Frame Off Restored Corvette Sting Ray 427/435 4 Speed

Ask any Chevrolet fan to name the most desirable Corvette ever produced, and 8 out of 10 of them will probably say the 1967 Sting Ray. Make mention of a big block, side pipes, and a sinister color combination and the level of interest goes from strong to off-the-charts in a matter of seconds. No matter how good the new cars get, it's difficult to top the direct driving experience of a midyear Vette. This 1967 coupe hits all the right buzzwords with its original 427ci/435hp V8, Muncie 4-speed. and black-on-black color scheme. Add in power disc brakes, power steering, and side pipes and you wind up with more raw appeal than most modern brands can muster across their entire product line. If you're looking for a dark horse C2 for your collection, take a minute to get to know this coupe.

Between the VIN and the trim tag, it's safe to say this car left the St. Louis line in late November of 1966. While the black interior and big block were in place, the car looked a little different. It was originally dressed in Marlboro Maroon paint which has since been swapped in favor of the rich coat of Tuxedo Black on display today. The work is first rate and the white stinger is the perfect complement. There are no bonding seams visible, panel alignment is good all around and, when you get up close and personal with the car, it becomes very obvious that someone invested a lot of time and money into correctly restoring its smooth canvas. A thorough examination of the details reveals headlight doors which fit well, lines that are crisp, a laser-sharp crease that surrounds the entire body, and aggressive 'shark fin' fenders which haven't been abused by an overzealous sander.

The second generation of Corvette had a much more assertive presence thanks to both a renewed dedication to motorsports and some heavy influence from the original Mako Shark concept. That influence is especially notable in the details.The car opens with a low-slung grille tucked behind a thin split bumper. Above, hideaway headlights keep the front view clean while a classic Stinger hood draws cool air into the bay and look downright evil in the process. The side profile brings the long front end/short overhang view into perspective while sporting pieces like '67-exclusive heat extractors, chrome door handles, a driver side bowtie mirror and clean rocker trim that hangs just above the side pipes. Up top, the greenhouse displays clean glass and stainless with pliable weather-stripping all around. Follow the sloped back window toward a rear view filled out by a driver side antenna, a cross-flag fuel cap and crisp Corvette badging hang above dual round taillights, a centered reverse lights, and a second thin split bumper.

Tip this Corvette's hood forward and you'll find a fully detailed 427 cubic inch Tri-Power V8 which is branded with a 1967-exclusive 3904351 casting number and stamped with both a correct partial VIN and a “JE” special high performance, manual transmission suffix code. Introduced as the ultimate option for street-prowling Stingrays, Chevrolet's Tri-Power big block spun a stout 11:1 compression ratio into a factory-rated 435 horsepower. At the top of this engine, a correctly decaled chrome air filter sends air into three Holley two-barrel carburetors which ride on top of an aluminum Winters intake. To the sides, OEM-style aluminum heads hide under simple chrome valve covers. At the back of the engine, a chrome-capped distributor sends spark through sleeved suppression wires which snake around correct exhaust manifolds. The front of the engine offers a correctly shrouded radiator which sends coolant through reproduction GM hoses and correct tower clamps. Bright Chevy Orange paint covers the block and, as always, looks great against a fully finished hood and satin black inner fenders. Correct decals are present and accounted for and niceties such as a fresh alternator, a reproduction Delco Energizer battery and a Delco master cylinder ensure that this Corvette runs just as good as it looks.

Put this Vette in the air and you'll find a well maintained undercarriage that is every bit as solid as it is clean. The floor pans are shown in black, creating a perfect backdrop for 14.5 ft worth of new or perfectly restored hardware. In the center, a rugged Muncie four-speed is housed in an 010 case with a P (Muncie) 7 (1967) C30 (March, 30) assembly stamp and sends power back to a factory Posi-Traction rear end. The combination is a blast to drive and effortlessly delivers the neck snapping launches and potent acceleration Corvettes are famous for. At the ends of the car, a fully restored double A-arm front and independent multi-link rear suspension is completely detailed down to its transverse rear spring. At the corners of the car, standard equipment four wheel disc brakes pair with power steering for a comfortable driving experience. Power flows to the ground through classic 15-inch 'turbine' aluminum wheels which spin a fresh set of 7.75-15 BF Goodrich Silvertown red lines around pristine center caps.

Swing open this cars fiberglass doors and you'll find a code 437 black vinyl interior which provides a near perfect match to the cars Tuxedo Black exterior panels. The bucket seats have been recovered and show virtually no wear at all. In front of the seats, 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. At the sides of the car, stainless trimmed door panels hold chrome handles for the car's doors and windows above perfectly placed armrests. Above the seats, a pristine vinyl headliner is stretched tight between a new chrome mirror and fully functioning dome light, while new black carpeting covers the floors below. In the center, the dash flows into the classic waterfall design which begins at a continuous motion clock and cascades through a correctly tagged AM/FM radio to the base of a fully functional chrome shifter. In front of the driver, a nicely restored Corvette Rally wheel props glowing satin finished spokes and a slick 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.

The sale of this C2 includes an original owner's manual which breaks down the car's finer points in vintage GM marketing speak as well as a tag and manual for the AM/FM radio.

Big block Corvettes have been blue chip collector cars for years and show no signs of loosening their hold on the market. With its original 427/435, Muncie 4-speed, and a sinister updated look, this coupe is poised to get plenty of attention. The quality restoration ensures that, whether you're simply admiring the car or touring the back roads, there won't be any disappointments. If the time has come to fulfill your second-generation dreams, don't miss this one.