1965 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Coupe 327/375

Description

Chevrolet sure made ordering the ultimate Corvette difficult in 1965. First, there was Regular Production Order L84 “Fuelie” version, powered by the famous 327 cu-in “small-block” V8 with Rochester mechanical fuel injection, good for 375 horsepower. Then, in April of ’65, another supercar was introduced, RPO L78, with the new Mark IV 396 “big-block” engine producing 425 horsepower. Which to choose? Road & Track magazine tested both and preferred the venerable fuel-injected version with its lighter weight and 49/51 weight distribution (coupled with the new four-wheel disc brakes), saying it “… encourages the Walter Mittys to become Fangios and Foyts. Yet it also goes well enough to suit the driver who is sincere about going fast and can handle that much performance with skill.”

This 1965 “Fuelie” coupe received a frame-off restoration by the previous owner and is finished in Rally Red over the standard Black vinyl interior, matching the factory Body Tag. The L84 327 cu-in V8 is matching numbers per its engine stamp, backed by the only transmission available with this engine, the M20 four-speed manual. Optional cast aluminum knock-off wheels and side-mount exhaust complete the iconic Sting Ray look.

Highlights

• Last year for the mechanical fuel-injection “Fuelie” Corvette

• One-year-only Rochester fuel-injected Corvette with four-wheel disc brakes

• Matching numbers L84 327 cu-in 375 horsepower V8 engine (engine stamp matches chassis number)

• Correct 7017380 Rochester mechanical fuel-injection

• One of 771 L84 fuel-injected Corvettes produced in 1965

• M20 four-speed manual transmission

• Finished in Rally Red (UU) over Black vinyl standard interior

• The chassis number (194375S105707) decodes as:

  • 1 – Chevrolet

  • 9 – Series (Corvette)

  • 4 – V8 engine

  • 37 – Coupe

  • 5 – 1965 model year

  • S – St. Louis, Missouri, assembly plant

  • 105707 – Production number starting with 100001

• The Body Tag on the decodes as:

  • E21 – Build date 21 December 1964

  • Style 19-437 –A.O. Smith Coupe body

  • Body A-1044 – 1044th A.O. Smith body number

  • Trim STD – Standard black vinyl interior

  • Paint U-U – Rally Red

• Options on this 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Coupe include:

  • L84 – 327 cu-in 375 horsepower engine (fuel injection) ($538.00)

  • N14 – Side Mount Exhaust ($134.50)

  • N32 – Teakwood Steering Wheel ($48.45)

  • P48 – Cast Aluminum Knock-Off Wheels (5) ($322.80)

  • T01 – Goldwall Tires 7.75x15 (nylon cord) ($50.05)

  • U69 – Delco AM-FM Radio ($203.40)

Features

• Hidden headlights

• Heater

• Locking glove box

• Manual windows

• Analog clock

• Teak steering wheel

• Twin bucket seats

• Chrome exterior mirror

Known Imperfections

• This 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Coupe 327/375 is presented as a finely restored example and is said to be free from any substantial imperfections.

Included

• Owner’s manual

• Extra keys

• Trophies

Ownership History

Some cars are made for journeys, some are a journey in themself. The consignor of this 1965 Sting Ray Coupe had owned many Corvettes over the years but never a “Fuelie.” Four years ago, he searched nearly a year before finding the right one—this one. He states, “The owner of the car had many Corvettes in his museum. There was such a big demand for this car because of its condition and frame-off restoration that the people selling the car decided to do interviews with prospective buyers. After three weeks and three interviews, they told me the car was mine if I could be there in Alabama the following day. I booked a flight from Arizona to Alabama for the very next day.”