1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 427/435HP STINGRAY CONVERTIBLE WITH HARDTOP
1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 427/435HP STINGRAY CONVERTIBLE WITH HARDTOP

Details
1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 427/435HP STINGRAY CONVERTIBLE WITH HARDTOP

Chassis No. 194677S110863
Engine No. T0II9JE7110863

Marlboro maroon with saddle vinyl interior and saddle soft top

Engine: V8, 427ci, 435bhp at 5,800rpm, turbojet; Gearbox: four speed manual; Suspension: front coil springs with shocks and stabilizer bar, rear leaf spring with shocks and independent struts; Brakes: four wheel disc. Left hand drive.

In 1963 the Chevrolet Motor Company pulled the cover off its aggressively restyled and creatively renamed Corvette, the Sting Ray. The strong and streamlined Sting Ray was a hit and caused production figures to peak in excess of 20,000 units, and such was the success that the output continued to grow in the years that followed. The new Corvette was the brainchild of the three-man team of Bill Mitchell, Larry Shinoda and Zora Arkus-Duntov. Mitchell's promotion following the departure of Harley Earl ushered in a new era of design and styling. The Sting Ray's overall appearance was directly influenced by the one-off race car called the Mitchell Sting Ray, a car Mitchell himself financed throughout competition. The bodywork of the race car was masterfully carried out by designer Larry Shinoda and when Bill Mitchell saw the car for the first time, he was so impressed he instantly commissioned Shinoda to begin working on a production model - he knew then he had seen the future of the Corvette sports car.

The 1967 model year is considered by many enthusiasts of the marque to be among the most desirable for all Corvettes. The most signficant change on these models, and one that was becoming long overdue with the ever increasing availability of higher horsepower engines, was the introduction of four wheel disc brakes. Bodywork was little changed from the earlier years, although the indentations were removed from the hood and the horizontal side fender moldings were now far more attractive and functional and consisted of vertical slots. Instruments were upgraded from previous years and followed strong aircraft design features with a flat dial and straight needle. The seats were also upgraded offering more support, and by 1967 more pleats had been introduced to prevent splitting. The grill on the 1967 model was also updated as a plated cast unit rather than an aluminum extruded one. Overall the new cars were noticeably much tighter than the previous Sting Rays, which was particularly important on a convertible such as the one on offer here.

This example was originally delivered to S.K. Lavery of Farmington Avenue in West Hartford, Connecticut on February 28, 1967 by Chevrolet dealer Bryne Brothers of White Plains, New York. Amazingly so, the 1967 Sting Ray is still in receipt of its original window sticker, owners' manual, warranty book and 'protect-o-plate'. The owner's maintenance records indicate great care and frequent servicing from delivery to late 1974, when at 67,873 miles the engine was rebuilt. From this point the history of the car is relatively unknown until a thorough restoration was performed by the Corvette Center, and shortly thereafter completion the 1967 Sting Ray came into the collection of Mr. Chambers (approximately 15 years ago). Having logged 669 miles since the restoration, the big-block Sting Ray is a thing of beauty. Refinished in its original Marlboro maroon exterior with saddle vinyl trim, saddle soft top and matching maroon hard top and red stripe tires, together with the accompanying twin contour floor mats in clear vinyl all confirm that no detail was left undone. The clock, radio and gauges are all functioning as this Sting Ray has enjoyed the most thoughtful care.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to enjoy a matching numbers, 435hp, Sting Ray in pristine condition. Christie's suggests close inspection of this very fine example.