1966 Corvette L72 427 Convertible – NCRS Top Flight

Model History

The world was astounded when in 1963, they laid eyes on the masterpiece that Bill Mitchell, Larry Shinoda and team had created. The C2 Corvette was born and arguably the best design for the model, ever. The wheel base was shortened by 4″ compared to the outgoing C2, and given a stiffer frame. It would also mark the first time the Corvette had an actual sports car style feel given the four-wheel independent suspension. With this new series we also see retractable headlights and the famous split-window coupes.

Fast-forward a few years to 1966 and a true milestone was reached. The 427 big block V8 was introduced. At the time, two options were available…the L36 rated at 400hp and the L72 rated at 450hp. These stats wouldn’t last long in the books, and were later dropped to 390 and 425, respectively.  Possibly due to insurance reasons. Paired to a Muncie 4-speed and the Positraction LSD, Car and Driver wasted no time reviewing the new 427 in their November 1965 edition stating “All that murderous acceleration is balanced by excellent, almost-lightweight handling. It’s stiff and stable and it gets the power on the road — when the wheels stop spinning. [Everything] comes into focus when you get it out on the public roads. Compared to anything you might come up against — unless you’re unlucky enough to encounter a Cobra 427 — it’s the wildest, hottest setup going. With the normal 3.36 rear axle ratio it’ll turn a quarter mile that’ll give a GTO morning sickness, and still run a top speed of around 150 mph.”

In total, 27,720 were produced that year, so not rare in aggregate. But individual combinations of options and colors are what we are talking about today.

Car History

Currently for auction is this all numbers matching fully restored 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 427 convertible chassis #194676S105687 showing a build date of November 13, 1965. It is believed to have been sold new from Summerfield Chevrolet in Saginaw, Michigan. The massive Chevy big block is paired to a M21 Muncie 4-speed gearbox. It is being offered by one of New York’s finest classic car dealers, Mr. Elliot Cuker of Cooper Classics in Greenwich Village in Manhattan. Finished in Tuxedo Black paint code 900 which happens to be the rarest of all factory colors that year, this American classic was restored to NCRS Specs and guidelines by the previous owner but unfortunately he passed away before it could be judged. The original parts that were on the car have been cataloged and authenticated to be numbers matching, including carburetor, heads, rear, engine, transmission, seat belts, and more. A complete list of parts is cataloged and included in the sale. Additional parts purchased specifically for Top Flight judging will be included with the car.

Exterior

The exterior tuxedo black complete with dealer installed side pipes are without apologies and presents flawless. Only 1,190 in this color were made for the ’66 year. It is unknown exactly how many of those were properly fitted with the L72 427…but we can assure that qualitatively it would be ‘not very many at all’. All emblems are present, chrome without incident, and the glass and markers are all clear. Two tops are provided with the sale and can be seen pictured.

Dealer installed side pipes and venting show no signs of wear or discoloration.

Interior

Inside appears as new, the rare black 900/silver 426 combo presents without flaw. The teakwood steering wheel is original to the car. All gauges and instruments are said to be in working order. All of the correct parts, including the shifter, are present. A documented inspection from Faithful Automotive Restoration Services in Huntington, NY states “this Corvette was restored to NCRS specifications…[the] quality of the restoration is far better than anything Chevy ever built.” There isn’t anything we could say that would surpass that assessment.

From the factory, this Corvette received the 427cid turbo-jet V8 fitted with a single Holly 4-barrel carburetor with stamping #TI020IP. This one is optioned with the limited-slip rear diff Positraction with a Muncie 4-speed stamped #105687. All of the correct stamping can be seen and verified.

Estimated Value

As with many of the cars we feature, proper valuing is difficult given the low production volume and the rarity of examples going to market, compounded by the wide-range of examples and conditions you may find. Given the rarity of color, certified nuts and bolts NCRS restoration of Top Flight caliber, and the highly desirable L72 427 / Muncie M21 pairing, the value expectation of this example should exceed many comparable sales of recent.

Recent Market:

• 1966 427cid Corvette – Sold $160,000 (2015 NCRS Top Flight winner)
• 1966 427cid Corvette – Bid to $250,000 (awarded the NCRS 4-Star Bowtie award)

Final Thoughts

This numbers matching 427 is fully documented and restored to NCRS Specs and guidelines. This is of the level of quality you would expect coming from a Cooper Classic collection. The Top Flight award was created by the NCRS in 1974 to recognize cars that are preserved or restored to the highest level of achievement. These cars have to achieve 94% or above of 4500 available points to earn “NCRS Top Flight” in a rigorous judging process of Operations Check, Exterior, Interior, Mechanical and Chassis Judging.  Cooper Classics is highly confident in this 427 receiving Top Flight status if it were to be judged. Register now to bid, examples like this do not come to market often.

Bid Now and Drive Fun Daily.

Disclaimer: We do our best to represent the vehicle from the information provided but this should not be implied as an inspection. Second Daily is not the owner of the vehicle and therefore we recommend as with any online vehicle purchase, as a potential buyer you should either arrange to visit it in person for a personal inspection, or hire a professional service to conduct a pre-purchase inspection. The full VIN number is given here, as potential buyers, you can perform your due diligence to determine if this vehicle meets your standards. Second Daily is not liable for the condition or contents of the vehicle. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more information.