1965 Sting Ray Roadster

For sale in Texas

My first Corvette was a ‘65 roadster with an L79 small-block 350 hp engine and four-speed manual transmission. That was a long time ago in upstate New York, but I can still relate to this offering in Texas.

This mid-year came from the factory with a Sebring Silver exterior, but the silver paint reportedly didn’t age very well, so at some point is was repainted Nassau Blue. It’s also equipped with the desirable side exhaust, new replica Kelsey-Hayes knock-off turbine wheels, and new tires, brakes, and shocks.

Although it has no air conditioning, power brakes, or power steering, it seems to be quite original. For an older restoration, the paint is generally in very good condition with only minor rock chips and a couple of minor imperfections.

The interior is black vinyl with new carpet and a new black convertible top has been fitted. The seller states that all the instrument panel controls are in working order in this “excellent driver quality car.” The car also comes with a rare original teak steering wheel.

The odometer reads 38,000 miles, but I can assure you that is not the true mileage. I can speak from experience as I saw on my ‘65 how easy it would have been to disconnect the speedometer cable or pull the instrument panel cluster out and physically turn back the mileage on the mechanical unit.

This C2 has the original matching-numbers engine and transmission which is becoming rare for these 60-year-old cars. It must have been ordered by a true gearhead because it has the relatively rare L76 engine, the M22 “rock-crusher” close-ratio four-speed transmission, and posi-traction rear end. The L76 engine was the most powerful naturally-aspirated 327 cu. in. engine available in this model year and produced 365 horsepower.

Now for the bad news. What is your reaction to the asking price of $85,000. for a “driver quality” C2? What do you think it would sell for at a Mecum auction?

I must admit that it’s the right generation (there are very few people that don’t like the second-generation model) and the right color (this was one of the most popular colors that year). It’s nicely equipped with a pretty rare powertrain.

Are you ready to jump in and make this guy an offer?

If so, go to: 1965 Corvette Roadster

For anyone interested in reading a first-hand account of owning a second-generation Corvette, I recommend this Kindle eBook that you can find here. I think you’ll find it an entertaining and informative read.