This ClassicCars.com Marketplace featured listing is a 1965 Chevrolet Corvette for sale in Barrington, Illinois. Some cars you dream about, and others you can buy. This Vette is both.
A 1965 Chevrolet Corvette could be described using many words, but “wallflower” would not be one of those. This GM product is as bold as they come. It reeks of power and sex appeal.
1965 was a year marked by larger than life events. The Corvette had to share the limelight with enormous world undertakings. The Soviet Union pull off the first spacewalk by Cosmonaut Alexei Leonov, followed later by the Americans. War in Vietnam begins with Operation Rolling Thunder followed by the first American boots on the ground. NASA’s Ranger Program intentionally crashes several space-craft into the moon while acquiring essential photographic data on potential landing sites. And, a band by the name of The Beatles change the face of music with the world’s first stadium concert. Oh, let us not forget, Jim Clark pulls off the impossible by winning both the Indy 500 and the Formula One World Championship.
Americans were living in a time where unbelievable things were happening all around the globe and here at home. The 1965 Chevrolet Corvette had an attitude that fit right in with newspaper headlines. In order for this sports car to be credible, it had to deliver the goods.
The 1965 Chevrolet Corvette (C2) benefited from the prior generation’s powertrain options and the 1963 Corvette’s new styling. The six engine options, ranging from the base 250-horsepower small block to a mega 396 cubic-inch big-block motor monster that dished out 425 ponies, offered something for every enthusiast. The other choices were all based on the 327 in various configurations that boasted 300-375 horses.
While most opted for the 4-speed manual transmission, the 1965 Chevrolet Corvette did come with a 3-speed manual. A 2-speed Powerglide automatic was also available.
Perhaps the most significant performance related upgrade from the ‘63-64 models to the ‘65 is the addition of four-wheel disc brakes. This, combined with the new suspension found in the 1963 model, created a car that handled far better than the C1. Added sound deadening made this a much more user-friendly car. Also, there was more room for luggage in the hardtop model.
The design of the 1963 C2 reflects a new vision for Corvette. This comes down to the influences of Harley Earl, Bill Mitchell, Zora Arkus-Duntov, Larry Shinoda, and Pete Brock. For the 1965 Chevrolet Corvette, a few small but noticeable improvements took place. These include the elimination on the hood of the faux vents of the ’63 and indent of those same former vents found on the hood of the ’64. Also, the highly-identifiable center pillar on the rear glass is also gone.
Chevrolet leaned on the engineers at Caltech for wind tunnel testing – the first time in Corvette history. Two different designs were evaluated as 3/8 scale models and provided guidance towards the final outcome.
New for the ‘65 model was the side-discharge exhaust, which added another dose of excitement, as if this needed any. 23,562 of the 1965 Chevrolet Corvettes were sold that year with a base price starting $4,106.
This 1965 Chevrolet Corvette sparkles with Silver Pearl exterior and a silver interior. This L-79 touts the 327 with 350-horsepower. In fact, this is extensively optioned and thoroughly restored to a sensational state. This has previously earned a Top-Flight score of 97.5 out of 100.
Just a few of the specs are Al Knoch silver leather seating, new carpets, headliner, and door panels. In addition, this ’65 has a rebuilt A/C, suspension, brakes, brake lines, fuel lines, and the fuel tank has been replaced. This also has restored gauges and the AM/FM radio, along with a power antenna. The original Kelsey Hayes knock-off wheels come with, as well as a replica set for getting around town on. The seller’s ad goes into further detail. Suffice to say, this is a show-stopper!
To view the listing on ClassicCars.com, click here.
What is the price for this beauty?
$119,500