1966 chevrolet corvette stingray 4 sp manual 2d coupe

THE STORY General Motors designer Harley Earl is credited with convincing GM to build a two-seat sports car for the American market. Launched in 1953, the resulting Chevrolet “Corvette” quickly earned the mantle of “America’s Sport’s Car” and the model is still produced today – some 70 years later. In 1965 the biggest engine you could get in a Corvette was the 396ci V8. In 1966 General Motors went all out in a bid to compete with Carol Shelby and his Cobra. They crammed a 427ci big block V8 into the muscular C2 Corvette body shape. There were 2 forms of big block engine – the L36, rated at 390HP with a 10.25:1 compression ratio, and the mighty L72, rated at 425HP with 11:1 compression. For the L72, output estimates of 450HP are believed to be closer to the truth as they were originally listed as a 450HP engine, but this rating was subsequently reduced for insurance reasons. The L72’s 465 pounds per foot of torque (630 Nm) was astonishing in such a light-bodied fibreglass car. Acelleration was quoted at only 4.8 seconds for 0-100 kmph. In 1966, that was extremely quick. 1966 was the only year the L72 engine was produced and they were installed in just over 5,000 units. All 427ci big block cars had a noticeable power bulge in their hoods to show off their strength. Four-wheel disc brakes were carried over from 1965 and the stopping power was most welcome. An egg crate grill replaced the previous year’s horizontal bars and the coupes lost their roof mounted extractor vents that were inefficient. THE CAR With outstanding provenance, this vehicle has its original Protect-O-Plate which reveals it was sold new by Burt Chevrolet Inc (now John Elway Chevrolet) to a Frank Giordano in Denver, Colorado on 6th of June, 1966 – that’s right – 6/6/66. This car is finished in gleaming Rally Red (paint code 974 – 12% of total production) and has its original standard black vinyl trim. It has a period-correct block dated 1st June 1966. This car has the mighty L72, 425HP V8 engine with 11:1 compression, larger intake valves, a bigger Holley four-barrel carburettor atop an aluminium manifold, mechanical lifters and four-bolt (instead of two-bolt) main bearing caps. Like all 427ci Corvettes, this car has the mandatory combination of Positraction (limited slip differential) and the close-ratio M21 Muncie four-speed transmission. In addition all 427ci cars had their suspension upgraded and a higher capacity radiator and sump fitted. This car has the iconic side pipes and sits on new turbine wheels with P48 knockoffs and new redline tyres. Inside the seats are in fantastic condition, the original steering wheel is intact, the carpet is good and the door cards are excellent. The car’s chrome, paint and stainless steel are all in excellent condition. With 425HP and a four-speed crammed into one of the most beautiful cars ever produced, it doesn’t get much tougher than this. An iconic, investment grade muscle car that will only continue to appreciate in value. VIN: 194376S119584 Decodes as: 1 = Chevrolet 94 = Corvette 37 = Coupe 6 = 1966 S = Assembled St Louis M.O. 119584 = production number starting 100001-127720 I07 = Build date 7th May Engine number: 6125589 T0601IP – period correct June 1966 block - 427ci, 425hp/450hp (manual transmission) Data Plate: Style: 66 437 = 1966 Coupe Trim: Std = Black Vinyl Body: A-3721 = Build Month and Sequential Number Paint: 974 = Rally Red Casting Numbers: HI PERF Transmission: P031F = Muncie 4-speed manual