Investment Grade Numbers Matching Corvette L71 427/435hp 4spd HD Brakes

SUMMARY

To be considered investment grade, a classic must meet strict parameters. For starters, the car must be in tip-top condition. In some instances, determining that is as easy as looking at pictures. But it always helps to have some form of documentation of either a through restoration or serious survivor chops. Speaking of documentation: the more, the better. Ultimately, what we're looking for is anything that can tell the car's story or confirm its exclusivity. The market directly reinforces that exclusivity, as cars of higher quality often sell for higher prices. Finally, it's always nice to have the hobby's blessing through awards and accolades.

By those rules, this fully documented Sting Ray, an authentic, heavily optioned 427/435 coupe that features a full ownership history, is definitely investment grade. It wraps an original tri-power/4-speed drivetrain in correct maroon paint and original black trim that's a product of choice maintenance and restoration. Its ownership history spans only four enthusiasts, one of which kept the car for 32 years. And, since the car earned 98.3 points in 2015 to be awarded NCRS Top Flight honors, we're fairly certain it's some of the hobby's most desirable metal!

BODYWORK/TRIM

What makes this Corvette particularly rare is not only the amount of paperwork and documentation included with its sale, but also the fact that this is one of very few authentic 427/435 cars that's equipped with this many original options and components. While most of the car's parts are original, it did undergo careful restoration, ending a 48-year run as a pristine survivor. During those years, this Chevy logged 42K miles in the hands of four careful owners, with the most dedicated steward keeping it from 1973 to 2015. The restorer's goal was to make this Sting Ray as close to factory-spec as possible without over-restoring items that were deemed original. Naturally, that body-off build included correct Marlboro Maroon paint. And in 2015, the car rolled onto the show circuit to earn 98.3 points on its way to being awarded NCRS Top Flight honors.

It's very rare that a classic is in good enough shape that its original chrome is simply cleaned and reinstalled. In the case of this Corvette, that fact gives you an excellent gauge of exactly how well the car was maintained. At the front of this old school street queen, bullet-style marker lights, show worthy bumpers and a red, white and black cross-flag emblem cage a stainless egg crate grille. Behind that grille, brazen "427" emblems adorn a 1967-exclusive Stinger Hood. At the sides of that hood, simple heat extractors ride between traditional door handles, a classy mirror and original side-pipes. Opposite those pipes, straight frames complement factory-tint glass, which caps restored door jambs that have been dulled to NCRS standards. And at the back of the car, familiar Corvette tail lamps illuminate a chrome-trimmed fuel filler and correct Sting Ray emblem above a chrome-trimmed tag bracket and two more show worthy bumpers.

ENGINE

It's hard not to notice a second-generation Corvette, especially when it's a coupe. And this Sting Ray's original tri-power 427 will ensure the car is both seen AND heard! At the top of the Chevy Orange block, a trio of correct Holley carburetors rides between a chrome, correctly-decaled air cleaner and bright, stainless fuel lines. Below those carbs, an original Winters intake funnels a perfect air/fuel mixture in to tough, cast iron heads, which wear traditional steel valve covers. When the juice hits the cylinders, transistorized ignition sparks fresh, stainless-sleeved wires while a stock cam and rotating assembly push spent gases through correctly over-sprayed exhaust manifolds. Cooling for that fire is provided by a beefy radiator, which hangs in front of pliable GM hoses and reproduction tower clamps. Aesthetically, this Chevy's tidy engine compartment is exceptionally well done, framing a correct alternator, a correct brake booster and a reproduction Delco battery in bright decals and clean, Satin Black fenders. And the 435 horsepower mill fronts a correct 3904351 casting number and February (B) 23rd (23), 1967 (7) casting date with a correct 427/4-speed (JE) suffix stamp and a matching 113801 partial VIN.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Not surprisingly, the bottom of this pavement-pounding Vette is solid, clean and ready to roll. Behind the awesome big block, an original Muncie 4-speed sports a correct 3885010 casting number, a Muncie (P) assembled on February (B) 28th (28), 1967 (7) build stamp and a matching 113801 partial VIN. That tough transmission twists an original, posi-traction rear end that spins big, 4.11 gears above a correct "FB" assembly stamp and March (3) 8th (8) 1967 (67) assembly date. Turns come courtesy of a correct, power-assisted steering rack. Not only does this coupe feature power-assisted disc brakes, it's also one of only 267 1967 Corvettes to feature the coveted 'big brake' option. Solid, unvarnished floors perfectly complement a straight, Satin Black chassis that's been fully blasted and carefully restored. And all that reliable hardware rolls on original turbines, which spin 7.75-15 Firestone Deluxe Champion whitewalls around red-tinged center caps.

INTERIOR

Open this C2's tossable doors and you'll find an original leather interior that's been well-maintained throughout the car's entire life. Seating comes courtesy of firm black thrones, which are anchored between fresh belts, bright stainless trim and a small console that's centered on a fully functional shifter. From the driver's perch, a traditional clock and Delco AM/FM radio ride between rebuilt gauges and an aluminum-trimmed glove box. Below that dash, original carpet frames fresh stainless sills. Above those sills, chrome-trimmed door panels hang monochromatic accents in front of correct power windows. In front of the driver, a satin-spoke steering wheel spins a faux wood rim around a telescoping column. And behind the passengers, a fully carpeted storage compartment boasts a small fire extinguisher.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

A breakdown of this Chevy's VIN, Trim Tag and original Protect-O-Plate verifies the authenticity of the car's current state:

VIN: 194377S113801

TRIM TAG:

PROTECT-O-PLATE:

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

Documented, spotless and ready to roll, this Top Flight Corvette is a top-notch classic that's spent its entire life in the hands of loving enthusiasts. There's little doubt that this car, a classy rendition of one of the coolest Chevys ever created, represents a pinnacle in the coveted C2 market. Looking for a premium piece of premium Detroit muscle? Here it is!