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Hi all - continuing off of my other threat regarding what to do with this car, it's looking like selling might be the most viable option.
1966 Sting Ray coupe, originally silver with black interior, 327/350, 4 speed manual, matching numbers, in need of restoration. This car has been in my family since June 1966. The car had one owner before my Uncle purchased it at that time. Apparently the original owner was either a private dealership or had a large collection of cars - my Uncle has more backstory on them, but they didn't own it for very long. The car was a daily driver for about 25 years. Almost everything was rebuilt/replaced at some point (decade of cataloged service records of over 30k invested starting in February of '67) but it was rarely garaged or covered properly. Engine was rebuilt at 100k - notes from the rebuild: Motor R&R, pistons, bearings, cam, intake, exhaust, lifters, oil pump, clutch, hoses, Holly Carb. Bore motor, valve job, deck block, grind&mag crank.
I had all 4 brakes/fuel tank replaced and carb rebuilt about 8 years ago but have only driven the car maybe 25 miles since. Interior is fairly worn but complete - I have the door panels off and recently removed the old carpet. The car still fires up but doesn't run very well. Compression is in a bad state. The frame appears straight and solid, no major accidents we're aware of, but not without surface rust from exposure to the elements throughout the decades. The car was stolen in the late 60's for an overnight joyride - it was quickly recovered but I believe they took the original steering wheel, shifter, carb, perhaps one or two smaller items which were immediately replaced. I have two very full folders of various paperwork, such as: original bill of sale for $4,578.00 , owners guide, receipts, coupe vette focused magazines from the 70's/80's, polaroids from the engine rebuilt, etc. The car is located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Thanks!
Last edited by Peninsula66; 05-19-2019 at 12:22 PM.
I'll take a swag. The paperwork and provenance plus originality helps, combined with the lack of it having been hacked up at an earlier point in its life. The L79 and combination of options is desirable as well. If you're going to have to repaint anyways, it's better that it doesn't have multiple crappy layers hiding who knows what. An interior is a wash, too. The costs to rebuild seats is pretty much the same whether the seats are shot or just tired. The big wild card is the frame and bird cage, and the one picture of the a-pillar may be showing some delimitation - an iffy sign.
All that said, I think it's somewhere in the $20K range, if the frame and birdcage are sound.
I agree with Easy Rhino....It's a borderline car. Very tempting because it hasn't been messed with, has the original '66-issue license plates, smog pump intact, etc. But the A-pillar and the amount of surface rust tell me it is in a more coastal part of the Bay Area (where I am from) so it may have been exposed to salt air. My GTO's were in the Bay area for 30-40 years parked outside most of the time and have zero rust....but I was in the east bay. I would say 20k if there is rust repair to the birdcage to be done, and possibly 30k if all checks out. Remember, it's still going to need an engine overhaul, new interior, rubber, chrome, paint, etc. No matter what it's going to cost more than the end value, IMO. You're selling the dream of a silver '66 Coupe here....with a black interior. A sharp combo that is timeless. I like it a lot, but there are similar cars out there for 45-55k that are all done and ready to drive today.
Block was decked and compression is now poor, said the OP.
Yes, if the stamped numbers are gone then it becomes a date code correct NOM engine which of course effects value. It appears the car needs a complete restoration so figure the cost of that verses a nicely restored NOM engine car to determine a value. Then think of the time you are without the enjoyment of the car, likely two years. This is the reason people buy done cars.
Honestly I don't see much value to this car at all other than as a parts car. The rust in the engine compartment couples with what you can see on the A-Pillar suggests that the birdcage is shot. You could spend $120K on this car and it will never be worth more than about $50K given the decked motor. Don't we ever get to the point with these cars where we can say that the car had a good run and it is now time to let it go?
As per my prior thread comments mid $20’s give or take a few thousand based on how desperate you are to sell on a given day and how desperate a guy is to have it.
Usual caveats on serious birdcage and frame rust app
The body looks straight & dash pads/console look fine. The engine comp needs alot of love, but that's the fun part. at least for me. As long as the birdcage & frame are not a total loss, I'd say I'd pay 20 all day.
X2 on the Ansen wheels. I think 20k all day would be a screaming deal on the car, personally. In the Bay Area, the price is going to be higher than most places. The OP should ask 35k and go from there. He might just get it. Car is badly weathered, but the body looks great and the interior is just worn out. The big question mark is the birdcage. The PO hasn't been back since the first post, so we'll hang in there and see what develops.
Thanks everyone - I appreciate all the solid input so far. Here are a few more pics which may/may not be helpful. Happy to capture additional pics of specific areas as requested. Note* the tailpipes were deleted after installing the new fuel tank - long story short but I was having a lot of issues with a "reputable" corvette shop (previous thread) and needed the car out.
05-19-2019, 12:17 PM
What it's worth - 66 Sting Ray Coupe
, owners guide, receipts, coupe vette focused magazines from the 70's/80's, polaroids from the engine rebuilt, etc. The car is located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Thanks!
