Mossgreen Auctions
Lot 105
1966 Chevrolet Corvette C2 Stingray convertible (RHD) Vin no. 194676S111920 Engine no. T01121P, 6111920 Registration no. D RAT To say that the Sting Ray’s arrival for 1963 caused a sensation would be a major understatement in terms of its influence on the North American sports car market. Launched as the second generation of “America’s Sports Car”, for the first time in history the Corvette was a sell-out success. As much as anything, it was the appearance of Sting Ray that set it apart, the stunning lines which can be credited to GM Styling designer Larry Shinoda. Futuristic, sexy and distinguished from anything else on the road, the Sting Ray`s fibreglass skin sported a totally new ladder-type chassis, the adoption of which dramatically improved roadholding and ride. Wind tunnel testing helped refine the final shape, as did practical matters like interior space, windshield curvatures, and tooling limitations. Purposeful exterior styling including peaked fenders, a long nose, and a short, bobbed tail combined with independent suspension and improved acceleration offered drivers newfound handling prowess. Inspired by the Q-Corvette and Mitchell’s racing Stingray, the 1963 model’s dexterous handling offered drivers both sports car appeal and functional use in keeping with the MG-beater it once intended to be. All 1963 cars had 327cid engines, making 250 hp (186 kW) standard, with optional variants of 300 hp (224 kW), 340 hp (254 kW) and 360 hp (268 kW). The most powerful engine was the Rochester fuel injected 327cid V8, which made 360 hp (272 kW). As the range of V8’s available increased, and more and more powerful performance options and go-fast accessories became available, the Corvette began to take on muscle car qualities. By 1966, the basic 327-cid V8 blew through a Holley four-barrel carburettor and put out 300 bhp (even though the new big-block 427 took much of the spotlight). Mild aesthetic changes included an egg-crate grille insert to replace the previous horizontal bars, and the "Corvette Sting Ray" emblem added to the bonnet. The Sting Ray coupe was always outsold by the open version, with just 9,958 built in 1966 compared to 17,762 convertibles. Despite technological advancements in the later generations of Corvettes, none has quite managed to capture the style, presence and driving pleasure of the original 1963-67 Sting Rays. This 1966 Stingray is finished in a striking Nassau blue and blue vinyl interior. With matching hardtop and white softop, this right hand drive (RHD) vehicle is fully optioned and boasts such extras as side mounted exhaust, aluminium knock off wheels and power steering to name a few. This ‘Special High Performance’ model, identified by ‘1P’ within the engine number, is a rare matched number car. Fitted with a monster 7 litre, 427 cubic inch 425 hp big block Turbo-Jet V8 (4 barrel carburettor) engine, it puts out a massive 560 bhp (412kW). This grunt is delivered via a close ratio 4 speed manual M21 gearbox and a 3.36 positraction differential. This vehicle was sold new in 1966 through Capitol Motors Inc. in Hartford Connecticut for $6,122.25. It is believed to have been imported into Australia in 1977 by Bob Mummerie Imports, and owned since then by Phillip Byrne and Tom Carson (both from Canberra) before the current owner purchased it in 1995 from Peter Mellor in Brisbane. Included in the sale is an original sales brochure and original radio manual with a copy of the window sticker. Affectionately known as ‘The Rat’ this 1966 Stingray was the personal favourite Corvette of the vendor’s stable. This car was regularly displayed at car shows and enjoyed as a “Comfy Drive!” Seldom does an American big block muscle car of this calibre appear on the market in Australia. Odometer reading approximately 78,900 miles. Sold registered in Queensland, with no RWC, with the number plate ‘DRAT’, being not transferable if sold interstate (Exp. 1/10/14).
