‘66 Corvette Purchased New by the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson
Now owned by a collector in Michigan, this Sting Ray is still in its original condition
I was a huge Beach Boys fan back in my younger days and spent many hours blasting their songs while cruising in my C2s. I was saddened last week at the news that Brian Wilson had died. He was 83 years old when he died on Wednesday and had suffered declining health for several years.
Brian Wilson originally purchased this ‘66 Sunfire Yellow Sting Ray on July 15, 1966 – only three days before the Beach Boys released their legendary hit single “Wouldn’t It Be Nice.” The convertible was a smart choice for driving in sunny and warm California, and it was apparently ordered with the auxiliary hardtop.
I wasn’t aware that a piece of Beach Boys history resides in West Michigan. Wilson had sold his Corvette in 1970, and it subsequently was sold several times over the next 23 years. In 1993, a Hastings, Michigan car collector bought the car, becoming its fifth owner.
Even though this vintage Corvette has passed through several owners, it remains in the same condition as when Wilson drove it. It still has the original factory paint and original interior with the same steering wheel, seats, and shifter that Wilson had used. Wilson reportedly said that this Corvette was his favorite of all the cars he had owned.
Brian Wilson’s passing is very sad to me but, although we’ve lost a songwriting genius and incredible musician, we still have his musical compositions and the Corvette that he loved.