BaT Auction: 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 427/390 Convertible 4-Speed

This 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible is a 4-speed manual example that is equipped with its numbers-matching 427ci V8. The car reportedly remained with the original owner until being acquired by its second owner in 2006. Following his death, it was sold and then stored by the third owner until the current owner’s purchase in 2012. The Nassau Blue finish is said to be largely original, and the car was inspected by Corvette-specialist Bob Zimmerman in March 2007. Alterations from stock include a Holley 850 CFM double-pump carburetor, a side-exit exhaust, an aftermarket fuel filter, a horn button from a later C2, one aftermarket speaker, and a replacement driver’s door panel. This Corvette convertible was serviced in November 2017 and is now being sold by the current owner’s father with a removable hardtop and a clean California title.

The Nassau Blue Metallic (976) paint is said to be the original lacquer finish apart from some areas of touch-up. Some blotchiness is noted along with cracks in the hood rise crevice. Surface rust is reported on the chassis along with a crack and two drilled holes on the spare tire carrier. Per the seller, the car has remained covered and garage-kept during current ownership.

Kelsey Hayes-style knock-off wheels with red line tires were fitted, and the original refurbished steel wheels come with the sale. A side-exit exhaust was added some time ago. The headlight motors are said to function but require repair to properly line up. A black soft top is included along with a body-matched hardtop, which would benefit from a new headliner.

Blue vinyl seats appear well-preserved, and the interior is said to remain original apart from the driver’s door panel, one aftermarket speaker behind the seat, and a horn button from a 1967 model. Carpeting is faded but intact, and the dash pad looks to be in good condition. The 51,976 indicated miles are believed to be accurate, and approximately 900 miles have been added over the last five years.

Power comes from a 390 horsepower 427ci V8 backed by a 4-speed manual transmission. Alterations from stock include a Holley 850 CFM double-pump carburetor, an aftermarket fuel line filter, and a riveted plastic fan shroud. According to the seller, an extra wire on the distributor may indicate Pertronix ignition instead of points.

The stamping on the block is pictured above and reads 118643, matching the last six digits of the VIN plate shown below.

Additional stampings that are said to be matching numbers by the seller are as follows:

• Transmission – P0309
• Transmission tag – 880853
• Rear end – FA 32366
• Driver-side exhaust manifold – 3880827
• Passenger-side exhaust manifold – 3880828
• Intake manifold – 3866948