1965 vs 1966

[Steven B.]

Hi all, I'm looking to purchase and I don't want to get into the minutiae of either the '65 or '66, but I just want any thoughts of one over the other. I don't have any possible candidates as this will be a 2021 purchase. Is there any real differences that one would say don't purchase because...? I'm also looking at a coupe instead of a convertible. Any reason to purchase one over the other would help. I was a member here when I purchased my '58 in 2004 and never forgot the great advice and help. Thanks in advance, Steve

[Keith B.]

Re: 1965 vs 1966

Beside the emblems. Hubcaps, rocker panels gas door and interior knobs and seat covers it’s the same car beside engine options.

[Bill M.]

Re: 1965 vs 1966

I like the 65 grill better and like that there is no emblem on the hood for the drying cloth to get stuck on.

[Leif A.]

Re: 1965 vs 1966

I owned a '65 Nassau Blue coupe. For all intents and purposes, there is, effectively, no difference between the two.

[Jaime G.]

Re: 1965 vs 1966

Mostly the same car other than HP designations.
Buy the best one you can find.

[Mike B.]

Re: 1965 vs 1966

Hi Steve,

I own a '65 and a '66. My only Corvettes ever. Had both for about 30 years now. Both are convertibles. Hope to find a nice coupe someday. It will also be a '65 or '66. Love the functional side louvers. Very wicked look. Just as real stingray gills. Four wheel disc brakes make both years very desirable. I love the badging and insignia on both years. More engine options and interior color combos on the '65. I agree with Bill that the '65 front grill looks a little meaner. Of course higher horsepower and Muncie 4 speeds add to the value of the car.

Post added note:

Although I like both models when viewed from the rear, I've always felt the 4 red taillights on my '65 are more appealing vs. the 2 red/2 clear taillights on my '66. My '65 came without the optional backup lights that were standard on the '66. Something the GM engineers remedied on the '67 with the return of the 4 red taillights. Something to consider.

Happy hunting!
Mike

[Mark E.]

Re: 1965 vs 1966

Early '65- End of drum brakes, fuel injection, and small block solid lifters (until 1970). L79 introduced

Late '65- Big block introduced- only year for L78 396

1966- 250hp engine dropped; Carter carburetors dropped (all engines Holley equipped); 427 engines introduced, only year for L72; L36 version available with AC

Corvette Black Book is a good reference.

[Elliott P.]

Re: 1965 vs 1966

The biggest difference that is a real biggy for me is that in 66 you got the dreaded A.I.R. smog system installed on all California bound cars. This included air pump with feed-pipes to each exhaust, screwed up vacuum advance, exhaust gas recirculation, and other subtle wacko tuning differences. Due to all this the car ran hotter. BTW, the correct numbers matching engine block stamping will indicate that it is/was a A.I.R. California car. Most people have junked all that crappy smog hardware, so if you are looking for judging points, avoid a 66 A.I.R. car. And that is too bad, because you can find a lot of well preserved cars in California; its the climate, silly.

Don't lose hope, I found a nice 65 coupe. Regards, Elliott

[Duke W.]

Re: 1965 vs 1966

Not a big deal, but the '64/5 Coupe's cockpit exhaust ventilation system was eliminated for '66.

Duke

[Larry E.]

Re: 1965 vs 1966

The looks of the Air Cleaner alone made me choose the 66. Larry

[Larry M.]

Re: 1965 vs 1966

Weren't there some differences in the brake calipers? Not sure if it was anything significant.

[Steven B.]

Re: 1965 vs 1966

Thanks Keith, that's kind of what I thought. It seems to be subtle changes that make the difference between the two.

[Steven B.]

Re: 1965 vs 1966

Thanks Mike, I really like the coupe as viewed from the rear. Very iconic look vs the convert. And besides down here in Naples, FL, I don't need to be sunburned every time I go out. My '58 was a convert. and 20 minutes on the highway and I had to pull over and put it up.

[Wally A.]

Re: 1965 vs 1966

when ever you would ask, which one is a better investment, an owner of a 66 would favor over the 65, and vice versa.
i am the owner of a 67, and myself , if i had a choice to buy either i would favor the 65. do your research.

[Don H.]

Re: 1965 vs 1966

If I remember correctly, 1965 was the lowest number of coupes produced of all mid years. Don H.