Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

This 1965 Corvette C2 'Stingray' 327ci (4-spd manual) is a smart, rust-free example, finished in sought-after Nassau Blue and benefits from an older UK restoration. We've owned and enjoyed this iconic car for the past 2 years, and have had recent recommissioning works carried out to ensure it's ready to go for the summer.

As with the majority of Corvettes of this era, not much is known of its early history, although decoding the trim tag suggests it's an original Nassau Blue car and was optioned with matching Blue Vinyl interior. Though, by the time it had made its way to the UK in May 1988, it had been re-painted red and had a black vinyl interior. The car was then subjected to an extensive cosmetic and mechanical restoration over a number years in the 1990s. During which, the common C2 rust areas were attended to, the car was repainted in its original colour, the suspension was stripped and fully rebuilt with upgraded parts and a very large number of new parts were bought and fitted. All of these works are documented (with invoices and photos) in the large history file that dates back to 1991. 

We purchased the Stingray from long-term ownership in summer 2023 and, after noticing some clutch slippage, sent it to CCM Vettes for a full inspection. Over £2,000 was spent at CCM with a new clutch fitted, all brake calipers rebuilt, engine oil service and more. The car performed faultlessly over the remainder of the summer and was a common sight outside pubs all over the Cotswolds in 2023 - roof always stowed away. For 2024, we decided to bring some originality back to the car; inspired by the period club-racer style, we purchased a set of factory-spec steel wheels and cross-ply-look Auburn radial tyres at a cost of over £2,500. With the setting up of the business, the Stingray sadly didn't see much use last year and was in storage for the majority of it, only coming out towards the end of summer and having a new water pump fitted by CCM Vettes. During its time in storage over last winter, the car seemed to develop a slight misfire; so, as soon as spring rolled round, we sent it off to local specialists XGP Ltd for recommissioning. The following work was carried out: carburettor rebuild inc. ultrasonic housings, handbrake strip and rebuild, new expansion tank, rear wheel spacers made and fitted, fix differential bung leak, clean, paint & tidy engine bay, oil & filter service. 

Our Stingray presents very well, its Nassau Blue paint still looks sharp and straight, with only a few blemishes accrued over the years since restoration - all of which are evidenced in the photo gallery. The shut-lines are all even and the doors stay straight on their hinges, the chrome and trim is also good with no pitting or damage to be found. The only corrosion we have found is a bubble forming on the lower part of the near-side headlight pod (see photos). The black vinyl hood is in excellent shape and fits well with no tears, holes or major creasing, as is the plastic rear window with only minor wear marks present. The interior is in similarly good condition and nicely worn-in (as any classic car should be), there are no rips, holes or major wear on either of the seats or the carpet. The only marks of note would be the patches of missing paint on the glovebox door and on the centre console (see photos). As expected from its service history, the Stingray has been thoroughly sorted mechanically and therefore drives very well with no issues.

We feel as though these open-top C2s are the ideal sports car for the British countryside, fantastic noise, large amounts of torque, supple suspension with none of the scuttle shake of the contemporary European roadsters. If you have never experienced one, prepare to be pleasantly surprised.

The Stingray is based at our studio in Bicester, please contact Greg with any questions or to arrange a viewing.