91DRM

Tighty Whities here...Big Jim and the Twins need the support. TMI?

SW Vette

There are also those who just can't get their heads around why the '63 coupe commands such a premium over any other midyear, what with that fugly, rear view obstructing piece of fiberglass which even Zora hated running right down it's spine. Some folks will never get it; for them there is no justification to pay more for such a car.

I, of course, am not unbiased in my appraisal of the '65 L76 a/c coupe since I have one in my garage, and though there's no question about the desirability of a fuelie - I want one! - it's hard to make an argument against what was in 1965 probably America's closest thing to a true Grand Touring car. A fuelie couldn't be fitted with air because the intake ducting occupied too much real estate.

When the car is sorted out and working as the engineers intended, believe me -- it ain't a bad way to cruise Mulholland Highway on a sunny summer Sunday.

Within reasonable parameters the a/c system on C2 Vettes work quite well. I wouldn't expect a black on black car left sitting for 4 hours in 100 degree heat with 95% humidity to cool down to 68 degees within 5 minutes, but fortunately mine never sees those conditions. Truthfully I almost never use the aircon but it's cool to have ;-)

Radio delete? Rare but I doubt it adds value to the car. Same as a 3-speed manual or drums on a '65 -- rare but not so cool

SW Vette

Right? I mean we could argue against fuelies by saying they're finicky to keep in tune, prone to percolation in hot weather, don't run very well on unleaded pump gas, and aren't worth all the extra trouble. But folks still love 'em and they'll always be worth more money. We could argue against big blocks by saying they put too much weight up front and spoil the car's perfect balance, tend to overheat in traffic on hot days, make it hotter inside the cockpit, and worst of all, they get lousy gas mileage - but hey, some folks like 'em anyway

Tim Gilmore

This 175,000 mile car was every bit as tired as the blue '65 on ebay. The chassis looked just the same. It didn't have damaged body panels, though. I worked this car for hundreds of hours and have done lots to maintain its originality instead of restoring it. Here it is at the San Antonio Nationals last year. It has two Top Flight awards scoring 97% last time out. It is also a Bloomington Survivor. If you are willing to work hard, you can preserve them.
I also love to drive this car, stone chips don't bother me.

provette67

Cool looking car. Great that you went the preservation route

Tim Gilmore

P.S. I would have been upside down had I wanted to restore this car. My only option was to preserve and clean. My labor was free (and worth every penny :-)

MOXIE62

Your car may of been tired at one time but the condition was not even close to the ebay car. Sharp

Rich Yanulis

Looks Great

I absolutely love the unrestored cars.
Do whatever you can to keep it that way.

65hihp

How do you know, did you see Tim's car when he got it?

MOXIE62

Did not have to see it before. Can look at it now. No way would soap and water make the ebay car look as nice as this one.

Tim Gilmore

I don't want to incriminate my own car, I'm going to take your comment as a compliment. Thank you, the car turned out great.

68hemi

BTW, to all those who chastised me for my comments on the value of this car restore, take a look at this one that had a asking price of $58900.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-original.html

Yeah, which on would you rather have?

SW Vette

That one sold in two weeks, and someone.got a super deal.

provette67

That car is also a '64. You example is apples to potatoes. People like both but for different reasons.So I state again. Everyone will value things differently. Depending on age,location,personal preference or pocketbook. Example some prefer boxers, some prefer boxer briefs, some prefer bikini briefs,some prefer a thong and some have to a have adult diapers and I mean have to have them. Depending on which category someone falls in the other categories aren't really worth much. BTW is this car an example of your opinion of a #1 car

68hemi

Not in this case. both the 64 and 65 365 h.p. with air are very rare combination cars and for this comparison it is NOT apples and oranges.
No, it is not my idea of a number 1 car but it IS a good comparison of an original born with drive train that can be driven with pride unlike the subject car. To bring the subject car to the same level would cost a minimum of probably $40K.

provette67

Like I said your example is not apples to potatoes. Fair or not '65s bring more money than '64s. As you pointed out to bring the subject car,'65, to the same of the,'64, would probably cost $40K. But in actuality it would not be in the same condition. Instead of having paint that looks nice for a "1985 repaint" you will have new paint. Same with the interior and etc. So now not only would you have a model year that brings more money the car will also be in better condition. The owner would have more money in it than the '64 but whether you would want it or not many more would. I will add this again. Everyone will value things differently. Depending on age,location,personal preference or pocketbook. Example some prefer boxers, some prefer boxer briefs, some prefer bikini briefs,some prefer a thong and some have to a have adult diapers and I mean have to have them.

1snake

If you're a "checkbook" restorer and farm everything out, I agree.

65hihp

not to worry, he won't let this go and give you the last word. Go change those diapers, will you!

provette67

I left a few in swap meet area in Lakeland

68hemi

Nope, I am done, your not talking to NowhereMan here.