Imagine finding a 1966 Corvette coupe that has its original L72, 427-cubic inch big-block V8 engine, the engine that was conservatively rated at 425-horsepower, and the Sting Ray has 66,000 original miles! If you were a Country Music artist like say David Ball, you'd write a song about such an incredible find. Maybe you'd have the creativity to call the song, "Riding with Private Malone."
Video: 1966 Corvette 427 Barn Find - 66K Original Miles
The barn find story of this particular Nassau Blue 1966 Corvette L72 (427 CI / 425 HP) coupe is not as patriotic, or noble, or romantic, or mesmerizing as David Ball's song. Yet, in the world of vintage C2 Corvettes, it's pretty amazing that this '66 Sting Ray has its original matching numbers engine and Muncie manual four-speed transmission, hasn't been in any accidents, has seen just one repaint, and has its original owner from 1966.
427 CI / 425 HP Big Block V8
Above: Those valve covers aren't stock. The distributor isn't either. It's also an aftermarket four-barrel carburetor.
Above: According to the hosts of this video, the interior looks to be the original blue vinyl. Notice the original hub caps are resting on the driver's seat.
Above: L72 big block V8 Corvettes were equipped with 80-pound oil pressure gauges. They also have 6,500 RPM tachometers, which this baby also has.
Above: The I.D. tag beneath the glove box confirms that this Corvette is Nassau Blue, has a blue vinyl interior, is a coupe, and has the mighty big block L72 V8 engine. The L72 is a 427-cubic inch V8 that makes 425-horsepower (conservatively - initially rated at 450-horsepower).
Above: If you look closely at this photo and in the video, you can barely see that the IP big-block V8 engine code is showing. The IP code confirms that the engine is an L72.
Above: 1966 is the only year Corvette C2 (1963-67) that wears a Corvette Sting Ray badge on the hood.
Above: The bumpers and other chrome items all look to be in good condition.
David Ball - "Riding with Private Malone"
Classic Industries Sells Corvette C2 Components
Whether you have a C2 Corvette coupe or convertible, there's a great chance that Classic Industries has the parts that you need to complete your Corvette and keep it on the road, at the shows, or on the track for years to come, with miles upon miles of smiles in the process. Simply click here to shop online for those must have parts. Or you can click on the link below:
SHOP CORVETTE COMPONENTS
More Classic Cars & Automotive History Articles
If you enjoy reading about American muscle cars almost as much as you like to drive, work-on, race, and show them, you may find these to be of interest:
