Purists, just close the window right now and look at something else, because this 1965 Corvette roadster isn't your average Bloomington Gold contender. On the other hand, if you're not concerned about 100% authenticity, then this is an incredible mid-year 'Vette with a ton of upgrades that give it the ability to put any of its stock brothers back on the trailer. Yes, that's right, at first glance, this sucker looks totally stock. And that's definitely what the builder had in mind. Heck, there's really nothing you can do to make a mid-year Sting Ray look better than it did rolling out of the factory, so your best bet is always to just take it back to stock and do the best job you possibly can. Since there was no pretense of authenticity here, all the flaws that Corvette judges look for have been rectified-you won't see bonding strips or saw marks on the inner fenders, but you will find laser-straight bodywork covered in sizzling Rally Red paint. Great gaps, impressive attention to fit and finish, and far more care than the guys on the assembly line could spare make this a car that will always get attention wherever it goes. The chrome is nice, too, with nicely refinished bumpers, polished rocker panel trim, and reproduction emblems that are crisp and well-defined. And yes, the headlights work. The trim tag says STD. but the interior is anything but standard. The vinyl buckets have given way to correct reproduction leather seat covers that make a big difference in how the car feels. Matching black carpets and new door panels look great and reinforce the stock look, too. The gauges are comprehensive and easily viewed through the wood-rimmed steering wheel, and the bright chrome shifter for the 4-speed manual transmission looks like modern art. An AM/FM/MP3 stereo has been fitted in the dash, and it was obviously built just for early Corvettes, because it matches the unique vertical orientation with top-mounted knobs. Very slick. There's also a newer black convertible top that stows easily under the rear deck, and with some practice, you'll probably be able to fold it in the time it takes to stop at a red light. So while the restoration guys are discussing decal placement and what color markers the second shift guys were using, you can be out enjoying this built 327 cubic inch V8, which womps out an estimated 400 horsepower. There's a Holley carb under that chrome air cleaner, an electronic ignition system, and a massive aluminum radiator keeping it cool. Beautifully restored valve covers make a great statement, and functional upgrades include an alternator, A/C with R134a refrigerant, and a gorgeous finned oil pan. The suspension has been fortified with tubular A-arms and coil-over shocks in place of the transverse leaf spring, so this mid-year has the reflexes of a modern 'Vette. The chassis has been detailed as beautifully as the engine bay, but you'll have no qualms about driving this one, especially with those reproduction knock-offs and 215/70/15 redline radials. If you're not into the finer points of authenticity, but want to make the most of your Corvette experience, you can't do much better than this. Call today! This vehicle is located in our Atlanta showroom. For more information, please call (678) 279-1609 or toll free (877) 367-1835.
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