one of the most iconic American cars ever made. Ticking the L-71 option box gave a reported 435 hp triple carbureted engine with wild cam, high compression, and heart-pounding performance. Automotive press raved about the astonishing power and usability of the Corvette, particularly in the roadster configuration, which made top-down driving exhilarating especially when ordered with the 4-speed manual transmission and 4.11:1 axle ratio. Legendary torque and acceleration captured under a chiseled race-bred body made the last of these iconic Corvettes among the most sought after by collectors and performance enthusiasts.

According to the build sheet accompanying this Corvette, #118089 was equipped from the factory with an L-71 427/435 Turbojet, 4 speed close ratio transmission, and a Positraction 4.11:1 axle. Other features included an optional hardtop, white soft top, AM/FM Radio, and transistor ignition. The car was finished in Goodwood Green metallic (coded 02983AA) with black interior. The authentic body/trim tag indicates May 8, 1967 for assembly and May 9, 1967 for completion. The engine currently in the car is a correct 427/435 with casting numbers that are within two months of the build, but most experts contend the casting dates are not within sequence to match the body build dates. The engine deck surface contains the stamped numbers 7118089, which corresponds to the original engine designated for the car. Corvette experts examining the engine believe the numbers have been stamped to match the original. All three carburetors are the correct type, but are “service replacements” of later year vintage.

While much of the early history of this car has yet to be discovered, the earliest known record of mileage and service accompanying the car is a 1992 receipt containing the correct VIN and recorded mileage of 51,097. This receipt describes a “Complete engine rebuild on original 427 ci”. In 1995 a newly issued Virginia title indicating 54,032 miles was recorded, with subsequent transfer of sale mileage of 54,200 recorded in August 2002. Further mileage recorded in November 2002 shows 54,270, also on a service invoice. In 2011, the car was professionally restored including a high quality two-stage repaint in the original Goodwood Green. The car currently wears Western Wheel “Bolt On” reproduction wheels, and a pair of owner-added side pipes. The restoration work was performed with attention to detail in all areas including a new replacement wire harness, wood steering wheel (original type included with the car), factory correctly presented radiator, and other miscellaneous high-quality reproduction components. Restoration receipts accompanying the car show careful detail with body and paint preparation including correct epoxy sealing, high quality plating for all chrome, and other detailed items. A 2015 receipt showing 56,508 miles on the car (57,231 miles currently showing) outlines a professional compression test performed with the following numbers recorded:

Cylinder 1 – 185
Cylinder 2 – 185
Cylinder 3 – 194
Cylinder 4 – 185
Cylinder 5 – 190
Cylinder 6 – 185
Cylinder 7 – 185
Cylinder 8 – 185

Today, this handsome 427/435 Corvette roadster presents beautifully with a strong visual presence, great stance, and striking colors. The two-stage paint has been expertly applied with proper factory metal flake, with excellent coverage and correct preparation resulting in a high gloss finish, especially against the contrasting white stinger hood stripe. The body exhibits excellent fit and finish with very nice gapping at the doors and hood line. The retractable headlight doors are smooth and fit very well, opening and closing per factory specifications. The gleaming chrome plated bumpers are correctly fitting and properly aligned to the front and rear body contours, while the finish is in excellent condition, with no major signs of aging or damage. The chrome trim, badges, and various exterior elements are wonderfully finished, showing a fine luster, clean detailing, and proper fit to the body. The optional hardtop is finished in matching Goodwood Green metallic with excellent fit and tight latching at the header. The wheels are reported to be reproductions by the highly regarded company Western Wheels, and in excellent condition. White wall tires add a touch of deception flanking the powerful side pipes. The glass, lights, and lenses are in excellent condition with alphanumeric codes that are consistent with NCRS standards validating build dates for cars with correctly coded original glass. The exterior presentation overall is very satisfying with strong visual presence and excellent details even under close inspection.

Inside, the car continues to deliver impressive visual impact with a faithfully restored interior using quality materials matching closely to the original specifications. The seats and door panels are correctly finished as is the twin binnacle dashboard, pebbled black accents, and brushed aluminum features. The instruments are colorful and highly detailed, as are the switches, bezels, and radio. A teak wood rimmed steering wheel adds a nice elegant touch and is in as-new condition. The carpeting, various trim, rear interior pieces, pedals, and shifter boot all create a very cohesive look and feel to the interior, with a crisp well-restored appearance. The white convertible top is easily raised and lowered, and is surprisingly taut when latched in place, particularly given that the impressed NCRS experts who recently inspected the car believe this is the factory original top based on the markings on the rear window and various other details which are rarely replicated in restorations. The minor yellowing in the bead edging and in a few other areas of the white material are all indicative of original tops of this vintage. There are no tears or major flaws of significance in the soft top and the headliner is also in very good condition.

Under the hood, the restoration details and attention to accuracy continues to impress even the most particular Corvette enthusiasts. The engine and engine compartment has been properly finished to original standards, though not overly fussy so as to inhibit use. While some of the components and hardware have seasoned and hued a bit since the restoration, this does not detract from an otherwise impressive presentation, particularly with the dominant chrome plated Turbo-Jet 3-2 air cleaner announcing the power lurking beneath. A recent inspection by NCRS Corvette experts confirm that this car is equipped with 1967 42 amp (heavy duty) alternator. Underneath the car, the suspension, driveline components, performance equipment, and factory brakes all appear correctly restored, displaying moderately used finishes but still very tidy overall. A copy of the Corvette Order Copy, assorted restoration receipts, previous invoices dating back to the early 1990s, and an original steering wheel accompany the car.

The car starts easily and settles into an explosive big block loping idle echoing from the side pipes, hinting at what’s in store once on the road. The throttle response is spot on when tapped at idle, delivering a snappy rasp with every tap of the pedal, and a subtle rock to the entire car. The shift action is precise and mechanical, with a substantial, high-quality feel. The clutch is progressive and pulling away smoothly is easy thanks to the massive torque from the engine. Once underway, the car shifts well and moves smoothly through traffic even when mildly motoring. More concerted acceleration is positively thrilling, capturing the driver’s full and complete attention with a shocking amount of accelerative force. Steering is precise with easily managed weight, while cornering and roadholding are well-controlled and confidence-inspiring. Disc brakes are effective and lend a level of peace of mind that complements the big block engine nicely. Driving this 427 Corvette, one truly appreciates the capability these cars offer as performance road cars.

As a 1967 427/435 Convertible, this Corvette is among the most desirable Sting Ray configurations. Beautifully restored and ready for driving enjoyment, local shows, or Corvette gatherings, this car captures the zenith of the American high-horsepower high-displacement era like few cars can.

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