1965 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible L78 396/425 4-Speed

Description

The 1965 Chevrolet Corvette marked major updates to the C2-generation platform including standard four-wheel disc brakes and the introduction of the one-year-only 396ci V8 while the independent rear suspension introduced in ‘63 remained well-designed for the power. Total production for the year reached 23,562 units between the coupe and convertible body styles, exclusively built in St. Louis, and interior/exterior color options were plentiful.

Built on July 5th, 1965, and delivered new to the Red River Motor Company in Bossier City, Louisiana, this 1965 convertible is believed to be one of the 2,157 examples factory-equipped with the 425 horsepower L78 396ci engine. This example is finished in Nassau Blue paired with a back convertible soft top, vinyl seating upholstery, a simulated wood-rimmed steering wheel, 15" steel wheels with covers, four-wheel disc brakes, and a radio delete plate.

Bestowed with three separate NCRS Top Flight Awards in 2014 and allegedly stored until the seller's 2023 acquisition, this Corvette has subsequently had paintwork performed, its ignition system modified with an HEI distributor and high-output starter, and its tires replaced. It's powered by a replacement 396ci big-block V8, which powers the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual transmission. Information from the NCRS judging sheets are included in the photo gallery referencing an "IF" engine stamping suffix denoting an L78 396/425 unit. A photo of the engine stamping has also been provided.

This 1965 Chevrolet Corvette is now offered with NCRS Top Flight Award documentation, removed factory ignition components, and a clean Pennsylvania title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Three-time NCRS Top Flight Award recipient

• Believed to be one of 2,157 factory L78 396/425 examples

• Powered by a replacement 396ci V8 engine ("IF" 396/425 stamped)

• Finished in Nassau Blue with a black convertible soft top (correct per trim tag)

• Black vinyl bucket seat upholstery (correct per trim tag)

• 4-speed manual transmission

Factory Equipment

• 396ci V8 engine

• 4-speed manual transmission

• 4-wheel disc brakes

• 15” steel wheels with faux-knockoff covers

• Chrome front and rear split bumpers

• Pop-up headlights

• Fender vents

• Simulated wood-rimmed steering wheel

• Radio delete

• Lap belts

• Heater

• The trim tag decodes the following information:

  • Style: 67 467 - 1965 Convertible

  • Body: S7050 -Body number

  • Trim: STD. - Black vinyl upholstery

  • Paint: 900FF - Nassau Blue paint

Modifications

• Replacement 396ci V8 engine reportedly installed in 2006 ("IF" 396/425 stamped per NCRS documents and included photo of the engine)

• Small-case, high-output starter

• HEI distributor (electronic ignition)

• Battery cut-off switch

Servicing & Documentation

• The seller reports rebuilding the original TI distributor and starter included with the sale

• The following services are said to have been performed during the seller’s ownership:

  • Front fenders and hood painted

  • Various trim and emblems replaced

  • Fuel filler cap replaced

  • Starter and distributor upgraded

  • Voltage regulator replaced

  • Front brakes services

  • Battery replaced

  • Tires replaced

Known Imperfections

From the seller:

• “The paint from prior restoration is old style lacquer, not shiny like a modern paint job. The hood and front fenders were repainted during my ownership due to blisters and bubbles. Acrylic enamel paint was used to try and match the shine of the original lacquer still on the back half of the car.”

• “I would like to make clear that there is no spare wheel/tire”

• "The gas gauge has power but is inaccurate."

Ownership History

From the seller, “This 1965 Corvette was restored by NCRS 1965 judge K. Strawmyre and has received the following awards: Top Flight New England Chapter 5/10/2014, Top Flight Mid Atlantic Chapter 5/31/2014, Top Flight New England Regional 9/29/2014. The car was later purchased by Brian Bair of Bair’s Corvette and put in storage until I purchased it in 2023.”

Included Items

• NCRS Top Flight Award from 2014

• NCRS judging sheets

• Removed TI distributor and starter

• Jack, but no spare tire

Additional Information

The clean Pennsylvania title lists "Classic - Not Actual Mileage" under the brands section.