[VIDEO] 1965 Corvette VIN 003 Pilot Line 427 Crossing the Block at Mecum Indy

Mecum’s 2022 Indianapolis auction kicks off next week and, as usual, there’s no shortage of Corvettes to go around. As we type this, there are currently 276 Corvettes eagerly awaiting your bid. One of the Stars of the show is Lot S122, 1965 convertible VIN 003. This pilot line C2 was used for the development of the 427 engine program with General Motors.

The car was born in St. Louis, Missouri on August 6, 1964, as the 3rd 1965 Corvette built and the very first convertible. Both the body and frame were 1964 vintage. The car initially wore Ermine White paint, a tan leather interior, and fuel-injected L84 327 engine when it first left the plant. An NCRS Shipping Data Report indicates that it was subsequently delivered to Zone 0, Dealer 502 which is the GM Tech Center in Warren, MI.

While in GM’s trusty hands the car was used for development work on the Mark IV (i.e., big block) engine program. Here it would get a heart transplant in the form of a prototype 427ci engine. That 427 mill is one of only 2 427’s used in the mark IV development program. All the remaining engines were 396’s. This fact makes VIN 003 the first non-competition Corvette to receive a big block engine.

As part of the development work, the car was outfitted with many special and/or modified components. One of the first enhancements was hand modifying the front crossmember to accommodate the big block harmonic balancer. Additionally, VIN 003 was given prototype F41 suspension components plus 1-inch front and rear sway bars. It also features hand-made fiberglass fan shroud and big block hood. Other one-off modifications include an aluminum small-block radiator with the overflow tank placed above the intake manifold, unique placement of the transistor ignition box, and special heat shield to protect the fuel lines from excessive heat.

VIN 003’s duties weren’t limited to just Mark IV development, though. It was later designated as GM Styling Exercise No. 5807 and used a show car for GM. A 5807 sticker still resides on the hardtop’s rear window. The appearance changes included removing the 1964 front-fender side vents and replacing them by hand with the 1965 version. The hood was given the new, raised big-block treatment and this is also when the side pipes were added.


The car needed a couple more changes before hitting the auto show circuit. Most notably, it was repainted in Cadillac’s bespoke Firemist Green and the leather interior was re-dyed to match. It also got a green steering column, thick green Cadillac carpeting, and floor grates in each footwell. Other cosmetic touches include chrome valve covers and clutch arm in addition to custom Mark IV fender emblems.

After its GM usage was complete, it was outfitted with an IP-suffix L72 427 CI engine before being sold to its first retail owner through Don Fry Chevrolet in Warren, Michigan in 1966. Bud Volmer became the first registered owner of Corvette 003 and its full ownership history is well known today.


The car most recently changed hands in 2009 after it was advertised in the NCRS Driveline magazine. It subsequently was treated to a detailed restoration by noted Corvette experts Gary and Ken Naber. Sadly, we lost Ken in 2018 so VIN 003 will now also be known as the final Corvette restored by the renowned Naber Brothers.

Today VIN 003 presents in Concourse condition. In addition to all the unique features added by GM, we see a teakwood steering wheel, knock-off wheels sporting gold line tires, power windows, AM/FM radio, and both soft and hard tops. The car is accompanied by full ownership history and documentation defining its life well lived. If you’re interested in bidding on this beauty, get your financial affairs in order as Mecum’s pre-auction estimate is $900,000 – $1,200,000. It crosses the block on Saturday, May 21st.

Mecum’s 35th annual Spring Classic Auction takes place May 13th – 21st at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. General admission day tickets are $20 in advance or $30 at the door. Motortrend, Motortrend+, and Discovery will have live coverage including several re-airs Wednesday, May 18th through Saturday the 21st. For more information on Mecum Indy, head on over to their website.

Source:
Mecum Auctions