big block 60's vette......

You probably mean a C2 or C3. C1 was all small block unless you want a car with a replacement block.

As to brokers, I am sure there are some out there. Corvette Mike comes to mind. I also think that it comes down to how much you want to drive it. Some brokers are hooked into the real significant, high dollar cars while there must be others that merely perform PPI-like services so that you know what you are getting. Local NCRS judges should be able to help.

Personally, I always enjoyed small blocks more on a daily basis. If a big block is a must then a low horsepower car sounds the best. The higher horsepower big blocks had 3x2 set-ups which can be troublesome on a daily basis. The exception would be the 65-66 solid lifter cars which have 4 barrel carbs but make less than stellar daily drivers.

66-390 horse
67-390
68-390
69-390
70-390
71-270?
72-270?

Ever thought of a 71-72 LT-1 small block car? 70 had a higher compression motor so harder to drive daily but the 71 and 72 will take lower octane. All cars will have trouble with ethanol though.

 

As a life long fan and owner of several since '95 the classic's are awesome. So I recommend that you determine how you want to use it. As stated above the C1 did not come with a big block. The C2 which did have inherent driving issues in stock form. Mostly if not tuned correctly it would overheat. If not hung up on original getting a rest version could work. They have modern running gear giving them reliability and easier to use. But they are not all original. Current market prices for these are as high as the all originals for the benefits stated.

Personally I have always dreamed of owning a 67/427/435hp car for years. Since I am not a collector and want to drive it I have learned that this car will always be on my wish list. It is not something to take a trip along the coast. Not that I wouldn't do it but I would most likely run into issues. In a rest-mod I would not.

 

1967 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe - Corvette Fever Magazine - View All Page

 

I have both big and small block C2's and C3's. As others have mentioned, the small blocks are quite a bit more street able. The biggest issue with the HP BB cars is that they were never designed to run in today's heavy traffic and tend to overheat. They also will not run very well on today's pump gas and require someone that knows what they are doing to properly tune them(if you aren't inclined to do so). I have a 69 BB that has had a custom radiator(that looks mostly stock) and a few other minor tweaks that runs fine in traffic without overheating. It still requires a custom fuel cocktail though.
I have another that was rebuilt with the goal of running today's fuels-it too, works well and looks mostly stock.
I enjoy restomods too, but have found that a properly built big or small block original engine will work just as well and look much better sitting in the engine bay of a vintage Corvette. I have a stroked small block that makes near 500HP and looks mostly stock and runs fantastic.

 

I love my 1965 Corvette convertible, has a 327 cu in engine with 350 hp.
Lots of fun to drive and spare parts are easy to get.
I've owned for over 15 years now.

1965 was the first year for disc brakes on all four wheels.
Be aware that there isn't much trunk room in a Mid-Year convertible - especially with the top down.
All you have is the space behind the two seats.

What's fun about the mid-year Corvettes is being able to tailor them any way you want.
I put the following non-original parts on it:
- side exhaust used on 67 Corvettes
- rally alloy wheels, look like knock-offs but have the 5 lug nuts under the center chrome cover.
- modern radial white-wall tires
- modern much-brighter headlight bulbs
- electronic ignition hidden under the distributor cap
- put the dual master cylinder brake system from the 67 Corvette in as a replacement for the single master cylinder that came on the car in 65. Had to run a second brake line along the frame to get the x pattern for each brake cylinder. Much safer than a single cylinder brake system. Note that engine picture below still shows the original single master cylinder brake system.

Car still looks basically stock, but obviously a "driver" and not a show car.

You might want to get a 1967 car instead of a 63 - 66 one because of the few things that only come on that model year:
- side exhaust
- stinger hood
- 5 vents on each side
- dual master cylinder brakes
- seat headrest option
- flat finish rocker panels
- single back-up light above rear license plate
- hand brake between the seats (mine is a pull handle below left dash)
The 67 cars are more expensive but they will always be the more desirable Mid-Year cars.
.
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Henry, I have been an avid collector of L88 and 67 435 hp Corvettes for over thirty years. I would be happy to help you in finding the right car.

 

PM sent

 

I have owned corvettes of every generation for years and still do . I have a 66 390hp / 427
red coupe with factory air and factory side pipes 4spd restored and in very very nice condition looks like afresh restoration it is NCRS certified ..anyway thinking about selling it..
if you are interested let me know.. I have owned it about 8 years...

 

would you be interested in a C3 71' LS6 corvette? Rare maybe 180 made. All correct and to my knowledge original. Silver /black.

 

Always loved the mid years coupes - especially '66 and '67. Nassau blue with rallye hubs.

Small block with 4-spd would have been perfect. I shopped them about 10 years ago, way out of my price range then, and I scored a beautiful '66 E-Type coupe instead.

Still would love a '66 Corvette coupe one day!!! Good luck on your search!

 

Have you got a black 435 roadster with the radio 'delete' option?

 

Yes

 

Owned a 66 427 2 top Car from 66-70 and for what it's worth it with the early transistor ignition was a great car. It had 390hp, 336 posi rear, teak wood steering wheel , side exhaust. This car was a daily driver, long distance driver (snow ,ice and rain). No failures other than a bad transistor once. This car along with my 72 Ferrari Dino top my list for should have never sold. The 66 was the first year for side pipes.
I would stay away from 396 produced in 65. In it's day lots of engine failures. Might check Pro team Corvettes in Ohio. They always have quite a variety of C-2 Stingrays and have been around for a long, long time. I have never done business with them, but it's a place to look and exclude and they are informative.

 

Side exhaust was available mid-year 1965.

 

Hi Henry,
I am an owner of an Ermine white/blk 65' coupe for 38 years. orig 327/300 hp. 3rd engine rebuild 1990, mild cam. Over the years I have personalized the car for me, i.e. recaro seats, factory side pipes, 65' big block hood, front spoiler... For most of my ownership the car stayed with manual steering and the muncie 4 spd. Now that I and the vette are solidly into middle age I have added power brakes, power steering and a 5 spd for convenience .

Bottom line, decide your end game for the car, collector- investment , or driver fun car.

There are lot's to choose from, take your time, have fun

 

'65 BB (396ci/425hp) Coupe. Rally Red/White Leather Interior:

Parts are hard to find since these early BB cars were only produced during the last 6 months of production. This car as configured, is very low in production volume.

NCRS Top Flight

Agree with others, BB Cars not that friendly on crowded roads unless all systems are in top notch shape.

Have a 62 Roadster 340hp and 63 Coupe 340hp. Both fine cars to drive.

DJ
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I need me a 67 427/435 horse conv with side pipes and knock-offs! Someone please post a pic

 

Here you go.
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Oh baby


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