Price range '66, '67 BB coupe - nice driver

[Oliver S.]

I'm interested in a '66 or '67 BB coupe - really nice driver (mechanically sound, chrome, paint, interior nice - minor imperfections acceptable) - 390hp NM preferered, NOM would be ok - original appearance. Desired option: power brakes but no powerglide.
Since I live in Germany it's not easy for me to estimate how much such a Corvette might cost in the USA, provided the car holds what it promises.
I would appreciate any information what a reasonable price range is.

Oliver

[Ara G.]

Re: Price range '66, '67 BB coupe - nice driver

Oliver,There is a HUGE price difference between original motor cars and non-original motor cars. Also, there are price differences between 66's and 67's as 67's were obviously the last year of the C2's. Nice driver condition NON original motor cars can be had for 35-55K (or that neighborhood) but real motor 390 cars will be double that all day long...and when you start adding options like real pipe car, real bolt on wheels, the price goes up....Good luck with your search.....ARA

[Oliver S.]

Re: Price range '66, '67 BB coupe - nice driver

My preferred one is a '66 Mossport Green - unfortunately rarest and one-year color. Some classifieds - even NM '67 390 apparently nice drivers - seem attractive and I ask myself why are they so 'low' compared to other ones with similar options. Options beside PB - which I would really like on a '66 due to dual brake line - are secondary to me. Sure, PW would be great - my '65 roadster has this option and I really appreciate it.

Oliver

[Ron L.]

Re: Price range '66, '67 BB coupe - nice driver

Show me a decent driver 427 car NOM for 35k, and I'll show you how easy it is to save money , and sign up on Healthcare. Gov. There are a sea of restamped BB cars out there. Many many cars aren't Original motors. Yes of course some are and can be proven but sir, please....don't fall for all the hype if you want a driver, don't worry about original motor. Get a nice car, drive it and save a ton of money. For 50 or 55 k. You can get one. That's 30 to 40 k less than an original motor car. Besides that you can drive it and not worry about something happening to the original motor. I've had an original motor car and they are great and all, but my driver I have now isn't and I have more fun with it than I ever did that trailer queen.
good luck on it...enjoy the hunt.

[Jeff P.]

Re: Price range '66, '67 BB coupe - nice driver

Just my two cents...but if you want a "driver" , why must it be a BB? A small block is more suited to cruising around town and, if running right, they are still a handful when you get into the throttle. Build a NOM and make it as strong as a 390 HP big block.

[Oliver S.]

Re: Price range '66, '67 BB coupe - nice driver

There are a couple of reasons for me to look for a BB:
1. It's a BB :-) - a purely emotional thing ... and I already have got a SB roadster.
2. If the BB is original - NM or NOM with original replacements I can use the 'normal' service manual for drive train maintenance. There are not that many US V8 engine experts around here in Germany
3. Having buit up a SB yielding 390hp would be expensive and form an investment point of view will not pay off when I will sell the car (not planned but needs to be considered, too).
4. NOM engine is totally acceptable. No hassle with original documents proofing it to be a true NM BB. My only concern with NOM is the usage of non-original replacements (454 engine, other carb) that perhaps don't fit together and cause trouble or additional money to get it fixed.

[Bill M.]

Re: Price range '66, '67 BB coupe - nice driver

Why a big block? I had a 396 coupe and like an idiot sold it. I did pay of my house and buy my wife a 93. but getting back to BB there is nothing like the tourqe pinning you to the seat when you let the clutch out at 5 grand. i do agree that a replacement motor is the way to go so you can have fun with the car. We have a 66 that is a 300 car and badly in need of paint we took body off and did a mechanical restoration. we will drive for a while with 300. I have a friend keeping an eye out for a BB so that i can drop that in.

[Joe R.]

Re: Price range '66, '67 BB coupe - nice driver

Oliver,

Power brakes won't make a single outlet master cylinder any safer. I wouldn't expect problems as long as you as religious about your maintenance. Make sure the parking brake is in good working order. Consider switching to Silicone brake fluid to prevent rust from the inside out.

By the way, a 66 BB is an absolute hoot to drive.

Joe

[Oliver S.]

Re: Price range '66, '67 BB coupe - nice driver

Joe,

'65 & '66 PB option implies dual brake line - hence a safety gain.

Oliver

[David P.]

Re: Price range '66, '67 BB coupe - nice driver

Oliver,

You probably have thought of this, but if you're looking at a NOM car that doesn't have power brakes, you could just add them after purchase. It probably makes no difference to the car's value (except to maybe increase it) to just add them yourself once your outside the bounds of flight judging and preserving originality. I believe that is a very easy mod, can be very close to original factory configuration to preserve ease of maintenance from Germany as you prefer... even considering possibly having to rework some brake line configs to adapt to dual circuit for the safety factor. Just a thought.

[Oliver S.]

Re: Price range '66, '67 BB coupe - nice driver

Dave,

if it were a NOM I would convert it to PB - suitable conversion kits are available. However a NM car is different -no change in this case. Hence, a NM car with PB would be great.

Oliver

[David P.]

Re: Price range '66, '67 BB coupe - nice driver

Dave,

if it were a NOM I would convert it to PB - suitable conversion kits are available. However a NM car is different -no change in this case. Hence, a NM car with PB would be great.

Oliver

OK- yep, totally agree with that logic. Also agree with other advice that the average person will have boatloads more fun with a $60K NOM 427 than with a $100K NM car that's just one over-rev away from tragedy. That said, I do have a lot of fun with my NM '70 454, but there's a big difference in my budget between my $40K car and a $100K '67.

Decisions, decisions. What fun! Best of luck to you in your search.

[Oliver S.]

Re: Price range '66, '67 BB coupe - nice driver

David,

I think '66 BBs are more in my price range. $100.000 is to much for me and my treasury secretary ;-)
Initially - when falling in love with C2 - '67 was the way to go. But since owning a '65 I have come to really appreciate the pre '67 models. From my reluctance regarding the brake handle below the dash I now really like it since there's more space between driver and passenger. OK, the '67 BB hood is awesome and the '66 one reminds me of a broken boxer nose ;-) - but hey, this is a brute!

Oliver

[David P.]

Re: Price range '66, '67 BB coupe - nice driver

Oliver, I couldn't agree more. All the great features of the '67 are just as you say, but they come at a heavy premium. I love thinking about your new Vette rolling around Germany and showing off classic American muscle. I stopped through Frankfurt and Leipzig a couple times each on my way to/from Afghanistan throughout 2012 and 2013. Beautiful countryside but not many great American cars on the roads! For my money, I'd choose a $60K 427 driver over a $80K+ '66 NM garage queen I'd be hesitant to put many miles on. I'm already running into situations where I don't want to take my '70 on longer trips because I don't want to rack up the miles or risk getting hit in heavy traffic. A driver that can be easily repaired without spending a fortune and the time looking for NOS parts is much less stressful on the road, in my opinion.