No matter how much paint has been worn away, the rear quarter view of a C2 Corvette still hits me like a jolt — that perfect blend of aggression and elegance that makes the heart beat a little faster. And judging by the early reaction online, I’m not the only one feeling that pull.
This 1966 Corvette L72 427/425 hp convertible, currently listed on eBay, is exactly the kind of unfinished big block project that gets people talking. One reader, bud lee, summed up the mood perfectly: “This could be the baddest car on the block.”
Despite needing plenty of work — 58 years after rolling out of St. Louis — bidding has already climbed to $37,000 with more than five days left. As Old greybeard put it, “Worth the investment if you have the wallet.”
The seller describes the car as an unfinished L72 big block with a body off restoration underway. It’s a rust free California car with:
• Matching numbers VIN on the engine block
• 942 block, 858 heads
• 3247 Holley carb
• 069 intake
• Original K66 ignition system
• Rebuilt trailing arms
• New stainless brake and fuel lines
• Both hard and soft tops
• All bonding strips intact
• Rear bumpers aren’t pictured, but the seller says they’re included.
One commenter, Karl, didn’t mince words about the road ahead: “Invest a large amount of money and a world of labor and it will be an amazing finished vehicle!”
The 1966 model year marked the arrival of the 427 big block, rated at 425 horsepower — a monster then and a legend now. Corvette production hit 27,720 units, including 17,762 convertibles, and just 5,258 buyers checked the box for the L72. Add the optional hardtop and the price nudged toward $5,000 — serious money in 1966.
This particular car once wore burgundy paint over a black interior, and while it’s currently mid restoration, the bones appear solid. As Lantz noted from his own experience restoring a Mosport Green ’66: “Doing these cars is getting so expensive now… you’re better off buying one already done.”
Karl agreed, adding that even when you handle the mechanical work yourself, “it’s still very expensive in every way.”
That depends on your goals. ruxvette offered the most pragmatic take:
“Finished, with NOM, I would think $80–85… maybe $90k. Unless you can do a lot of the work, you will spend more than what it’s worth. If it’s going to be a keeper car then go ahead on it.”
And then there’s Rackman 2000, who has a very different vision for the car’s future: “Paint it flat black… bad ass car. Drive her to the end. No trailer queens please.”
Whether you see a money pit, a dream project, or a future street legend, this 1966 L72 convertible is the kind of Corvette that stirs emotion — even in its unfinished state. The bidding reflects that. The comments reflect that. And honestly, that rear quarter view still does it for me every time.
Source:
eBay Motors via BarnFinds
Related:
Corvettes for Sale: No Reserve 1971 Corvette Convertible on eBay
Corvettes for Sale: 1979 Corvette with an L48 and a Manual 4-Speed on Craigslist
Corvettes for Sale: Bob Bondurant’s Former 1959 Corvette Racer Offered on Bring a Trailer
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