1966 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

Superb Triple Crown Award recipient
Bloomington Gold award, NCRS Top Flight award, and Chevy Vette Fest Gold Spinner award
Unique and highly desirable factory triple black with factory hardtop
Full numbers-matching L-72 drivetrain
Al Grenning Affirmation Certificate
Original Kelsey-Hayes knock-off wheels
Affectionately known as The Black Rat

For 1966, there were several visual clues: on coupes, the simulated B-pillar vents were deleted, a square mesh style grille was installed up front, and a vertically elongated Corvette script was placed on the front left corner of the hood, all relatively minor changes. But there was big news from Corvette that year with the introduction of the mighty L-72 big-block 427. Derived from the 1963-era Mystery Motor, the Mark IV big-block programs initial debut was a production option as the L-78 396-cid V-8, often referred to as a Rat Motor. There were versions of this engine available in the mid-size Chevelle Super Sport with 325 HP or 360 HP but, for the Corvette, all the stops were pulled out and the L-72, 425 horsepower version was released for 1966. With a base price for the engine of just under $313, a total of 5,258 customers checked the right box and received the ride of their life.

Rare is probably the most over-used word in the world of collector cars. However, that word really does apply to this beautifully restored award-winning Corvette. Being 1 of just 1,190 Tuxedo Black Corvettes produced in 1966 makes it rare. Add to that, black vinyl seats accompanied by the optional C-07 removable hardtop also in black, and you have a factory triple-black car, tasty indeed. (It does also have a folding top, nicely in contrasting white.) Now, for the most important part of this package, the original numbers-matching big-block L-72 427-cubic-inch V-8. Of course, we could tell you this Sting Ray convertible is one of the best examples in the world, but there are others who are regarded as the best in this field that have already determined this fact. As evidenced by when it was presented with the Chevy Vettefest Gold Spinner award. Then, there is the certification it received as a Bloomington Gold winner. Finally, The Black Rat was judged and presented with one of the NCRSs highest honors, the Top Flight award. All three of these certifications combine to make this car a noteworthy Triple Crown recipient; it truly doesnt get any better than that. Just to further verify under the hood, this example comes with its Affirmation Certificate from Al Grenning for its trim tag, cylinder case, and engine pad.

In addition to the L-72 package, this example is also equipped with original 1966 Kelsey-Hayes knock-off wheels featuring the proper satin finished center hub with dark gray between the finish, as well as the factory side-mounted exhaust pipes. The Positraction rear end is fitted with 3.55:1 gears and has SS brakes. Add to that little things like the original jack and related tools, proper AM-FM radio with shielding, and even T3 headlights, and you realize this is not just a Corvette, but a blue-chip investment grade automobile. To further cement this car as truly one of the best in the world, its limited previous owners include Corvette aficionados and collectors Terry Michaelis and Keith Busse.

Accompanying this L-79 427 Convertible is a large file of records, judging sheets, previous ownership history, certifications, and an award plaque, trophy, and Top Flight ribbon. In addition to Corvette-specific judging, it has also received a number of awards from other organizations such as ISCA, leaving the only thing missing from this cars heritage is the name of the astute blue-chip collector and next proud owner on the title.