The year was 1966, and after over a decade of research, the results were in.  Automobiles were found to be the main culprit of California’s smog problem, and it was in ’66 that the Golden State established the first tailpipe emissions standards in the United States.  The seller of this 1966 Chevrolet Corvette mentions that out of the 27,720 ‘Vettes produced that year that just 2,380 were equipped with emission control and sent to California, including his, and while I’m not sure if that adds anything to the car’s value it is kind of a rarity in that regard.  The car is now located on the opposite coast in Worton, Maryland, and it’s a beauty, so if you’ve been in the market for a numbers-matching C2 this one would definitely be worth checking out.  It can be found here on eBay with a current bid of $64,349, which is south of the reserve price.

The Corvette is still finished in its factory color of Nassau Blue, and the body and paint both appear to be in good shape from every angle you look at.  The car has had one respray, which was in 1983 when the car had about 44,000 miles.  At the same time, the bumpers were also re-chromed and new mufflers added.  It’s said to have been garage kept, and the sale includes an indoor car cover.  After the car was purchased new in 1966, only one family owned it for the following 25 years, and since that time it has been in the hands of some other owners and collectors including 1973 Heisman Trophy winner John Cappelletti!

Some interior maintenance was also performed at the 44k mile mark, which included new carpeting, a new headliner, and replacement of one of the door panels.  This one still looks about as good on the inside as it does on the outside, and the seller says that every option on the car still performs just as it did from the factory, including the clock and factory air conditioning.  The A/C has also been converted to an R134 system, and it is said to blow cold air.

The seller indicates that the 327 is the numbers-matching engine, with the HR suffix on the pad, and it received a rebuild in 2007 when the Corvette had 96,283 miles on the ticker.  The Holley carburetor is also believed to be original, as is the rear axle, and at the time of the engine overhaul, the transmission and entire brake system were also rebuilt.  It’s said to start easily, and the seller has also included a walkaround video of the car, which you’ll especially enjoy if you like The Beach Boys.

Things underneath are also looking nicely preserved, with nothing jumping out as an immediate cause for concern.  During the car’s 56-year lifespan, it has now accumulated a total of 104,000 miles, and though it’s not a big block there are plenty of good things going on here to get excited about.  What are your thoughts on this 1966 Chevrolet Corvette?