Restored Numbers Matching Corvette Roadster L79 4 Speed

No sooner than I get finished telling you about our beautiful L79 coupe that had three buyers angling for position, this incredible 1966 Corvette L79 roadster shows up. Freshly restored and ready for NCRS Top Flight and Bloomington Gold judging, this Milano Maroon convertible also features a 100% matching numbers drive-train, and a gorgeous original interior. According to the extensive documentation package, this car is also extensively optioned:

M21 Close-ratio 4-speed transmissionV74 Hazard warning switchGB1 3.36 Positraction rear axleP48 Knock-off wheelsA01 Tinted glassU69 AM/FM radio with power antennaN40 Power steeringN14 Side exhaustP92 White sidewall tiresL79 L79 327/350 engine

So yes, this is a matching numbers L79 roadster with a 4-speed, knock-offs and side pipes. Seriously, does it get any better?

The recent frame-off restoration has left this car in spectacular, as-new condition throughout. All the fiberglass is original, with only minor repairs required to get it ready for show. Clearly very well maintained since new, all the original Corvette details are still readily apparent, suggesting that this car was restored by guys who know a thing or two about showing a ‘Vette. There were 3799 Milano Maroon Corvettes built in 1966, making it a popular color and for good reason! The 2-stage urethane finish is rich and sophisticated, befitting a high-end sports car, as Chevrolet engineers had finally balanced the combination of touring car comforts with sports car performance. Panel gaps are as the factory did it, and the car fits together extremely well.

Ornamentation on these mid-year Corvettes is gorgeous. While the original 1963 shape was intact, the designers added functional vents behind the front wheels, along with brightly detailed badging on the front, back and sides of the car. Chrome is show quality, and all the stainless has been professionally restored. The side pipes have been properly restored with a stain finish (why do so many guys chrome them?), and all the lenses are new reproductions that look spot-on. The windshield and other glass is new, along with all the weather stripping, so the car seals up tightly.

While the thundering big-block engines garnered the most press, 7591 smart Corvette owners selected the L79 350-horsepower, 327 cubic inch engine option in 1966, creating a truly balanced high-performance car. The high-winding L79 engine included a host of high-performance components, including free-breathing cylinder heads with 2.02-inch intake and 1.60-inch exhaust valves, topped with an aluminum intake manifold and a Holley four-barrel carburetor. As well, while the engine featured a high 11:1 compression ratio, it also provided ease of maintenance with its hydraulic lifters design. Best of all, this optional engine added a mere $105 to the Corvettes base price.

The engine in this roadster is fully rebuilt and date-code correct throughout. From the code HD block to the Holley 4-barrel atop the correct aluminum intake. The original cast aluminum valve covers are beautifully finished and feature the correct decals. Hoses and clamps are accurate reproduction pieces, and the ignition shield is still in place and freshly chromed. Components are exact, from the alternator to the single master cylinder and “rams horn” exhaust manifolds, which look like they're fresh from the casting plant. As I said, this car is ready for competitive showing at the highest levels.

The chassis was restored to the same exacting standards. The original, matching numbers Muncie was rebuilt and settled back in behind the engine, while out back, there are 3.36 gears on a Posi in the pumpkin. The frame was coated in correct semi-gloss black after being media blasted to bare steel. Every nut and bolt is correct, and factory inspection markings have been duplicated throughout. The exhaust is a correct reproduction system that sounds spectacular blowing through the minimal baffles in the side pipes. And the cars crowning feature, those gorgeous knock-off alloy wheels (which cost three times more than the L79 engine!) wear modern BF Goodrich whitewall radials for great street manners.

The owner claims this is the original black vinyl interior, and I'm inclined to believe him. It has deep details and enough “comfort marks” to suggest that it is. Look at the sharpness of the pleats in the seats, the straight stitching, and the overall patina of the entire passenger compartment, and you'll come to the same conclusion this is an incredibly well-maintained, gorgeous, original interior. It also makes be believe that the 29,153 miles shown on the odometer are correct, and that this particular Sting Ray has enjoyed a very easy life. Carpets are deep and rich and show little fading or wear, while the dash pad is excellent. The gauges are excellent, again, with just enough age on them to prove that they are, indeed, original pieces. Door panels are excellent, and there are recent floor mats underfoot. The original AM/FM radio is fully functional, the clock ticks, and the woodgrained steering wheel is spectacular. With today's movement to preserve excellent original features in these cars, I commend the restorer for leaving it as-is. Overhead, there's a white vinyl top with a crystal clear rear window, and it's so nice, I have to believe it is recent.

Documentation is extensive. In addition to the standard owner's manuals and brochures, we have an assembly manual that was used as a blueprint for the restoration, an NCRS Judging Manual, and a copy of the original window sticker.

This matching numbers L79 Corvette will undoubtedly provide a thrilling driving experience, with handling and braking to match the L79 engines considerable power output. The frame-off restoration left every nut and bolt in concours-ready condition and all the correct manuals have been used to ensure that it is as accurate as possible. In addition, this high-performance car can be driven as intended, with the best Corvette performance features, with ease of maintenance to boot. Highly desirable and with a known pedigree, this car is available for less than the cost of restoration. This is the one you're going to regret if it gets away. Call now!