Corvettes for Sale: The Corvette Vagabond’s 1966 Convertible Offered on BaT

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Corvettes for Sale: The Corvette Vagabond's 1966 Convertible Offered on BaT


Every Corvette has a story.

This 1966 Corvette Sting Ray convertible has literally traveled the world, spreading the goodwill of its owner in 48 U.S. states and 12 European countries.

Its owner, Jack Panzica, bought the car in 1970 with insurance proceeds from his first Corvette, a 1961 roadster that became a total loss after an engine fire.

Panzica was a huge fan of the “Route 66” TV show and always wanted to take a cross-country trip like his fictional heroes Buzz and Todd.

Corvettes for Sale: The Corvette Vagabond's 1966 Convertible Offered on BaT


In 2010, his dream finally came true when he became the “Corvette Vagabond,” documenting his travels through all the continental U.S. state. “Through the support and encouragement of many, this dream became a reality,” Panzica wrote afterwards. “Over 3 months and 20,000 miles, 74 people opened their homes to me, many more rallied with parades and ‘meet-ups’ along the route, and thousands followed this Corvette adventure through forums, blogs, and via email. The hospitality that was extended by complete strangers with a common bond was amazing, and I could not have realized my dream without their generosity. The often expressed refrain was ‘I wish I could do that.'”

Along the way, a few folks from Europe also checked in with Panzica, fueling his interest in taking his adventure overseas. By the end of summer of 2012, his beloved Sting Ray was on a container ship headed to Oslo, Norway, where he began a 12-nation tour extending more than 7,500 miles in his Corvette and another 800 miles via ferry.

Corvettes for Sale: The Corvette Vagabond's 1966 Convertible Offered on BaT


“The Europeans were equally as enthusiastic as the Americans had been, providing me shelter, Corvette kinship, wonderful life stories, and hosting events to welcome the Corvette Vagabond,” he wrote. “The greatest learning of all was a heartfelt appreciation of America’s role in the recovery of Europe after WWII.”

Panzica would eventually own his Corvette for more than 50 years before passing away in his hometown of Cape Elizabeth, Maine on May 13, 2020 at the age of 72.

Now it’s up for sale on Bring a Trailer, where the high bid has already reached $40,000 with six days left.

Corvettes for Sale: The Corvette Vagabond's 1966 Convertible Offered on BaT


Jack took care of his Corvette, but he used it the way Zora Arkus-Duntov and all the others who created it wanted their owners to. Originally Milano Maroon, the car has been resprayed several times in Glen Green, most recently in 2010, but now shows signs of use. The chrome bumpers and other trim also have pitting.

Likewise, after some 300,000 miles of use, the Saddle interior isn’t perfect, with the lettering worn off the dials in some cases, for instance, and the paint on the back of the seats wearing through.

Corvettes for Sale: The Corvette Vagabond's 1966 Convertible Offered on BaT


Mechanically, the 327/350 horsepower L79 engine is said to have been rebuilt in 2009 and includes finned valve covers and a replacement Holley four-barrel carburetor. Bill’s Old Car Shop in Hollis, Maine did some maintenance work in June 2020, including installation of new gaskets, spark plugs, wires, starter, and distributor.

After a half century of use, this Corvette is not an immaculate trailer queen, but that’s OK in our book. We can’t help but wonder if Jack’s Sting Ray with a story shouldn’t be left just as it is as a tribute to one very special owner, the Corvette Vagabond.

Corvettes for Sale: The Corvette Vagabond's 1966 Convertible Offered on BaT


Source:
bringatrailer.com

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3 COMMENTS

  1. Maybe it is time for this special C2 to retire and live out its days at the Corvette Museum. It has certainly earned it!

  2. Terrific story and very entertaining.
    I’d also like to cast my vote for this wonderful piece of history to live out its days at the Corvette Museum. It would be a very fitting final chapter to a Sting Ray that lived a great life and provided so much fun and enjoyment

Comments are closed.