Exceptional C2! 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
They saved the best for last! It’s a completely subjective statement on my part but the 1967 model Corvette has always been my favorite of the C2s. As iconic a design as it was and still is, it’s surprising that it only lasted five years (1963-1967). Especially when compared to the C3 which lasted fifteen (and was long in the tooth at its conclusion). So, for your further review, let’s examine this 1967 Chevrolet Corvette, located in Charlevoix, Michigan, and available, here on eBay for a current bid of $58,600, reserve not yet met.
What’s so special about the ’67 ‘Vette that separates it from the other C2s? Nothing really, it’s just an opinion. But, the styling is very clean, the side gills were a one year only design as were the center-mounted back-up lights. It was the first year for Chevrolet’s iconic rally wheels, the first year for the off-road only (supposedly) 427 CI L88 racing engine (only 20 examples, however), the first year for a dual circuit master cylinder and the only year for the unique 427 hood scoop which finds its way frequently affixed to earlier examples. Maybe it also has something to do with the fact that it was the last year for a design that took the public by storm when introduced in late 1962. Whatever the case, this example is a beautiful car.
The seller has this to say about this Corvette, it “is in very nice condition. It is an original, original Lynndale Blue car with all matching numbers, and is as clean inside and outside as it is underneath.” Well, that’s a tough one to argue. The exterior of this 66K mile Corvette does present beautifully, strong finish, no sign of seam separation or popping, and no crazed surfaces. The seller further adds that this Chevy has been stored in a climate-controlled environment and that would seem fitting too. The only exception that I have with the exterior in the inclusion of the N14 side pipe exhaust system. The concept is great but I have always thought that the size and presence of the fluted covers detract from the overall lines of the car; again, a completely subjective position on my part.
Under the hood is what many consider to be the best engine selection for 1967, the 350 gross HP, L79, 327 CI V8. It is a high winding small block in typical Chevrolet fashion, but it makes do with hydraulic valve lifters avoiding periodic valve adjustments. Additionally, A/C was available with this motor as well, though this example does not possess that option. Lacking the brutal punch of the larger 427 CI, optional motor, the considerably lighter 327 keeps its wits about itself in tight road maneuvers. The seller states that the engine runs “strong” but also mentions that it, and the carburetor, were recently rebuilt. I get rebuilding the carb., especially in these days of ethanol laced fuel, but the engine? That seems extreme at this mileage point unless the seller’s definition of an engine rebuild and mine are two, completely divergent things. A four-speed manual transmission, the only gearbox offered with this engine, is in place and connected to a 4.11 ratio rear axle – that’s got to be tough for highway cruising but outrageous for zero to 60 blasts. BTW, the seller states that this is a matching number engine and the sequence numbers do in fact line-up.
What’s not to like about the interior? It appears unused with no sign of age or wear. The seats look to be the standard vinyl affair but leather upholstery was available as an option. The sideways mounted radio is a noted styling cue for this vintage Corvette, it’s really nothing special (yes, the radio works the same vertically mounted as it does on a horizontal plane) but it’s just a unique feature that continues the ‘Vette’s, “I’m not just another Chevrolet” persona.
Even considering this Corvette’s excellent condition, it is trending in some pretty rich territory; as always, the reserve would be interesting to know. I always find bidding, via a website, for an expensive, collectable car to be a dicey proposition. Admittedly, this one checks out in cyberspace but you really need to do a close visual and a test drive to know for sure if this is the car for you and worth the price of entry. And the seller notes as much but you would need to get to Michigan to do that. So my question is, has anyone ever purchased a car via an online auction, sight unseen, and how did it turn out? Did you get what you thought you were getting or something else entirely?
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Comments
Ebay feedback of 4, with none at all in the last 12 months. That’ll be a hard pass . . .
Mileage has little to do whether it needs to be rebuilt. Seals dry up, rings and bores rust from sitting, fuels change, how it was driven etc. etc. all making it unusual for any C2 to not have been or to need to be rebuilt. My ’64 needed both engine and tranny at a similar mileage.
Agreed. The ’64 C2 that “got away” was a 365-327, we met when it had 55k and had a bunch of broken valve springs. It also needed valve stem seals at the time….
That is a great looking car, one that I wouldn’t have a problem finding a proper parking spot for. One thing is what the ultimate reserve price will be on it: will it be affordable or not. I know with C3’s you have to modify the hump to put in a Tremec but I wonder about C2’s? Slide a Tremec 6 speed into it and put the original 4 speed into the garage for storage and IMO you’d have one very impressive, drivable car.
Only thing I would do is change the 4:11 for a 3:55 to make it more livable. The 4:11 may be why the engine needed rebuilt 60mph would be about 3500 rpm or better.
Not the first year for a dual circuit master cylinder. Nice car anyway.
Ron:
It was the first year that it was mandated by NHTSA ruling. Did the ‘Vette possess it earlier than 1967?
JO
I agree with the observation on the sidepipes. I have always thought the covers would look better attached to a wood-burning stove. Very clunky and totally out of character with the rest of the design.
Not to mention the heat they put into the interior of the car. Bill Stephens mentions this often during the Mecum auctions.
Yes. And the noise. And a Corvette can always use more interior heat.
Nice name you chose…“ Mr Frank Sumatra”
I love side-pipes on the C2 – wouldn’t have one without them, to each their own. But this particular example never came with them originally, it’s an A.O. Smith Detroit body (A-2007 on the trim tag picture). The side-pipe and big block cars were specifically built at the St. Louis Factory in ’67 and the body number on those cars is preceded by an ‘S’.
O BS Frank side pipes are part of the great look and sound of the corvette.
The corvette is out of your price range, jealous.
If I was getting the 427, I guess I’d do without the a/c but the 327,I’d like the air, I’d probably buy a 327 w air before a 427 without
Very nice Corvette, brings back old memories for me. Mine was a 327 300. It ran very well, was quite fast for being only 300 horsepower. I picked it out because of the color amongst a lot full of Reds, Greens, Blacks, Silvers, Coupes, 2 top convertibles, 427/435s, 427/390s. Mine was the only Lyndale Blue one in the bunch. The insurance company cancelled my policy so I had to sell it mid 1968, Sad day. I bought a car via ebay sight unseen it was from Nampa Idaho it was a 9C1 Caprice, 1995. it cost more to ship it to N.Y.then I paid for it and it was exactly as described and pictured, it was a good car, served as the K9 unit for the P.D. out there in Nampa, it did not stink like a wet dog.
I tend to dislike side-pipes visually, but I am also reminded that they also render the vehicle unregisterable in some states.
The 67 in my opinion is arguably the best corvette ever made!! The 327 is no slouch but as others have said the 4:11 rear makes it great from stop light to stop light but for a longer trip you either need more gears or you best not forget your gas card!! Wouldn’t be one I’d kick out of my driveway!!!
Beautiful and rarely seen Lynndale Blue. Has all the correct stuff, including the jack, which for whatever reason are always missing and are $500 even for rusted junk. 67 is the first year for the dual master cylinder, however, big block 66 cars had two plastic threaded caps to add brake fluid to the master cylinder. I completely agree that the 4:11 rear would make for very uncomfortable driving. My C3 has 3.36s and I am still looking for 5th gear pretty quickly. This 67 would be screaming at 65 mph, and average traffic today where I live outside Philadelphia is about 80 mph on I-95. This car could not keep up with stupid Hondas and other rocket ships made today. Side exhaust makes it even more horrible. Yeah, you think it sounds great. Try riding more than 50 miles in one of these with the windows rolled up with N14 and 4.11s. You will be screaming to get out of the car. Been there, done that. I have stock under chassis exhaust on my Corvette. Nice and quiet. The price is very reasonable right now, but even with C2 values slipping a bit, this car will sell for more than $65,000.
The dual circuit on Corvettes started in ’65 when ordered with the J50 power brakes. ’65 and ’66s with manual brakes used the single circuit ” fruit jar” master cylinder. The dual circuit master cylinders for ’65 and ’66 are hard to find and expensive when found.
My ’66 with the 425 hp 427, 3.70 gears and sidepipes will get to your ears after driving for an hour or two, but it sounds so glorious getting to that point. If I were going frequently drive for hours, I’d go to a 5 speed OD, plus you can get aftermarket original appearing side pipes with a quieter tone, more muffler than just chambered pipes.
Just curious to hear from some C2 fans – will be selling a ’66 Nassau Blue in the next few months – part of my father’s estate – it is a very solid car brought back to original condition so no matching numbers – it’s a 327 with A/C – unsure of the miles on it – what would y’all consider a fair reserve range?
I love this find, just wish my wallet had more love in it. Just my opinion, this body looks good either way but the sidepipe look is iconic. I’d leave it as is and drive it as a short trip type car. Hop in and have fun, pipes in ear. This is such a gorgeous color. I feel I’m a bit partial to it having grown up not 5 minutes from Lynndale Farms raceway. It was long gone by the time I was born, it was turned into a subdivision but parts of the original track still exist within the subdivision. Neat history, just wish it was still around. Just another ghost track of the past.