Frame Off Restored Corvette Stingray 427 4 Speed

Ask almost any Corvette guy what the ultimate 'Vette might be, and 9 out of 10 of them will probably say a 1967 roadster with a 427. Investors clearly agree, with prices on these cars skyrocketing year after year, ignoring the rest of the economy. There's no doubt that those three numbers have a special meaning for any car guy, and you owe it to yourself once in your life to own a big block Corvette convertible—there's simply nothing else like it. This gorgeous matching-numbers 427/390 roadster is a splendid example thanks to a frame-off restoration, presenting today as a show-ready example that you'll be proud to own. And it's a real L36/4-speed car, as shown on the original order sheet:

L36:390 HP V8 Turbo Jet

G81: 3.36 Positraction axle

M21: 4-speed close-ratio transmission

Q81 : 775x15x4 tires

C07: Auxiliary hardtop

U69: AM/FM radio

A02: Tinted windshield

A82: Headrest bench seat

K19: GM Air injection reactor

N11: Off road exhaust

Refinished in its original code 976 Marina Blue with a black stinger, this handsome roadster is a refreshing change from all the bright red and black Corvettes you see on the market. From the restoration photos that accompany the car, you can see that the work was thorough and professional, and that this car was intended to be a showpiece from the moment work started. Corvettes can be challenging to restore correctly, and this one has all the signs of an expert job—great panel alignment, good gaps, and no signs of cracks or stress marks in the usual places. The soft glow of the two-stage urethane somehow seems more accurate than most modern paint jobs, and I wonder if the painters have done something to the final finish to give it a more authentic shine. Whatever the case, this car looks fabulous in person and I can't find a single place where the work is merely adequate. It's exquisite throughout.

Every piece of chrome on this car is show quality, whether that means an excellent original piece was restored to better-than-new condition, or fresh reproduction items were installed, and the restorers did their homework to ensure the parts were accurate. You'll love the intricate detailing of the crossed flag emblems, which are so finely detailed that I have a hard time believing the originals were this nice—GM just didn't spend the long dollar to make little parts perfect. Of course, it wears the 427 badges on the hood with pride, and the hood filler door was painted to match the body, as it should be. The tinted windshield is unmarked, and all the stainless trim has been fully polished for a show presentation.

Tilt that reverse-opening hood and you'll find the original, numbers matching L36 427/390 horsepower engine, fully rebuilt and detailed. From the chrome air cleaner with the correct decals, to the polished ignition shield, to the long block painted in Chevy Orange, it looks like 1967 all over again. And I have to say, this engine bay is more authentic than most—not over restored and not so shiny that you'll be afraid to even start the engine. It's really nicely done, to the point where the rebuilders were careful to preserve the original stamping numbers on the engine pad. This car also carries its original air injection smog pump, which is often missing and is virtually impossible to replace today. They also used correct hoses and clamps, and a new reproduction wiring harness with the proper connectors and clamps. Fire it up and it springs to life with that well-known and well-respected 427 rumble that is like a warning siren for most other muscle cars, and it pulls through the gears effortlessly. Seriously, there's just nothing like the endless torque of a big block Corvette.

The chassis was equally well detailed, including the Muncie M21 close-ratio 4-speed, which shifts as it should. The frame and suspension members are coated in correct satin black, while the floors are flat black raw fiberglass. New hardware was used throughout, and fresh decals, markings, and other identifying marks have been used to make this Corvette as correct underneath as it is up top. And while many early Corvettes swap out the metal leaf springs for new fiberglass pieces, we're happy to see that the originals remain in place here and are fully restored. The exhaust system certainly sounds menacing, and perhaps my eyes are deceiving me, but do those pipes look a little bigger than stock? Hard to say, but I can't argue with the results. The disc brakes at all four corners have been rebuilt, there are new bushings in the suspension, and all the lines and hoses are new. Fresh shocks ensure that this Corvette rides as well as it did in '67, and it rolls on a set of Rallys with correct Corvette centers and reproduction Firestone redline bias-ply tires.

Although the window sticker and invoice say that this car has a bench seat, there's no such thing as a 1967 Corvette with a bench. But perhaps that was the only way to indicate headrests on the standard black vinyl buckets, which have been recovered and stuffed with fresh foam. Showing only minimal use, the interior is exceptionally inviting and the seats are very comfortable for a cruise across town or down Route 66 like Buzz and Tod. Crisp gauge markings, clear lenses, and everything fully functional are all hallmarks of a high-quality restoration, and even the original radio is operational. The steering wheel is a beautiful wood grained unit that fits with the Corvette's sport car demeanor, and the chrome handle for the 4-speed falls easily to hand just a few inches away. This is also a two-top car, with a new black vinyl folding convertible top and the original removable hardtop, which has been restored to match.

This highly documented car comes with the aforementioned order sheet, a reproduction window sticker, owner's manual, AM/FM radio operating instructions, original tire changing guide, registration documents from its long life in California (with a known ownership history from new), and a stack of restoration receipts totaling more than $125,000. In May of 2010, it scored 93.2 points in NCRS judging, enough to qualify it for a Second Flight award among some pretty stiff competition.

This car has an awful lot going for it: a 427, a 4-speed, matching numbers, a top that goes down and a removable hard top, known ownership history, and receipts for a restoration that cost more than the asking price of the car. Sadly, even with top-notch Corvettes, there's usually little upside to a full frame-off restoration of this quality, and buying this car is like paying for the restoration and getting the Corvette for free. Look at the price books, the market analysis, and the classifieds in your favorite magazine, and you'll see that Corvette prices have been virtually immune to dips and recessions. The reason is simple—they' re great cars to own, and people who know Corvettes know that the big block cars drive like nothing else. This wonderfully restored roadster is ready to hit some additional shows, or perhaps you're the kind of guy who'd rather drive it than sit and watch other people look at it. Either way, this is an investment-grade Corvette that will serve you well no matter what you decide to do. Call today!