This is the Corvette that never existed, some say.
But exist this A.O. Smith-bodied 1967 big-block Corvette does, and it will be up for auction at Barrett-Jackson at Reno Tahoe Aug. 6-8.
A little background: From 1964 to 1967, Corvette bodies were actually built at two locations – half at the St. Louis factory and half under contract with A.O. Smith in Ionia, Mich.
Some experts say there were a few A.O. Smith 427 bodies in the first week or two or production, including this one that was built in Ionia, Mich., at A.O. Smith and shipped to St. Louis for assembly as a 1967 Corvette.
Records show that this Corvette started as VIN 365 on the third and fourth day of production, then was put on hold for more than a week.
But, then apparently, early in production of the last C2 model year, management decided that St. Louis bodies only would be used for the 1967 big blocks.
Corvette expert Noland Adams explained the problem with A.O. Smith bodies in his book on C2 restoration: “The silk screening method used to create the hood stripes proved difficult to master, and the decision was made to produce big-block bodies at St. Louis only. Since some hoods were already at the AOS plant, some early 1967 big-block bodies did come from Ionia. Thus early 1967 big-block bodies were produced at both sources. After approximately serial number 100500 to 1001000, most 1967 Corvette big-block bodies were made in St. Louis. A few – less than 10 percent – were built by AO Smith.”
Thus, you can be sure that this 427/435 convertible is the real deal, with the NCRS Document Validation Service confirming the tank sheet to be authentic and original to this car. It’s also a two-time NCRS Flight Award recipient with score sheets and certificates, as well as NCRS Award Confirmation Document confirming authenticity. All major date codes fit the manufacturing window as well.
The car has a 4-speed transmission, with AM/FM radio, 3.36 positraction, transistor ignition, and tinted glass and has undergone a frame-off restoration to factory specs. It has original body panels and has not been in an accident, and the original Trim Tag and VIN plate have never been off the car.
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This rare A.O. Smith-bodied Corvette Sting Ray is Lot #617 and will be offered for sale at Barrett-Jackson’s Reno auction on Saturday, August 8th.
Barrett-Jackson’s three-day auction in Reno on Aug. 6-8th is held in conjunction with Hot Reno Nights. For auction details and the television schedule, visit www.Barrett-Jackson.com
Source:
Barrett-Jackson
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