Chevrolet closed out the production run of the original Corvette Sting Ray with an especially potent engine, the 427-cubic-inch L71 V-8 with an 11:1 compression ratio, three two-barrel Holley carburetors, a solid-lifter camshaft, and enlarged valve heads—good for 435 horsepower at 5,800 rpm delivered through a close-ratio Munice M21 four-speed manual transmission. It made the Corvette a true all-engine beast, the equal of other American performance cars during the musclecar era.

The convertible offered here is documented by its accompanying dealer invoice and tank sticker as having been originally delivered with the 435-horsepower engine and close-ratio transmission, as well as transistorized ignition, Positraction rear axle, tinted windshield, power brakes and steering, AM/FM radio, white convertible top, and finished in Marina Blue. An ownership history in the file, assembled by a prior owner, indicates that it was purchased new from Don Allen Chevrolet by Kenneth P. Braithwaite of Pittsburgh, Pennnsylvania, who retained the car through 1973. Six further owners followed before the car was acquired by Edward Brennan of Point Pleasant, New Jersey, who had it restored by Billy Bob’s Corvettes of Lakewood in 2004. While documentation of the awards is not on file, the car reportedly won National Corvette Restorers Society Top Flight and Bloomington Gold honors in 2004.

In 2007 the car was purchased by the late, noted Florida sports car collector Leo Schigiel, in whose ownership it remained until recently, and was shown by him at various Sunshine State concours as well as in Antique Automobile Club of America National competition, achieving a Senior First Prize and National Award nomination. It has more recently been part of a distinguished collection of muscle cars and Corvettes, in which its restoration has been well-preserved.

Any 427/435 Corvette is a special car, but this example’s combination of attributes—a beautiful restoration in excellent colors and with the best equipment—is difficult to improve upon.