Original owner factory paint '65 Corvette refresh

[Bill Pritchard]

Wow! Evidently, keeping cars a long time runs in your family. Ordered on New Year's Eve of 1964. Love the four digit phone number on the Corvette's sales invoice.

[67since67]

Originally Posted by Bill Pritchard

Wow! Evidently, keeping cars a long time runs in your family. Ordered on New Year's Eve of 1964. Love the four digit phone number on the Corvette's sales invoice.

Oh..You have no idea Bill... Cousin Paul still has his first car, a '55 150 2 door, purchased in 1958 and done early '60s mild custom. Off the road since 1978, it's in rough shape today. 1946 Willys Jeep my Uncle bought new.

His brother has a '63 Riviera, owned since I believe '64, also a 58 BelAir owned since about 1960, plus original owner of a '77 Vette, and a C6.

And tractors...Between them they have 200 Minneapolis Moline tractors, many have been in the family from new, as far back as 1936. And more, all this stuff is stored indoors. - Bill W

[60sStuff]

Bill,

I love that Maroon Trim!

Looks like the headlights were open (no dust) when last parked.

I have subscribed to this thread.

Thanks, Chris.

[67since67]

Cousin Paul drove this regularly until about 1980, although being a farmer that was not daily. Somewhere in the 80's the line to the rear brakes rusted and he capped off the rear, driving it sparingly with front brakes only, and then rarely.

In 2007 I connected Paul with friend Brian, and Brian lifted the body off to do a driver restoration of the chassis. There was a predictable amount of frame rust at the rear which Brian repaired before powder coating the frame. Engine, trans, diff, trailing arms were rebuilt and brake calipers were sleeved. The body was cleaned and seat covers and carpet replaced. This was completed in 2008. I had limited input on this as I was working 60-80 hours a week at that point in time.

Paul and his wife enjoyed the car for several years, often seen at local cruise nights until health issues got in the way. - Bill W

[67since67]

Originally Posted by 60sStuff

Bill,

I love that Maroon Trim!

Looks like the headlights were open (no dust) when last parked.

I have subscribed to this thread.

Thanks, Chris.

Sharp eye Chris, yes the headlights were up. Since the motors were rebuilt in '08 they flip properly, and the rebuilt power antenna buzzes up and down also.

The repop seat covers don't do the interior justice, but the maroon is quite striking! We speculated how it would pop in a silver or white car.

[TimG]

My good friend in Dallas ordered this 1965 on New Years Eve 1964, also. The cars are optioned nearly identical. Ken sold this car to me back in 2004 and I enjoyed it many years. I'm sure the dealers wanted to get these orders in by year end.

[67since67]

Originally Posted by TimG

My good friend in Dallas ordered this 1965 on New Years Eve 1964, also. The cars are optioned nearly identical. Ken sold this car to me back in 2004 and I enjoyed it many years. I'm sure the dealers wanted to get these orders in by year end.

Interesting Tim, is that both cars were ordered on the same day, your friend's VIN is nearly 3,000 cars earlier.

I do remember that Paul's car was delayed because of availability of the Eaton posi unit, which he eventually allowed to be built without. Note that on the order form there was a $43.05 charge for 3.08 axle although not specifically saying posi, and on the invoice and w/s only charged $2.20 for 3.08 axle ratio.

BUT...your friend's did come through with posi!! Maybe one of the last built with posi before the supply ran out?

[Lynn]

So, in 1965 the standard transmission was a 3 speed.

What was the last year the 3 speed was standard?

[napa68]

Originally Posted by Lynn

So, in 1965 the standard transmission was a 3 speed.

What was the last year the 3 speed was standard?

Yes, and it was 67 as I remember it.

[Big Block Bill]

Originally Posted by napa68

Yes, and it was 67 as I remember it.

I believe 1969 was the last year you could get a 3 speed in a Corvette. A friend of mine, Bob Olson (he was the head Block machinist @ Pro Motor Engineering in Mooresville NC, formerly Motorsport Research) had a 1969 Riverside Gold 300 HP 3 speed, no options (other than an AM/FM radio) Coupe as a daily driver back in the late 1970's. I always gave him Sh** being a professional Racing Engine builder driving a 3 speed Corvette. He got it from his Uncle who purchased it new, He showed me the original paperwork (sales contract and if I remember correctly the window sticker to prove it). But that was a long time ago, and we all know how our memories ar. Bill