Lot 205

Monterey 2018

1965 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Convertible

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$81,200 USD | Sold

United States | Monterey, California

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Chassis No.
194675S121086
  • Subtly upgraded by Canepa Design to improve drivability
  • Power steering and brakes; upgraded suspension
  • Fitted with a period-correct 327/365 V-8
  • Finished in its original colors

This second-generation Corvette convertible was built on 29 June 1965 and was finished as it presents today, in Milano Maroon with a Black vinyl interior. While not much is known about this Corvette’s early history, it was purchased from the estate sale of Larry W. Caudle in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 2004. At this time, the car was not fitted with its original engine and is fitted now with a period-correct 327-cu. in. V-8 with a single carburetor, producing 365 bhp. Reportedly restored near Cape Cod, Massachusetts, thereafter, it subsequently moved to the West Coast where it was purchased by its current collector.

Looking to use his new Corvette on a regular basis, the car was sent to Canepa Design where it received a number of upgrades to improve overall usability. This included fitting both power steering and power brakes, using only factory-correct components, rebuilding the transmission with wider ratios, and fitting neoprene fender liners. Finally, the suspension was upgraded by fitting lowered front coil springs, front and rear anti-sway bars, and new shocks and struts. By the time work was completed, invoices totaled to over $45,000. Furthermore, present factory options include the desirable teak-wood steering wheel, knock-off wheels, AM/FM radio, and a four-speed manual transmission.

A truly brilliant highway cruiser and versatile enough to use daily in the warmer months of the year, this second-generation Corvette Sting Ray is a lovely automobile to drive, benefitting from copious amounts of comfort and horsepower. With the aforementioned upgrades, using this Corvette regularly would be a breeze and it begs to be driven and enjoyed with its next custodian.