Lot 5095

Auburn Spring 2014

1967 Chevrolet Corvette

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$80,300 USD | Sold

United States | Auburn, Indiana

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It has been written that 1967 was the year that was not meant to be, at least not for the Sting Ray as we know it. Chevrolet had hoped to launch a brand new body style for this model year, but concern about the aerodynamic efficiency and development delays dogged the Sting Ray’s successor, postponing its release by a year and thus allowing the second generation Corvette a one-year reprieve. As is so often the case, this production glitch enabled the Sting Ray to evolve and, in the process, was able to offer one of the most awesome cars to ever hit the road. Some would argue it was the best Corvette ever.

Considered by experts to be among the most refined of the 1962-1967 cars, the 1967 C2 model benefited from numerous detail enhancements in anticipation of the all-new 1968 model. Most noticeable was the relocation of the parking brake from under the dash to a centrally-mounted position along with a one-year-only reversing light between the taillights. Four-way flashers, directional signals with a lane-change feature, larger interior vents and folding seatback latches were added as well.The bodywork was given only a few cosmetic changes since it was not expected to remain in production, but major developments took place beneath the hood. The two small-block engines remained, still rated at 300 and 350 horsepower, while big-block 427 cubic inch engines were rated as high as 435 horsepower.

Chevrolet built 14,436 convertibles and 8,504 coupes for a total of 22,940 units for the model year. Convertibles had a base price of $4,141. Nearly 120,000 of the Gen-II models would come off the production lines at Chevrolet by the close of the 1967 model year. The 1967 Corvette was the last of the C2 platform and is the culmination of development for this design. The Corvette brand is exclusive in character through a combination of special features from retractable headlights to its fiberglass body with chrome wraparound bumpers and distinctive model-specific emblems. Automotive gurus will unquestionably be arguing until the end of time that this rendition of the Corvette is the most beautiful of all-time.

In his book Corvettes 1953–1988: A Collector’s Guide, Richard Langworth wrote, “The 1967 Sting Ray is arguably one of the best Corvettes ever built. All the styling clichés had been eliminated…four-wheel disc brakes allowed it to stop as well as go.” Randy Leffingwell also wrote in his book, Corvette – America’s Sports Car, that in 1967, the Corvette “was the best Sting Ray yet…and all the appearance bells and whistles, trim, and shimmer was removed from the car, making it the purest form that the Sting Ray body ever achieved.

The Corvette that is being offered is ready for entry into the next Bloomington Gold Certification event. This is a very original survivor-quality roadster with only 5,256 miles travelled since new. Ordered in Sunfire Yellow, it is believed that this very special car wears approximately 90-percent of the original paint, has its original black soft-top and carries the original interior. When the convertible top is lowered, it is stored under a hinged fiberglass hatch that is flush with the corresponding body work and disappears in an essentially seamless fashion. This Corvette Roadster is driven by the popular and durable 327-cid, 300-hp V-8 engine and is connected to a much-desired four-speed transmission. Along with these attributes, the ‘Vette also has an AM/FM radio, Rally wheels with trim rings and caps and BFGoodrich Silvertown redline tires. The only known items to not be original to this remarkably well-preserved time machine are the alternator and battery. This stunning Sting Ray is, without doubt, worthy of the world’s finest Corvette collection or will be a stunning addition to any garage.