1967 Corvette Sting Ray Coupe

We are delighted to offer for sale a rare 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray (C2) coupe with a 4-speed manual gearbox. This particular example is powered by the famous Chevrolet ‘big-block’ 427ci V8 which produces a staggering 390hp.

The body/trim plate on the car confirms this car was built on 10th March 1967. The chassis number, engine number and gearbox number are confirmed as ‘matching’. The engine block is stamped with the date code A257 (25th January 1967) which is in line with the build date of the car. According to the plate, this car was delivered new in silver with a black vinyl interior.

According to documentation on file, it is understood that the car was delivered with the following options: tinted glass windowscreen, AM-FM radio, close ratio 4-speed transmission, power windows, side mounted exhaust system, telescopic steering, power steering, Redline tyres, power brakes and 36 gallon fuel tank.

The early history of this car is not known. It was most likely an American market car that has come to Australia very early in its life. The Department of Transport has confirmed the car was imported prior to 1989. It may well be that the car was imported into Australian back in the day when all cars had to be right hand drive.

There is an article on file from the ‘Around Tasmania’ section of The Mercury newspaper, dated 11th September 1997, mentioning the car being shown at the National Automobile Museum of Tasmania as part of their American Muscle Car display. The museum curator, Richard Moore, says in the article " . . . it was the only big block vehicle of its type with the original engine, transmission and differential in Australia at that time."

Shortly after that the car was acquired by one of Australia’s well known car collectors and enthusiasts. When he acquired the car it was in very good condition, but he is fussy and wanted to take it to the next level. In early 2000 he engaged the services of well-known and highly respected restorer Peter Leech from near Launceston in Tasmania. The improvement included miscellaneous mechanical works, interior tidy up and some cosmetic work. Air conditioning was installed at the time. There is an invoice on file detailing all the work completed totalling $41,000.

It appears the car has had two subsequent owners, one in New South Wales and one in Victoria.

In 2021 it was awarded ‘The Most Rare and Unusual Car Award’ at the Flinders Motoring Heritage Festival in Victoria and in 2022 it won the ‘Chairman’s Award’ at the same event.

The current owner acquired the car in 2022. He has used the car sporadically and due to a change in circumstances he has reluctantly decided to sell it.

In his ownership he has had the air-conditioning system serviced, some paint defects corrected and had the paint ceramic coated.

This Corvette certainly has a presence!

Today this car presents really well. The paint has retained a strong depth of colour and a nice gloss finish. ‘Marlboro Maroon’ is a unique and interesting colour for a Corvette and it suits the car really well. Importantly, it is an original factory colour. It is also a colour which changes appearance depending on the light. The black stinger on the bonnet creates a nice contrast.

Walking around the car you can’t miss the side exhausts! They give the car a very aggressive stance and are more than appropriate given the 427 ‘big-block’ under the bonnet! The exhausts are fitted with an aluminium cover to protect you from the heat.

All the external trim, including the chrome work, the badges, the lights and lenses are in very good condition. The same can be said for all the glass. The pop-up mechanism for the headlights is smooth and works exactly as expected.

The wheels are a real feature and they are in excellent condition with no sign of any curb rash. They are shod with BF Goodrich Silvertown 215 70/R15 radial tyres all around. The tyres all have date stamps around week 40 2005. The tyres show very little sign of wear confirming that the car has been used sparingly by its current and previous owners. They really should be replaced based on their age.

Open the door and your welcomed by that typical Corvette interior. First impressions are good. The seats present well with no tears or cracks in the leather. They are comfortable and provide ample support. The left to right hand conversion has been done really well and everything appears as if the car had left the factory this way. The instruments are all clear and in good working order with the exception of the clock and the odometer. Even the radio, which appears to be original, works. There is also an aftermarket air-conditioning unit fitted to keep you cool on those warm Australian summer days. The thin wooden steering wheel completes the look. It almost appears too delicate for a Corvette. The storage area behind the seats appears to have hardly been used and is still in excellent condition.

After having familiarised ourselves with the controls we can’t wait to turn the key and fire up the 427 big block. We have to say we were not disappointed! The correct procedure is to turn the ignition on, wait a few seconds for the fuel pumps to prime the carburettor, then press the accelerator once and turn the key further to start the engine. Even from cold the big V8 bursts to life almost instantaneously and then quickly settles into a rumbling but smooth idle. We should point out that a ‘smooth idle’ for a 427 big block definitely sounds a lot different from its European counterparts! On start-up we thought that that the roof was going to fall in at our showroom!

We impatiently wait for the engine to warm up before taking the car out on the road. It immediately becomes obvious that this is not your average C2 Corvette. There is truck load of horsepower on tap and those horses just want to go! The manual gearbox feels a little bit stiff initially, but once the oil warms up it is precise and very easy to use. Did we mention that V8 sound? It is very addictive and with the side exhausts right next to you, ‘surround sound’ never sounded so good. Importantly the brakes work well and stop the car quickly and in a straight line. The car handles surprisingly well and it is easy to drive. On our test drive we didn’t notice any rattles or squeaks and the car absorbs any bumps in the road with relative ease.

Needless to say, this car attracts plenty of attention and we got a lot of thumbs up on our test drive!

The C2 ‘big block’ Corvette is relatively rare in Australia, so here is a unique opportunity to acquire a ‘matching numbers’ example with the desirable manual transmission that is ready to use and enjoy.

Accompanying the car is a history file going back to 1997, an owner’s manual, a spare wheel, a jack and a wheel brace (after market).

Highlights:

• Matching numbers 427 ‘big block’ C2 Corvette.
• Desirable factory 4-speed manual transmission.
• Excellent condition throughout.
• Ready to be used and enjoyed.