LOT 243 •
NCRS Award winning 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 425-bhp L72 Convertible Chassis no. 194676S120140
Sold for US$111,150 inc. premium
Lot 243•
NCRS Award winning, 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 425-bhp L72 Convertible Chassis no. 194676S120140
The Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia|7 June 2009, 12:00 EDT|Connecticut, Greenwich
NCRS Award winning
1966 Chevrolet Corvette 425-bhp L72 Convertible
Chassis no. 194676S120140
1966 Chevrolet Corvette 425-bhp L72 Convertible
Chassis no. 194676S120140
The arrival of the second-generation Corvette for 1963 signaled a dramatic change for American’s sports car. Dubbed “Sting Ray” from its shape, it was the work of GM styling vice-president Bill Mitchell. Retaining the uplifted tail of the 1962 Corvette, Mitchell penned a lovely fastback coupe, Corvette’s first, accented by a split rear window. Hidden headlamps, the first on an American car since the 1942 DeSoto, were located in the leading edge of the nose. The convertible retained a more conventional profile, but incorporated all the other Sting Ray features.
A clean-sheet-of-paper design, aside from the engine, the Sting Ray featured independent rear suspension, brainchild of engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov. A chassis-mounted differential drove halfshafts, their hubs suspended with a transverse leaf spring. Front suspension continued the unequal length control arms of earlier Corvettes, keeping the recirculating ball steering gear. New options included air conditioning, power brakes and leather upholstery.
For 1965, Chevy added the big block “Mark IV” engine to the options list, a 396 cubic inch version rated at 425 bhp. For 1966, the big block became a 427, offered in two stages of tune: 390 or 425 bhp. With the 427 came the new “power bulge” hood. Big block cars had stiffer suspension, a heavy-duty clutch and a better cooling system. Acceleration was phenomenal: zero-to-sixty in under five seconds.
The subject of a comprehensive restoration in 2006, this Corvette Sting Ray has the coveted L72 425-bhp big block 427 cubic inch engine and four-speed manual transmission. Mechanical work by Vette Works of Flushing, New York, included a complete engine rebuild, new clutch and radiator. All upholstery was replaced, along with the carpets, and the car was completely repainted. The body work was done by Steinway Auto Body of Astoria, Queens.
Equipped with power brakes, the car has tinted glass and the attractive optional side pipes confirming its St Louis build. The cast aluminum knock-off wheels are reproduction items in the original Corvette style. Newly painted in Nassau Blue and fitted with a contrasting white vinyl interior, this Sting Ray convertible shows just 36,000 miles. Currently registered in New York, it has a clear and assignable title, and is ready for show or cruising, touring or simple enjoyment. Big Block Corvettes are always in demand. This car represents a chance to acquire one of the nicest.
A clean-sheet-of-paper design, aside from the engine, the Sting Ray featured independent rear suspension, brainchild of engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov. A chassis-mounted differential drove halfshafts, their hubs suspended with a transverse leaf spring. Front suspension continued the unequal length control arms of earlier Corvettes, keeping the recirculating ball steering gear. New options included air conditioning, power brakes and leather upholstery.
For 1965, Chevy added the big block “Mark IV” engine to the options list, a 396 cubic inch version rated at 425 bhp. For 1966, the big block became a 427, offered in two stages of tune: 390 or 425 bhp. With the 427 came the new “power bulge” hood. Big block cars had stiffer suspension, a heavy-duty clutch and a better cooling system. Acceleration was phenomenal: zero-to-sixty in under five seconds.
The subject of a comprehensive restoration in 2006, this Corvette Sting Ray has the coveted L72 425-bhp big block 427 cubic inch engine and four-speed manual transmission. Mechanical work by Vette Works of Flushing, New York, included a complete engine rebuild, new clutch and radiator. All upholstery was replaced, along with the carpets, and the car was completely repainted. The body work was done by Steinway Auto Body of Astoria, Queens.
Equipped with power brakes, the car has tinted glass and the attractive optional side pipes confirming its St Louis build. The cast aluminum knock-off wheels are reproduction items in the original Corvette style. Newly painted in Nassau Blue and fitted with a contrasting white vinyl interior, this Sting Ray convertible shows just 36,000 miles. Currently registered in New York, it has a clear and assignable title, and is ready for show or cruising, touring or simple enjoyment. Big Block Corvettes are always in demand. This car represents a chance to acquire one of the nicest.
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• | Exempt from tax |
Zero rated for tax, no tax will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium. |