1966 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 427/425 4-Speed

Description

Chevrolet introduced the second-generation Corvette for the 1963 model year with a low, wide body, hidden headlights, and, on the coupe, a fastback roofline that tapered to a pointed tail. Underneath, Zora Arkus-Duntov's new chassis brought fully independent rear suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes became standard for 1965. For 1966, buyers could choose from two 327ci small-block and two 427ci big-block V8s, paired with manual or automatic transmissions, with the top 427 rated at 425 horsepower.

Built on December 20, 1965, and originally delivered to Rudolph Chevrolet in Phoenix, Arizona, this Corvette Coupe was acquired by its fourth owner in 2019 and subsequently underwent a four-year restoration, during which it was refinished in Mosport Green over Green vinyl upholstery.

It is powered by a replacement, date-coded L72 427ci big-block V8 rated at 425 horsepower, built by Corvette Specialties of Kansas City. The engine has been stamped with the car’s VIN and suffix and is paired with a rebuilt M21 close-ratio Muncie four-speed manual transmission as well as a rebuilt Positraction rear end with 3.70 gears. It is equipped with the F41 special suspension and J56 heavy-duty disc brake packages.

This 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe is now offered with restoration and maintenance records, its NCRS Shipping Data Report, an Assembly Instruction Manual, an extra set of knockoff wheels with Gold Line radial tires, various spare parts, and a clean Washington title in the seller's name.

Highlights

• Correct-dated L72 427ci V8 factory-rated at 425 horsepower

• M21 close-ratio Muncie four-speed manual transmission

• F41 special suspension

• J56 heavy-duty disc brakes

• Mosport Green over Green vinyl upholstery

• Four-year restoration completed by the current owner

• NCRS Shipping Data Report included

• Two sets of wheels and tires

Factory Equipment

• 427ci V8 with Holley four-barrel carburetor 

• M21 close-ratio Muncie four-speed manual transmission

  • H266 casting date code corresponds with August 26, 1966

• F41 special suspension

  • Stiffer front springs and seven-leaf rear spring

  • Heavy-duty shocks

  • 15/16" front stabilizer bar

• J56 heavy-duty disc brakes with caliper stiffeners, metallic pads, and proportioning valve

• 15" steel wheels with hubcaps

• The chassis number (194376S108989) decodes as:

  • 1 – Chevrolet

  • 94 – Corvette

  • 37 – Two-door coupe

  • 6 – 1966

  • S – St. Louis, Missouri, assembly plant

  • 108989 – Sequential production number

• The trim tag decodes as:

  • 66-437 – 1966 Corvette Coupe

  • S1650 – St. Louis body production sequence

  • 430AA – Green vinyl interior

  • 982AA – Mosport Green paint

  • D20 – December 20, 1965 production

Modifications

• Replacement L72 427ci V8

  • Block casting number: 3869942

  • Pad re-stamped by Engines Limited of Omro, Wisconsin

• Howards hydraulic roller camshaft

• Knockoff wheels with Gold Line radial tires

Documentation

• NCRS Shipping Data Report

• Restoration receipts

• Maintenance records

A powertrain build sheet from Corvette Specialties of Kansas City, Kansas, lists the following (see Additional Documents below):

• Engine: Correct-dated #3869942 four-bolt-main L72 block (cast October 20, 1965), magnafluxed and pressure tested, then broached and stamped with the car’s VIN and suffix by Engines Limited of Omro, Wisconsin. #3873858 rectangular-port cylinder heads rebuilt with new guides, hardened seats, and seals. Balanced rotating assembly with a polished GM steel crankshaft, reconditioned GM rods with ARP bolts, new forged pistons, new bearings, and a new heavy-duty timing chain. Howards hydraulic roller camshaft. Refurbished #3885069 aluminum intake manifold, #3247 Holley carburetor, exhaust manifolds, #765 starter, dated water pump, and dated alternator.

• Transmission: Rebuilt 1966 M21 close-ratio Muncie four-speed with a restored 11" GM flywheel and #3872444 bellhousing, Centerforce clutch, and VIN and date stamping to match the car.

• Rear end: Rebuilt 1966 heavy-duty Positraction rear end with 3.70 gears and date and suffix stamping to match the car.

Known Imperfections

• Detailed images showing the vehicle's condition can be found in the photo gallery

• Paint imperfections on the front end

• Some wear on interior surfaces

Ownership History

This Corvette was delivered new through Rudolph Chevrolet in Phoenix, Arizona. The seller acquired it in 2019 and states that they are its fourth owner.

Included Items

• Restoration and maintenance records

• NCRS Shipping Data Report

• NCRS Technical Information Manual and Judging Guide

• Assembly Instruction Manual

• Extra set of knockoff wheels with Gold Line radial tires

• Various spare parts

Additional Information

The seller states, "This is 1 of 382 Corvettes manufactured in this J56/F41/big block configuration. The car has roughly 90% of original parts, with sourced NOS or code correct parts."