More questions about a 65 396 coupe

[Chris H.]

Went to look at one that received a Top Flight in 1985. Car had a body off resto in 83 and still looks excellent. I have a few concerns about the car though.

The gearbox appears to be an actual M22 but with a date code from 1971. Is this an asset or liabilty or doesn't matter for Flight judging and or resale?

Another concern in the body date and the VIN. They are sa follow:

VIN: 194375S1233384 ( I figure the last few days of production) BODY:S4057 STYLE: L28 (July 28)

Are these dates to close?

Also, there are scuff marks (I think) where feet have hit the inside edge of the interior getting in and out of the car. These scuff marks are sort of red, Were these parts molded red and then have a light blue "covering" applied over them?

Could this interior have been red and then covered with light blue paint. The interior trim code is 414AA.

Thanks, Chris

[Bill Clupper]

Re: More questions about a 65 396 coupe

You need to have a qualified individual who knows these cars look at his car with you and get to the bottom of your questions. it cannot be done over the discussion board. From what you have described, the question comes back to "What was done during the body-off" which is closely linked to "what was there to start with". The answers to these questions must bew played off against two things, The price, and your intentions for the car after buying it. The specific anseres to your questions are yes-the original trans is missing which detracts from the car, how much is open to debate depending if the replacement is a true M-22 or an M-20. Can the kick panel be painted? Yes, Has the car been judged since '85, was the '85 top flight National, or Local, judging information has become a lot more specific since '85 and the '85 result may or may not be repeatable today.

[Robert C.]

Re: More questions about a 65 396 coupe

The 65 optional transmission is the m-20. Looks almost exactly the same as an m-22. If it's really an m-22 it's the finest tranny you can have . On the judging field, unless you Bowtie the car, it won't make any difference. the vin you typed was 33,xxx. They only made 23,xxx 65s. If you mean 23,xxx the vin vs. build date seams just perfect. Again ,listen to Chuck and take someone with you that knows where to look for stuff. A 65 396 is a rare and I'll bet expensive car. This model is a prime candidate to forge.Four eyes are better than two.


Texas Chapter NCRS

[Wayne M.]

[Bill Clupper]

Re: More questions about a 65 396 coupe

The replacement trans in the car is not a judging issue per say, but brings to mind the question "what else has been changed?" That's where as mentioned previously, more eyes are needed here.

[Chris H.]

Re: More questions about a 65 396 coupe

Thanks for all the info.

Sorry about the extra "3" in the VIN. Car does not have power windows or 36 gal tank.

This car is listed at $39k and would be a weekend driver. Runs like a bat out of hell and this is coming from someone who just sold his 99. Would flight judge it too if it doesn't need to much "correcting". Everything so far seems kosher except the tranny and those strange red marks on the kick plate. Motor numbers and casting date checkout. Although the casting date is C175 (March 17, 65) and the suffix is 0622 (June 22). Too large a time gap?

Anyone in Maine willing to look at this car?