My Expert Opinion: Is This 1966 Chevrolet Corvette a Good Buy?
This listing offers strong value for collectors who care about driving enjoyment as much as history, given its excellent show condition, which would put it at a sub-$200,000 price tag. While the 425-horsepower L72 engines tend to get most of the attention, the 390-horsepower L36 in this car is actually better suited for real-world street use. It delivers plenty of torque while avoiding the regular valve lash adjustments that come with solid lifter setups, making it a more practical and enjoyable option.
The inclusion of the original Protect-O-Plate is a major plus, as it helps confirm the car’s authenticity in a market where proper documentation matters more than ever. At this price level, it’s getting harder to find a big block convertible in true “survivor” condition that still retains its original character. This example offers a rare mix of investment potential and usability that lets you take it out for a relaxed Sunday drive without hesitation.
The Offer
- Price: $124,999
- Miles: 42,950
- Horsepower: 390 hp
- Engine: 427ci Turbo-Jet V8
- Exterior color: Rally Red
- Interior color: Black
- Interested in this 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible? View the listing here.
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1966 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Details
This 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible is finished in Rally Red, a hue that accentuates the dramatic fender peaks and sharp beltline of the C2 design. A key feature of this specific unit is the inclusion of both the black soft top and the auxiliary hardtop. The hardtop is a desirable option that transforms the car’s silhouette into a coupe-like profile, extending the driving season for owners in cooler climates. The rolling stock consists of turbine-style knock-off wheels fitted with period-correct redline tires, a setup essential to maintaining the vintage aesthetic.
Under the hood lies the 427 cubic inch Turbo-Jet V8, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. This powertrain combination defines the muscle car era, delivering a visceral driving experience that modern vehicles cannot replicate. The engine breathes through factory-style side-mount exhaust pipes, which provide an unmistakable acoustic presence. Inside, the cockpit features standard black vinyl bucket seats and a wood rim steering wheel.
The interior design of the Sting Ray is famous for its “dual cowl” dashboard, which separates the driver and passenger zones. The driver is presented with a full suite of instrumentation, including a 160-mph speedometer and a 7,000-rpm tachometer, which indicate the machine’s performance intent. The center console houses the chrome shifter with its reverse lockout t-handle, a tactile touchpoint that connects the driver directly to the gearbox’s mechanical action.
1966 Chevrolet Corvette Overview
The 1966 model year was a major milestone for the Chevrolet Corvette, as big block power officially took center stage. While the 396 cubic inch engine appeared late in 1965, the arrival of the 427 in 1966 cemented the Corvette’s reputation as a true world-class performer, capable of challenging far more expensive European exotics. Chevrolet also freshened the styling with a new egg crate grille insert and cleaner roof vents on coupe models. To date, it remains one of the most desirable versions of the Corvette, blending bold design with serious engineering and capturing the peak of mid-sixties American performance before tightening regulations changed the landscape.
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About the author
Kyle Edward
Editor-in-Chief, Autoblog