1965 Corvette Convertible ... Survivor!!!

Price: - Item location: Ontario, New York, United States
Description:

1965 Chevrolet Corvette

With 75,660 miles, this a mostly original vehicle. It's been sitting in my heated and insulated garage for 4 years. I hardly drive it and now its time for someone else to enjoy her. This car does not have a hardtop. Over-all, one of the cleanest, complete, original C2's I have ever seen or owned in the 43 years I've been collecting and restoring Corvettes.
History: The Corvette was originally purchased in Florida. In 1988, it was sold to the gentleman and collector living in Wisconsin, Jim. She was stored in a heated, insulated, humidity- controlled garage ... A converted body-shop ... until I bought her from Jim. During his 31 years of ownership, Jim put on roughly 10,000 miles. I've put less than 1,000 miles since I purchased her. There is no "formal" or documented paper trail.
Drive-train: It retains it's original, untouched L79, 327-350 HP engine (Stamp pad F02I7HT and S110682)), with the M20 transmission and power steering. She starts right up with no noise or smoke. The four-speed gearbox shifts smoothly and the clutch is tight. The frame is dusty, with no scale, rust, cracks or damage.
The rear axle is a 3.70, Posi-traction unit. The Coker gold-line tires have less than 1,000 miles of use. A four-wheel alignment was just completed. With the exception of the shocks being replaced, the suspension is completely original. The knock-off wheels are not original to the car. The spare tire has been slightly used. It is a 775 x 15, bias-ply, white-wall on an original (to the car) rim.
The story is that the previous owner "straight-traded" his original rims, minus the hubcaps, for these "original" '65 knock-offs. I have no way to determine if these are really "originals" or not, however they are aesthetically correct for a '65. Given everything else about the car, it's believable that they are factory-issued, but I don't guarantee this information. An original set of (almost pristine ... 98.5%) hubcaps are included with this purchase.
The exhaust system seems to be the original without any holes, rust or weak spots.. The mufflers have been replaced. The the original carburetor is long-gone and has been upgraded with a direct-fit high performance Holley, with an electric choke. The air cleaner, recovery tank, radiator, ignition shielding, engine, alternator, and most of the hoses and clamps are original and correctly date-stamped or marked.
There are no fluid leaks of any type. I just replaced the battery two months ago. All the fluids have checked, changed and/or topped off. Someone replaced the canister oil filter with an GM adapter to utilize the modern-day oil filters. I have restored the original canister. Although the brakes are not power-assist, the car stops on a dime with no fading or pulling from the four-wheel disc brakes.
Interior: The previous owner stated the interior is completely original. It is pristine with no dash cracks, no wear on the door panels, carpet or the center armrest. I just replaced the original, leather seat covers and foam with an expensive set of Al Koch exact reproductions. The steering wheel is teak. The original radio is long-gone and has been replaced with a look-alike stereo. Judging by the lack of tool marks on the bolt holding the seat-belts and the sill-plates screws, I'd say the interior has never been touched, short of the work I did. The carpet looks "too good" to be original. Over-all the interior is immaculate, looking factory-new and has the aroma of fresh leather when you open the doors. The clock runs and keep good time. All the gauges and interior lights work. The cigarette lighter and ashtray appear to have never been used for their intended purposes. The car comes with the original owner's manual, an older car cover and a set of aftermarket floor mats.
Exterior: This is a no-hit body with all the bonding strips in place. The Vette retains the original factory Glen Green lacquer paint. It looks great from three feet. You really have to get up close, and in direct sunlight, to see the "checking". There are two spots: A six inch radius area around the "flags" on the driver's front fender; and an area on the top of the same fender, just forward of the flags and extending almost to the windshield, which are slightly raised. Body shops refers to these areas as "chicken skin". None of these flaws are able to be picked up with my camera. There is no paint missing or flaking and the car has never been repainted or touched up.
All the chrome, stainless and bright-work are practically flawless. No rust, pitting or dull areas. The canvas top is supple, with no cuts, holes or leaks. The back window is clear (close to new). It's hard to believe the top is original, however given the car's over-all condition it might be. All the seals on the car are as pliable as they are original. Both headlights go up and down. All four T-3 headlights have been replaced with matching, non-T3's.
What needs to be done/completed: The paint is the only big-ticket item. The windshield wiper pump needs a rebuild and a kit is included in the sale. I have new stickers for the valve covers, oil canister and jacking instructions. The knock-off spinner wrench is missing.
Note: Being a New York State vehicle, there is no title (New York did not start titling cars until 1973) but instead has a transferable registration, good in any state. My poor photographic skills don't do the vehicle justice. I have other pictures which I could send via text message. With new paint and the engine bay detailed, this '65 would be showroom-new.
The car is appraised and insured by Hagerty for $85,000 ... The reserve price is approximately 25% below that value.. No trades. Payment: 50% of the sale price within 5 business days. The balance in cash or a certified check. The vehicle does not leave the premises until all funds have cleared. I can help with loading should a transporter be needed for shipping. As an enticement, I am willing to sign a bill of sale for less than the selling price in order to save the buyer paying tax on the full price. If you have any questions, please contact me. Thank you.
Key words: 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, Corvette. Vette, Vet, Project, Barn find, Classic, Original, Stock, Stored, No Winters, Low mileage, Convertible, Survivor, 327, Estate