It is hard to imagine a more optimistic year for the Chevrolet Corvette than 1965. Power abounded from an entry-level of 250 gross HP all the way to a new for ’65, 425 gross HP. It was the last year for fuel injection but there was a new small-block V8 available that generated 350 gross HP and didn’t require valve lash adjustments. Need more stopping power? Newly introduced four-wheel disc brakes were just the answer. Want a little external gingerbread? Order up newly available side pipe exhausts. While there were 23K+ ‘Vettes produced in ’65, and they are coveted, it’s not every day that you find a stock, extremely clean, unmolested 37K mile example. But it does happen and here’s living proof. This 1965 Chevrolet Corvette coupe, located in Haleyville, Alabama, is available here on eBay for a current bid of $35,100, reserve not yet met. Thanks to Patrick S. for this tip!

By 1965, the Corvette was into its third year of C2 Sting Ray embodiment. The loved/hated (then anyway) split-window design was two years in the past and the exterior of the Corvette was simplified a bit and included working fender ducts behind the front wheels. The power choices were almost unlimited; it was a great time to either be a Corvette or be a Corvette buyer.

The remarkable aspect of this example is its originality. How can one own a car as alluring as a ’65 Corvette and only drive it 37K miles over the span of more than half a century? Hard to say. The seller states, ” When I tell you it all original it’s just that…”. But this claim is made right after he mentions the one repaint. So no, it’s not completely original. Repaint or not, however, it shows very well. The seller lists this Corvette as having a “show paint” finish at 30 feet but then adds that it is really a six or seven in rating; so OK, an honest assessment. Regardless, it displays beautifully, the finish has depth and shine and there are no obvious signs of seam popping, cracking, or fiberglass separating. Of note are the cast-aluminum wheels with knock-off spinners – it would be just two years later when the newly formed Federal NHTSA gave a “knock it off” order to knock-off wheels with spinners and the ’67 versions are devoid of this feature. The seller adds that this Corvette received an NCRS (National Corvette Restorers Society) Second Flight award in 1994.

Inside is just beauteous, red leather that looks too good to be true. There are no signs of creases or age-related degeneration. One would have to believe that this ‘Vette has been covered up, inside, in a climate-controlled environment for the upholstery to maintain such a perfect appearance. Maybe so, the seller has little to say about it.  He does, however, have quite a bit to say about this Corvette’s status as a radio-delete car. While it might be rare, I posit if this Corvette was simply ordered without a radio in the first place? I searched the ’65 Corvette RPO code list and found a delete option for disc brakes (K66 – which is hard to believe) and a delete option for the heater/defroster (C60) but none for a radio. I ordered a ’77 Z28 Camaro without a radio and it came with a plastic plate over the radio opening but it did not qualify as a radio delete car, it was a car without a radio. I’ll ask our Corvette informed readership to chime in on this matter. Anyway, this seems more like a rarity that is not a value enhancer. Whatever the case, the interior is in stupendous condition.

The seller does not elaborate on the under-the-hood workings other than to state, “this car runs, drives, and shift exceptionally well.” And that is accomplished via its 327 CI V8 engine. Unfortunately, he does not state which of the five 327 engines that were available, this particular one is. The valve cover sticker, which is hard to read, does appear to display “250 Horsepower”. That being the case, that would mean this example is powered by the standard, entry-level engine. And ’65 would be the last year for it as it was dropped for ’66 with base power moving up to 300 gross HP. Coupled with a four-speed manual transmission, this engine will make for sprightly motoring but certainly not something to be confused with exhilarating.

This is one of the most original examples of a C2 Corvette that I have encountered. Its plain vanilla finish, vibrant red leather upholstery, and minimal options/equipment creates a certain, understated allure. It’s definitely not for the, “Hey look at me!” crowd but more for one who knows and appreciates what they have. There are nine bids and nine days to go with the auction; any guess where the bidding will top of what the reserve may be?