Debuting for the 1966 model year, Chevrolet’s L72 427 V-8 was a force to be reckoned with. Officially rated at 425 horsepower, its 11.0:1 compression, solid-lifter cam, forged crank, free-flowing rectangular-port cylinder heads, and virtually bulletproof block allowed for a number closer to 450 horsepower, making this one of the most potent engines used by an American automaker in the 1960s. Developed from a series of special Mark IV engines, field-tested by Zora Arkus-Duntov and his team, it was used in Don Yenko’s famed Super Camaros and Super Chevelles, and they formed the basis of the GM-built COPO Camaro in 1969. It was especially potent when dropped into the relatively lightweight Corvette.

Don Davis’ menacing Tuxedo Black Sting Ray Coupe is a genuine black-on-black “big block” car, documented by its original Bill of Sale from Ritchies Chevrolet, dated January 19, 1966, as well as by the original title and a handwritten note from the original owner, “mapping out” his purchase with the colors and options of his choice! With 28,000 miles, believed actual, the documented two-owner car is accessorized with the L72 V-8, as well as the four-speed manual transmission, 4.11 positraction rear axle, F41 special suspension (with dated original shocks), side exhaust, vacuum power disc brakes, transistor ignition, AM/FM radio, clock, black floor mats, side exhaust, five original cast aluminum Kelsey-Hayes knock-off wheels, and eye-catching yellow stripe tires—a nice combination for fun, very fast driving. A very correct older restoration to “better than new” standards, it shows excellent attention to detail and authenticity throughout, with excellent door and panel fit, and a virtually flawless undercarriage with no evidence of use. A “matching-numbers” car down to its date-coded glass, with the original windshield still wearing its Pennsylvania registration sticker from April 30, 1970, a statement as to how concerned the car’s restorer was with keeping it correct in every detail.

This wonderful high-performance Corvette, beautifully and authentically presented, would be appropriate to either drive or display with pleasure and pride.