Help in researching a 1966 Corvette Coupe for sale

[Vincent A.]

Hello all,

Apologies for my lack of corvette knowledge and experience in using online forums. I have started to look for a C2 corvette coupe and came across an ad for a 1966 427 coupe with automatic transmission (ad excerpt below). My understanding is that the 427 was only produced with a manual transmission, correct? The automatic transmission would be nice for me. If this was done later in the car's life what questions should I ask the dealer. Are their independent experts for hire to help examine/research the car? It's in S. Cal
"We are pleased to offer this very rare 1966 Chevrolet Corvette which is beautifully finished in Trophy Blue and was the recipient of a full nut and bolt restoration to NCRS specifications. This car was fitted from new with a 427 cubic inch, 390 hp big block engine mated to a two-speed powerglide...vin number is 194376S121361. Posted on Autotraders, others.

Any help is very appreciated

Thanks

Vince

[Joe R.]

Re: Help in researching a 1966 Corvette Coupe for sale

Vince,

The L72 (427 / 425 hp) is not available with the Powerglide (two speed automatic). But the L36 (427 / 390 HP) was available with Powerglide. I would suggest joining the Southern California chapter if you haven't already. Ask around to find someone to do an inspection for you. Welcome to the NCRS!

Joe

[Vincent A.]

Re: Help in researching a 1966 Corvette Coupe for sale

Thanks very much Joe. This is great. Happy new year.

Vince

[Michael J.]

Re: Help in researching a 1966 Corvette Coupe for sale

I would second all that Joe has said, and the SoCal NCRS has so very knowledgeable C2 guys, and many frequent this forum too. Good luck, I have always loved Trophy Blue, 1966 had some very special, one year only colors, I had a '66 Mosport Green (also one year only) that I loved. Good luck, you will like it here.

[Jim S.]

Re: Help in researching a 1966 Corvette Coupe for sale

Hello all,

Apologies for my lack of corvette knowledge and experience in using online forums. I have started to look for a C2 corvette coupe and came across an ad for a 1966 427 coupe with automatic transmission (ad excerpt below). My understanding is that the 427 was only produced with a manual transmission, correct? The automatic transmission would be nice for me. If this was done later in the car's life what questions should I ask the dealer. Are their independent experts for hire to help examine/research the car? It's in S. Cal
"We are pleased to offer this very rare 1966 Chevrolet Corvette which is beautifully finished in Trophy Blue and was the recipient of a full nut and bolt restoration to NCRS specifications. This car was fitted from new with a 427 cubic inch, 390 hp big block engine mated to a two-speed powerglide...vin number is 194376S121361. Posted on Autotraders, others.

Any help is very appreciated

Thanks

Vince

Vince, Just based on the photos in the ad, I would highly suggest you have an experienced NCRS person look at this car. There are some elements that were not restored to original specs.
http://mint-cars.com/display/1514659...rt%20Beach-CA/

[Vincent A.]

Re: Help in researching a 1966 Corvette Coupe for sale

Thanks very much Jim. I've had a few offers to help from So.Cal. members. Thanks for your advice.

Vince

[Vincent A.]

Re: Help in researching a 1966 Corvette Coupe for sale

Thanks very much Michael. I'm very grateful for all of the help I've had. looking forward to seeing your car one day.


Vince

[Gene M.]

Re: Help in researching a 1966 Corvette Coupe for sale

Become educated on the mid year Corvette prior to purchase. There are many books (NCRS Guide) and sources on the subject. Beware there are plenty of lesser desirable and fakes out there. Remember an educated buyer is a smart buyer. I would be reluctant to rely on someone's opinion that I do not know when ten of thousands of dollars (100 grand) of my money are involved. Have you seen the car?

Just a few simple questions from looking at ad: Documentation? original, or restamped block? lacquer paint? are pipes real? AO Smith or St Louis body? are knock off real? 10k miles?

[Vincent A.]

Re: Help in researching a 1966 Corvette Coupe for sale

Hello Gene,

Thanks for this advice. Don Hooper from the So. Cal chapter is going to help me take a look at the car. Thanks for the advice on specific questions. Very helpful.

Vince

[James G.]

Re: Help in researching a 1966 Corvette Coupe for sale

The add appears to be geuine.

''European Collectibles is pleased to offer this uniquely optioned 1966 Chevrolet Corvette which is beautifully finished in its original color, Trophy Blue. This car received a full nut and bolt restoration to NCRS specifications. The car was fitted from new with a 427 cubic inch, 390 hp big block engine mated to a two-speed power glide transmission. Further options include air-conditioning, power brakes, power steering, power windows, telescopic steering column, teak steering wheel, AM-FM radio, knock off aluminum wheels and side exhaust.

This Corvette was restored in Tennesse by Edelen Motorsports between 2005 and 2008. The restoration is fully documented with receipts and pictures of the car before and during the restoration process. The ownership history was also painstakingly researched and verified by the former owner of the car who also enlisted the help of a specialist in this field. In 2010 the car was judged NCRS Top Flight at a chapter meet in Schaumberg, Illinois. We are happy to send scans of the judging sheets to any serious buyers. We are also willing to email high resolution photos of engine and transmission number stampings to any serious buyers who need verification. Third party inspections are encouraged, but must occur on our property.


Please don't hesitate to ask any questions by hitting the button above or calling 949-548-7900. Please ask for Ed, but stick to questions about this car and things that relate to you making a purchase.''

BILL BRAUN in Chicago is a very active judge NCRS and may know of the car and its TOP FLIGHT history. Don knows what he looking at also. Between both people, hopefully you will know ''what you are buying'' before you put cash down.

In 66, 427/ 390 Corvettes with air conditioning were rare. NOLAND ADAMS RESTORATION GUIDE shows only 20 convertibles made with AC and there are no records on coupes. Does't mean that Chevrolet never made any.

I would however, spend extra effort verifying the history of this car before I spent any money. contact Edelen Motorsports and get all owners of record . You sure don't want to buy a ''concieved'' car. I question SIDE EXHAUST on a Power glide car . Just be careful.

[Vincent A.]

Re: Help in researching a 1966 Corvette Coupe for sale

Jim,

Sorry for the slow reply (travel). Thank you for these great suggestions. Don Hooper from the So Cal chapter is going to inspect the car and records for me this week. We will see. I'll also try to reach Bill Braun, that's a very good idea.

Thanks

Vince