1966 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray With a 427 and a Four-Speed

Owning a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray with a 427 would certainly fulfill the fantasies of countless sportscar devotees. But how much better would it be to know that said 'Vette was also an original-owner, 36,830-mile, Bloomington Gold-certified Survivor' When we purchased the car in 1965, my husband said that he wanted all the power the engine had to offer, so power assists for the steering and brakes were not added. Neither was a radio because he said he'd rather just roll down the windows and listen to the side-pipes. Extra-cost equipment that was chosen includes the 390-horsepower 427 engine, transistorized ignition, a four-speed manual transmission, a Positraction rear differential (with 4.11:1 gears ), the aforementioned side-mounted exhaust, and tinted glass. Her husband had previously owned a Corvette-engine-equipped 1958 Chevy convertible George Barris custom with 32 coats of paint on it that didn't fare well in the cold climate. After a stint with a used 1962 Vette, they then decided to buy a new 1966 Sting Ray. It was built on November 17, 1965, and our first child was born May 17, 1966, she recalls. She was brought home in that car, as were our other two children. It was only driven on special occasions. She continues, My husband developed Alzheimer's disease in his 40s, but we never once considered selling the Corvette even through hard financial times. We also continued to show it. It was taken to Bloomington Gold twice where it was certified a Survivor and was photographed and later featured in Corvette News. I still have this magazine, she notes. Once my husband passed [now 20 years ago], I started showing the car again. Doing so helped me with his loss, and I made life-long friendships. I always felt his presence with me in the car, where he rides shotgun. Every award it won was won for him. But now, I think it's time for a new owner to appreciate and enjoy the car. Per the seller and the partial VIN (see photo) on the block, the code-IL, L36, 390-horsepower, Turbo-Jet 427-cu.in. OHV V8 is original to the car. This engine features a Holley carburetor, cast-iron intake manifold, canted-valve oval-port heads, free-flowing cast-iron exhaust manifolds, a hydraulic camshaft, cast-aluminum pistons, forged-steel connecting rods and crankshaft, and a two-bolt main block. It has a 10.25:1 compression ratio, and the seller adds, I only use racing fuel in it.  The hoses, heater core, water pump, and spark plugs were replaced, but the original parts were saved. She advises, Pump the accelerator three times and turn the key to start it when cold. The four-speed manual transmission was upgraded with a Hurst shifter. This [Milano Maroon] car was never repainted, and it has the usual cracks a 'Vette gets in the fiberglass and the typical signs of aging, the seller notes. No issues exist with the glass or seals, and the lighting functions as designed - The black vinyl upholstery is still in amazing condition, , the carpet shows, slight wear on driver's side, the headliner is good, with no sags, and the dome light is present. All of the gauges operate properly except for the fuel indicator, and the trim is all there. - - no suspension work has been required, and the bushings and shocks are original. Her brother performed a brake job on the four-wheel disc system about 25 years ago. Factory steel wheels with mag-style covers don't cause any vibrations, and the 7.75-15 Firestone Deluxe Champion tires are good. However, they are more than nine years old, and should be replaced by the next owner if the car is to be driven. There's no play in quick-ratio manual steering, and the sports car rides great, she concludes. Documentation will include paperwork from the time of its original purchase. This all-original, low-mileage, 427/four-speed, 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray has been meticulously cared for since day one, those efforts have been recognized by Bloomington Gold, and the car has a compelling ownership history.