THE SHAPE OF DREAMS: Trio of C2 Corvettes aims to captivate the Palm Beach crowd
March 18, 2016
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by independent automotive journalist Steve Statham
Crossing the block at No Reserve in Palm Beach will be this 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 427/425 (Lot #378) .
Everybody has a favorite Corvette ‒ one that haunts dreams, a “someday” car. Of course, since the Corvette’s origin dates back to 1953, that’s a lot of fiberglass to dream about. Parse through the nearly endless engine, trim and color combinations, and no two dream ’Vettes will be alike.
So let’s narrow it down a bit. Let’s focus on the C2 generation, the Stingrays built from 1963-1967. Some will quibble, but it’s easy to make the case that these are the Corvettes that inspire the greatest number of daydreams. A trio of these C2s will be offered at Palm Beach 2016 at No Reserve, and any of them should satisfy that dream car itch. If you had your choice, which would you go for?
The original Kelsey-Hayes knock-off wheels and Goldline tires complete the look of this ’66 Stingray.
The 1966 coupe (Lot #378) is practically the prototype for Corvette fantasies ‒ big-block, 4-speed, F41 suspension and an unusual Laguna Blue/Bright Blue color combination as a bonus. The L72 427 was the top engine option for 1966. It was factory-rated at 425hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque, and the 4.11 posi-traction differential in this car makes sure that power hits hard. Power steering and power brakes civilize the driving experience somewhat, although there’s really no taming a 427 ’Vette. The original Kelsey-Hayes knock-off wheels and Goldline tires complete the look. This Stingray has an NCRS shipping data report, has its original factory body and trim tag, original owner’s manual and has earned multiple regional Top Flight awards documented by its NCRS judging sheets.
This custom 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (Lot #402) combines classic styling with modern materials.
If you’re the type who dreams about modified Stingrays, you might gravitate toward the red 1963 custom convertible (Lot #402) shown here. Part of the art of custom car building involves modifying the vehicle in such a way that it’s not immediately obvious what’s been changed. You have to puzzle over it for a while to identify the custom work. In this case, its wide-body quarter panels added to the original body. That’s no mere cosmetic flourish ‒ it opens up room for the Centennial Cup wheels and massive Nitto Invo tires. Then you peek between the spokes and see the Z06 brakes, and you know you’re viewing something with a Resto-Mod bent, combining classic styling with modern mechanicals.
The LS7 engine in this ’63 custom Stingray is displayed like a work of art.
The 21st-century LS7 engine is displayed like a work of art, nestled between a smoothed firewall and sculpted inner fenders. Detailing includes a chromed FrontRunner engine accessory drive, Katech valve covers with “Corvette 427” insignia and a custom dual-horn cold-air intake. Stainless Works headers lead to a side-mount exhaust. The transmission and rear end have been likewise upgraded to an LGT700 5-speed and a Dana 44, respectively.
The 1963 Corvette’s suspension was once of the most advanced of its time, but ’Vettes have come a long way since then. This Resto-Mod custom now rolls on an SRIII chassis with C6 suspension, with QA1 dual adjustable coilovers. ABS power brakes and an electric parking brake upgrade stopping ability.
For many, the ultimate Corvette remains the 1967 427/435 Stingray. This example, Lot #367, will be crossing the block at the 2016 Palm Beach Auction.
The modern improvements carry over to the custom interior. Wipelli leather covers the dash, seats and door panels. Autometer carbon-fiber series electronic gauges replace the originals and a custom Autosound stereo with Kenwood amplifier and Bazooka subwoofer delivers sonic enjoyment no simple AM ’60s radio can match. Comforts include power windows, an Ididit tilt steering column and billet steering wheel.
The red SPI base coat/clear coat paint is hard to miss, but some of the upgrades aren’t evident at first glance, like the electric hood actuator with remote control and Detroit Speed headlight motor system. You could spend an enjoyable weekend inspecting this car just to catalogue all its unique features.
The inside is as beautiful as the outside in this 1967 Corvette 427/435.
For many people, however, the ultimate Corvette remains the 1967 427/435hp Stingray (Lot #376). The combination of final year C2 body with trio of Holley two-barrel carburetors on a 427ci V8 is irresistible. The convertible shown here checks off all the desirability boxes ‒ 4-speed close-ratio transmission, 4.11 posi, transistorized ignition and F41 suspension. The performance is undeniable, but there are also power windows, power brakes and a telescopic steering wheel.
A paperwork trail is part of the dream when purchasing a car like this, and that jackpot comes with this car, including its factory-produced Tank Sheet (Corvette Order Copy) with NCRS document validation, original owner bank documents with loan details, photos of the original owner with the car in the early 1970s, judging sheets from multiple NCRS shows, Bloomington Gold certification and restoration receipts.
How do you choose between three such Corvettes? It pays to dream big, but it’s more fun when the dreams are attainable. “Someday” could be very well be April 8-10 at Palm Beach.
‒ Written by independent automotive journalist Steve Statham
For information on these and other vehicles on the Palm Beach docket, click HERE.