Frame Off Restored Corvette Sting Ray Roadster 327 w/AC

When it comes down to raw appeal, it's hard argue with the C2 Corvette. They're great to look at and the wide array of options allowed factory builds that ranged from balanced touring car to hyper aggressive straight line shooter. This sleek 1967 Corvette roadster falls into the former category thanks to its original 327ci powerplant, automatic transmission, and lengthy list of options including air conditioning, power windows, and side-exit exhausts. While the car was the subject of a frame off restoration that freshened nearly every corner, the car today presents with the air of authenticity that Corvette enthusiasts prize about all else. Complete with receipts and NCRS paperwork, all this C2 needs is a few twisty roads and a nice summer day.

We'll get started offering the impressive list of factory options included on this Stingray:

A01: Soft Ray tinted glass
A02: Soft Ray tinted windshield
A31: Power windows
C07: Auxiliary hardtop
C60: Air conditioning
G81: Posi-traction rear axle
J50: Power brakes
M35: Powerglide automatic transmission
N14: Side-mount exhaust system
N40: Power steering
N89: Cast aluminum bolt-on wheels
QB1: Redline tires – 7.75x15
U69: AM/FM radio

Born at GM's storied St. Louis assembly plant on Thursday, January 5th of 1967, this roadster was introduced to its first owner by Slaton Chevrolet in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Decked out in GM code 974 Rally Red, it's easy to imagine the car in the sunny Florida climate, collecting stares with the top down. Today, that bright hue is especially vibrant thanks to a first-rate basecoat/clearcoat paint job which is light years ahead of the flat finish enamel that originally adorned the car's panels. The presents well from all angles, offering cleanly finished look all around. The work underneath that top coat is equally nice with admirable panel fitment and clean lines all around.

Thanks to a renewed dedication to motorsports and some heavy influence from the Mako Shark concept car, the second generation Corvette benefits from a much more sporty and striking appearance than its predecessor. Up front, a body-width stainless grille sits inside of show worthy stainless trim which is bordered by two chrome trimmed parking lights and a mirror-like chrome bumper. Above that bumper, a red, white and black Corvette C2 cross flag emblem rides in front of a 1967 exclusive stinger hood which is completed by a bright white stripe. Behind that hood, stainless windshield wipers clear like-new glass which is framed by well-maintained stainless trim, a pristine chrome driver's mirror and either a white soft top or a Rally Red hard top. The side profile offers 1967-exclusive heat extractors in front of chrome door handles and polished stainless side pipes which are equipped with traditional finned heat shields. To the rear of the car, a chrome trimmed center mounted Corvette fuel filler sits above a fresh black and chrome “Corvette Sting Ray” emblem while two centered reverse lamps hang between four traditional Corvette tail lights, a chrome trimmed tag bracket and two pristine razor blade style bumpers.

Lift the striped Stinger hood forward to reveal the original 327ci small block. The engine wears a matching partial VIN alongside an “HO” suffix code that indicates this was a 300hp V8 with 10.0:1 compression, a four-barrel carburetor, and an automatic transmission from day one. Correctly restored Corvettes aren't about glossy show-carperfection so this engine bay wears a great mix of new pieces and hard-earned patina. The block itself is dressed in Chevy orange paint and topped with a Winters intake, Holley carburetor, and factory cast iron heads dressed with finned aluminum valve covers. With so many accessories, the front of the engine stays busy spinning a factory Frigidaire air conditioning compressor, power steering pump, and an alternator alongside the water pump and fan. All the proper visuals are in place with a correctly labeled chrome air cleaner placed in front of the chrome ignition cover while reproduction hoses with tower clamps create a path for fluids. At either side, cast iron exhaust manifolds wear their age with pride, carrying spent exhaust gases into the factory side-exit exhaust system. Turn the key and the engine fires to life with a sporty bark that reminds everyone around that big block cars aren't the only game in town.

Put this C2 in the air to find a restored undercarriage eager for a sunny weekend and some side roads. In the center, a correct aluminum Powerglide automatic transmission handles shifting duties, relegating power to the rear wheels through a posi-traction differential. At the ends of the car, a fully restored double A-arm front and independent rear suspension is detailed down to its correct power steering system and replacement transverse rear spring. At the corners of the car, standard issue power four wheel disc brakes provide excellent cornering and quick stops. Above that rebuilt suspension original fiberglass floor tubs bolt to a straight and clean satin black frame. Of the 22,940 Corvettes Chevrolet turned out in 1967, only 720 were equipped with the stylish bolt-on aluminum Kelsey Hayes wheels. This is one of those rare cars to have shipped out wearing those wheels and the style remains in place today, wrapped in redline tires.

Between the C2's lightweight fiberglass doors, a spectacular GM code 408 Red leather interior which is stylish enough to adorn most of the OEM offerings at this year's New York International Auto Show. At the front of the car, stylish aircraft-inspired gauges, which appear to be rebuilt originals, look fantastic next to the brushed metal panels on the glove box and center console which features power window switches. And at the sides of the car, great looking stainless trimmed door panels hold chrome handles for the doors and windows above perfectly placed armrests. Between the seats, the dash flows into what is commonly called a waterfall design which begins at a continuous motion clock and cascades through HVAC controls and a correct AM/FM radio to the base of the chrome shifter. In front of the driver, a nicely restored Corvette Rally wheel props glowing satin finished spokes and a wood rim around a pristine C2 Corvette cross flag horn button. Behind the seats, a fully carpeted storage compartment shows no signs of use at all.

Documentation for this Stingray includes a reproduction owner's manual, a spec sheet which highlights all options included on the car, a stack of receipts for various restoration and maintenance expenditures, a Shipping Data Report from N.C.R.S., and a factory hang tag to display on the radio at shows. Together, they form a surprisingly clear look at the car's history.

There is never a bad time to buy a C2 Corvette and, if you like to drive your toys, it'll be tough to find a better companion than this. With more than enough power on tap, a convertible top, tons of convenience features, and the color that Corvettes arguable wear best, this Stingray has a bright future ahead. If that future is a spot in your garage, don't wait to put your name on the title of this 1966 Chevrolet Corvette.