Minimalist Midyear: 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible – SOLD!
February 5, 2021 Update – we confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.
We’d like to remind our followers that not every C2 Corvette produced was a highly-optioned, big motor monster. In 1966, entry-level Corvettes came equipped with a 300 horsepower 327 cubic inch small block connected to a three-speed manual transmission. A radio was optional. While most buyers laughed at that as they checked off the options list, we were pleased to come across this silver over black, numbers-matching example back in January 2021 on Craigslist in Norwalk, Connecticut that still features its bare-bones roots. Featuring two tops and recent mechanical sorting, the current caretaker is asking $42,000 firm. Reviewing Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the asking price falls between this guide’s #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) estimate of $31,700 and its #3 “Good” appraisal of $47,700. Using the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool provides a similar assessment where the asking price in this instance falls between this guide’s #4 “Fair” estimate of $30,225 and it’s #2 “Good” appraisal of $44,425.
Not only do we like the bare-bones, entry-level vibe of this Midyear Corvette, but we love the fact this car remains a driver-quality C2 you can actually enjoy on a nice day. This appears to be a rare opportunity to purchase an unmolested C2 Corvette for under $50,000. Three hundred horsepower is still a handful to handle in these skinny-tire Corvettes and if your left knee is showing signs of wear, you’ll be glad this car’s transmission features one less gear every time you depress the spring-loaded clutch.
Here’s the seller’s description:
“For sale is a 1966 Corvette roadster with very rare less than 600 produced three-speed, even more, rare radio delete! Original 300 horse number matching drivetrain. Over $10,000 dollars worth of parts in the last few months not counting labor. Just to highlight some of the new parts: Four new tires, new brake pads, rotor, brake lines, calipers, brake hoses, master cylinder, handbrake cables, handbrake shoes, fuel pump, starter, water pump, radiator, rebuilt carburetor, a complete tune-up, four new bumpers….the list goes on and on.
Comes with a hardtop and brand new soft that needs to be installed.
Just brought up from Florida in December of 2019. Clean Florida Title.
Good body and paint with the original interior.
Great driver quality.
$42,000 Firm. No tire kickers. I don’t need help selling.
Any questions NO TEXTING. NO EMAILS, I do not respond to them! Call two O three nine eight four six four O nine.”
Show or go: what would you do with this bare-bones Corvette? Comment below and let us know!
I would pull out the 3 speed transmission and replace it with a 5 speed transmission. Install gas shocks and a fiberglass rear spring for a smoother ride. Electronic ignition, in the distributor. Install bolt on reproduction knock off wheels, red stripe radial tires and drive it.
Mitch, as long as you save the original parts to go with the car should the next owner decide to switch it back, then we say, “No harm, no foul.”
“Sports Car Saturdays” are the best!