1966 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

Finished in the original colours of Silver Pearl over black leatherette Accompanied by its original service book, owner's manual, and brochure Fully resprayed, retrimmed front seats, rebuilt engine, new chrome - fabulous Supplied with a NOVA reference number to begin UK registration process Now in its sixth generation, the Corvette began life in 1953 with the C1 - a model that inspired a generation of young Americans and gave the Ford empire a nine-year headache. However it was the C2, the immortal Sting Ray produced between 1963 and 1967, that really set Chevrolet's cash registers ringing and left us with the most desired and collectible Corvette to date. Designed by Larry Shinoda under the guidance of the legendary Bill Mitchell, influences on the Sting Ray's unique and unforgettable form are said to include: the E-type Jaguar, a Mako shark once caught by Mitchell, the 'Q Corvette' concept car of 1957 and the 'Mitchell Sting Ray'. By the autumn of 1959 elements of the two unique Corvettes had been built into XP-720 - the design programme that led to the production of the Sting Ray as we know it. This particular left-hand drive example was sold new to its first owner, a Mr J. W. Allen of Virginia Beach, Virginia, through Colonial Chevrolet Corp, Norfolk, Virginia on 8th April 1966 as recorded in the cars original service book that is included in the file. Finished in Silver Pearl with a black leatherette interior, (the same combination it sports today) this 'Vette is powered by 5.4-litre 327Cu in. small block V8 mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox pushing out 350 bhp. Of the 27,720 Corvettes built in 1966, it is thought that only 7,500 were fitted with the 350 bhp engine and only 2,967 finished in Pearl Silver Metallic. The next owner recorded in the file is a Mr J. Bush of North Carolina, who clearly loved this Vette dearly, illustrated by certificates and report cards from concours events entered where the car triumphed for its originality. After some years and having had only one owner by 2010, the car was pulled from a barn and claimed a Bloomington Gold Survivor Award, for which there is a certificate in the file. The car was sold and imported to the UK in 2014. The owner at that time started to accumulate parts to commence a restoration, but decided to sell the car on, which is when our vendor took control. Under his watchful eye more parts were ordered from Corvette Central.com and the car was fully refurbished which included; a full body respray, retrimming of both seats, new brakes, suspension, fuel tank rechroming of brightwork where necessary and the dismantling of the engine before being detailed and rebuilt. The result of all this hard work is a sharp looking Corvette that is ready to grace the roads once again. Supplied with a NOVA reference number for the buyer to begin the UK registration process with the DVLA, the sale of this Corvette includes its North Carolina Certificate of Title, an original brochure, Protect-O-Plate, its original books & keys, including the owner's manual, service book and accessories booklet. Currently showing 46,869 miles on the odometer, a mere 15 since its Bloomington Gold Survivor Award. The original Colonial Chevrolet Corporation key fob even remains! Firing up the car and you are greeted by the 'woofle' that only a V8 can produce, which will almost certainly put a smile on your face as you picture yourself cruising in an American Icon.