1965 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 327/300 4-Speed

This 1965 Chevrolet Corvette convertible is reported to have stayed with its original owner from new until 1993, and then subjected to a frame-off restoration by its second owner in 2010. Powered by a matching-numbers 300-horsepower L75 327ci small-block Chevrolet V8 bolted to a 4-speed manual transmission, options include an AM/FM radio, a removable color-matched hardtop, and power steering, and the seller describes the 2010 restoration as having primarily focused on the body and mechanical systems, with the interior largely left in original condition. Finished in Rally Red with a black soft top over a red vinyl interior, this 1965 Chevrolet Corvette convertible is accompanied by its original title.

This C2 Corvette convertible is reported to have had two owners since new, and the second is said to have commissioned a frame-off restoration in 2010. Exterior paint is factory-offered Rally Red, and the finish is described as a respray performed as part of the restoration. A black soft convertible top shields occupants from the elements and includes a plastic rear window. Headlights are hidden and exterior brightwork takes the form of trim, bumpers, light surrounds, door handles, and a Corvette Sting Ray badge. The dual exhaust has been replaced and features polished tips which exit through the rear bodywork. Work performed during the restoration included removal of the body, sandblasting of the frame, rebuilding of the headlight motors, and re-plating the chrome bumpers.

Standard wheels with knock-off spinner covers are wrapped in narrow whitewall Michelin Symmetry tires all around. This 1965 Corvette is accompanied by a color-matched hardtop.

The interior is lined with factory-offered red vinyl upholstery and matching red carpeting. The steering wheel is the faux wood plastic design and the radio is the optional (U63) AM/FM Delco unit. Windows are operated by crank and the seller says the restoration left much of the interior untouched, with original parts retained wherever possible, although carpeting is noted as having been replaced.

The gauge cluster contains a 7,000-rpm tachometer and a 160-mph speedometer with a five-digit odometer that displays 87k miles. Other smaller gauges inform the driver of battery amperage, the fuel level, oil pressure, and water temperature. A clock with a 24-hour inner scale is situated in the center stack above the climate controls and radio. During the 2010 restoration, the speedometer and tachometer were rebuilt, and a new speedometer cable was installed.

The seller describes the L75 327ci small-block Chevrolet V8 as the original, numbers-matching unit. Output when new was 300 horsepower at 5,000 rpm with 360 pound-feet of torque at 3,200, and a four-barrel Carter AFM aluminum carburetor handles fuel delivery. The engine wears Chevrolet corporate orange paint and a set of finned Corvette valve covers, and is bolted to a 4-speed manual transmission. The dual-snorkel air cleaner assembly was original equipment for the 300-horsepower 327 and optional power steering is also present. The restoration saw the carburetor rebuilt and fitment of a replacement gas tank, brakes, and exhaust parts.

Photos capturing the underside are available for viewing in the carousel. A dual exhaust is fitted, with tailpipes that run through the rear bodywork.

Photos documenting the restoration can be found in the gallery. 

AUTOHUNTER ADMIN UPDATE: Photos of the Hard top have been added to the gallery. An amendment was made to the listing to correct the production numbers and factory optioned pricing.