1965 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible L78 396/425 4-Speed

Description

The new-for-1963 C2 Corvette was a stunning blend of form and function, turning heads with its sleek styling, and impressing drivers with a comfortable, refined interior, a stable chassis, and a fully independent suspension that rivaled Europe’s best sports cars.

In 1965, standard four-wheel disc brakes debuted. And along with a host of powerful 327 engines, there was a mid-year surprise: the L78 396. Corvette’s first big block took its cues from GM’s experimental “mystery 427”: it was overbuilt with four-bolt mains and thicker bulkheads, a forged steel crankshaft, large, high-strength connecting rods, and high-flow cylinder heads. Cranking out a formidable 425 horsepower, the L78 Corvette could scream to a 5.6-second 0–60 time, and run the quarter mile in 13.9 seconds!

This 1965 Corvette L78 is one of an estimated 2,157 L78s produced in 1965. It is finished in its factory-correct Milano Maroon with a black interior and convertible top, and is powered by a factory-correct replacement IF-code 396ci L78 V8 engine backed by a 1970-manufactured Muncie M21 close-ratio four-speed manual transmission.

This rare, early big-block C2 Vette is now offered in Georgia with recent service records and a New Hampshire title in the seller’s name listing it as an “Antique Vehicle”.

Highlights 

• Rare, early big-block L78, 4-speed ’65 Corvette Convertible

• Factory-correct replacement IF-code 396ci L78 V8 engine rated at 425 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque  

• Muncie M21 close-ratio four-speed manual transmission 

• CD 62664 Positraction axle with 3.70:1 gears, build date of June 26, 1964 

• Refinished in correct (M-M) Milano Maroon with Black vinyl interior 

• Black convertible top

Factory Equipment 

• #T0528 engine assembly date, Tonowanda, May 28, 1965, 396/425 with a 4-speed and transistor ignition  

• #3855962 engine block casting, #E 18 5 casting date of May 18, 1965 

• Correct air cleaner, intake, ignition shielding, valve covers, plug wires, and radiator hose clamps 

• 160-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, and fuel level, amperage, oil pressure, and coolant temperature gauges 

• 15" aluminum knock-off wheels wearing 205/70 Road King Grenadier radial whitewalls 

• Fully independent suspension with factory big block front and rear sway bars 

• Four-wheel disc brakes 

• Teakwood steering wheel 

• AM/FM radio with power antenna 

• Loop carpet 

• GM seatbelts    

• The chassis number (194675S120216) decodes as:   

  • 1 – Chevrolet   

  • 94 – Corvette  

  • 67 – Convertible   

  • 5 – 1965  

  • S – St. Louis, MO assembly plant   

  • 120216 – Sequential production number     

• The trim tag decodes as: 

  • K08 – June 8, 1965 build date 

  • 19-467 – 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (A.O. Smith)  

  • A-6454 – Body production number 

  • STD – Black vinyl upholstery 

  • M-M – Milano Maroon paint  

Modifications

• Factory-correct replacement IF-code 396ci L78 V8 engine

• 1970-manufactured Muncie M21 close-ratio four-speed manual transmission (#3925660)

• #3868826-CS, 3124, 3077 replacement carburetor for 396/425 hp V8

Servicing 

• December 2023: Rebuilt Muncie 4-speed transmission, replaced headlight motor and switch, U-joint, and brake bulb, changed oil/filter and trans fluid, changed differential fluid, flushed coolant and brake fluid 

• January 2024: Removed brightwork, color sanded and buffed paint, used clay bar, polished entire car, reinstalled brightwork

Ownership History

• This 1965 Chevrolet Corvette was acquired by the seller in 2023.

Included Items 

• Service records beginning in 2023