The 1967 Corvette Sting Ray holds a special place in automotive history as the final model year of the celebrated second-generation (C2) Corvette. Originally intended to debut an all-new design, the C3 generation was delayed due to aerodynamic inconsistencies uncovered during testing. This postponement gave Chevrolet the opportunity to refine the existing platform one last time—resulting in what many enthusiasts consider the most perfected C2 Corvette ever built.
EvolutionThrough Refinement
Rather than a complete redesign, the 1967 Corvette benefited from a series of subtle but meaningful changes that elevated its appearance and performance. On the exterior, the most noticeable updates included a shift from the previous model's three large front fender vents to five smaller ones, improving both aesthetics and airflow. The rocker panels were also simplified, moving from a ribbed to a flat finish, creating a cleaner, more streamlined look.
A single backup light was now mounted above the license plate, a design tweak that allowed for dual taillights on each side—an iconic touch that would influence future Corvette styling. The traditional wheel covers were replaced by six-inch wide Rally wheels with chrome beauty rings, adding a more aggressive and performance-oriented stance.
Interior updates were functional and focused on driver convenience. The hand brake was relocated from its awkward position under the dash to a more accessible spot between the seats. Additionally, upholstery was refined for a more upscale appearance. For convertible models, Chevrolet offered an optional hardtop with a black vinyl covering, a feature that echoed design cues seen on larger luxury vehicles of the era.
Power and Performance: The Heart of the Beast
Under the hood, the 1967 Corvette offered a wide range of potent engine choices, continuing the tradition of combining American muscle with sports car agility. The standout option was the 427 cubic inch V-8, which came in several variations to cater to a spectrum of performance appetites:
390 HP 427 CID V8
Turbo-Fire 427 V-8 (RPO L36). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 427 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.76 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 390 @ 5400 RPM.
Torque: 460 @ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: (with ramps) Intake: 350 degrees, Exhaust: 352 degrees, Overlap 118 degrees. Lift: Intake: 0.4614″; Exhaust: 0.4880″.
Carburetor: Four-barrel Holley #3906633
400 HP 427 CID V8
Turbo-Fire 427 V-8 (RPO L68). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 427 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.76 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 400 @ 5400 RPM.
Torque: 460 @ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: (with ramps) Intake: 350 degrees, Exhaust: 352 degrees, Overlap 118 degrees. Lift: Intake: 0.4614″; Exhaust: 0.4880″.
Carburetors: Holley three two-barrel (front) #3902353, (center) #3902355, (rear) #3902353.
435 HP 427 CID V8
Turbo-Fire 427 V-8 (RPO L71). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings, 4-bolt caps.
Displacement: 427 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.76 inches.
Compression ratio: 11.00:1.
Horsepower: 435 @ 5800 RPM.
Torque: 460 @ 4000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 316 degrees, Exhaust: 302 degrees, Overlap 80 degrees. Lift: 0.5197″.
Carburetors: Holley three 2-barrel (front) #3902353, (center) #3902355, (rear) #3902353.
NOTE: Not available with automatic transmission.
L-88 430 HP 427 CID V8
427 V-8 (RPO L88). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings, 4-bolt caps.
Displacement: 427 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.76 inches.
Cylinder Heads: Aluminum
Compression ratio: 11.00:1.
Horsepower: 430 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 485 @ 4000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 347 degrees, Exhaust: 364 degrees, Overlap 136 degrees. Lift: Intake: 0.5586″; Exhaust: 0.5800″.
Carburetors: 850 CFM Holley four-barrel #3925519.
NOTE: Not available with automatic transmission.
L-89 435 HP 427 CID V8
Turbo-Fire 427 V-8 (RPO L89). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings, 4-bolt caps.
Displacement: 427 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.76 inches.
Cylinder Heads: Aluminum
Compression ratio: 11.00:1.
Horsepower: 435 @ 5800 RPM.
Torque: 460 @ 4000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 316 degrees, Exhaust: 302 degrees, Overlap 80 degrees. Lift: 0.5197″.
Carburetors: Holley three 2-barrel (front) #3902353, (center) #3902355, (rear) #3902353.
NOTE: Not available with automatic transmission.
Don't Forget the Small Block V8's
The Corvette also retained its respected 327 CID small-block V8 options. The high-revving L79 produced 350 horsepower, while the standard engine generated 300 horsepower, giving buyers a range of choices to match their preferences and budgets. It could be argued that the small block V8 equipped Sting Rays handled better on the twisties than the 427 fire-breathers, but on the straights, the big block 'Vettes ruled the road courses and boulevards.
350 HP 327 CID V8
350 HP V-8 Option L79. Four-Speed Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 327 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches.
Compression ratio: 11.00:1.
Horsepower: 350 @ 5800 RPM.
Torque: 360 @ 3600 RPM
Valve lifters: Hydraulic
Camshaft timing: Intake: 342 degrees, Exhaust: 342 degrees, Overlap 114 degrees (includes hydraulic lifter ramps). Lift: 0.4472″.
Carburetor: Holley four-barrel #3906631.
NOTE: Not available with automatic transmission.
300 HP 327 CID V8
300 HP V-8 Standard. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main Bearings.
Displacement: 327 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.00:1.
Horsepower: 300 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 360 @ 4000 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 310 degrees, Exhaust: 320 degrees (includes hydraulic cam ramps), Overlap 90 degrees. Lift: Intake: 0.3900″, Exhaust: 0.4100″.
Carburetor: Holley four-barrel #3906631.
Rare and Race-Ready: The L88 Legend
Late in the model year, Chevrolet introduced what would become one of the most legendary engines in Corvette history: the RPO L88 427 CID V-8. Designed with track performance in mind, the L88 was a no-compromise powerhouse featuring:
- Aluminum cylinder heads with enlarged ports
- An aggressive camshaft
- A towering 12.5:1 compression ratio
- A Holley 850 CFM four-barrel carburetor
Though officially rated at 430 horsepower—curiously less than the L71—the L88's true output was widely believed to be around 560 horsepower at 6,400 RPM. This was a racing engine, and Chevrolet made sure it was treated as such by mandating a host of supporting performance options: aluminum radiator, Positraction rear axle, transistorized ignition, heavy-duty suspension, power brakes, and RPO C48, which removed the heater and defroster to save weight and enhance airflow.
With a price tag over $1,500 for the L88 option alone and its unsuitability for regular street use, only 20 buyers opted for this ultimate performance package in 1967, making the L88-equipped 'Vette one of the rarest and most valuable Corvettes ever produced.
1967 Corvette Facts - Powertrains
Transmission Ratios
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- 300 HP Only – Three-Speed Manual Transmission – First: 2.54:1, Second: 1.50:1, Third 1.00:1. Reverse: 2.58:1
- 300 HP Four-Speed Manual Transmission – First: 2.52:1, Second: 1.88:1, Third 1.46:1, Fourth: 1.00:1. Reverse: 2.64:1
- 350-390-400-435 HP Four-Speed Close Ratio Manual Transmission – First: 2.20:1, Second: 1.64:1, Third 1.28:1, Fourth: 1.00:1. Reverse: 2.26:1
- 350-390-400-435 HP Four-Speed Manual Transmission – First: 2.52:1, Second: 1.88:1, Third 1.46:1, Fourth: 1.00:1. Reverse: 2.59:1
- 430 HP L88 Four-Speed Manual Transmission – First: 2.20:1, Second: 1.64:1, Third 1.28:1, Fourth: 1.00:1. Reverse: 2.26:1
- 300 HP Only – Two-Speed Powerglide Transmission – Low: 1.76:1, Direct: 1.00:1. Reverse: 1.76:1.
Rear Axle Ratios
Manual Transmissions –
– 300 HP Three Speed: 3.36:1; Optional: 3.08:1
– 300 HP 4-Speed: 3.36:1 with A/C Optional 3.08:1
– 350 HP Close Ratio Four-speed: 3.70:1;
– 350 HP Wide Ratio Four-speed: 3.36:1
– 390 and 400 HP Close Ratio Four-speed: 3.36:1; Optional 3.08:1, 3.55:1, 3.70:1
– 390 and 400 HP Wide Ratio Four-speed: 3.08:1
– 425 HP Close Ratio Four-speed: 3.55:1 Optional 3.36:1, 3.70:1, 4.11:1
– 430 HP L88 Close Ratio Four-speed: 3.36:1 Optional 3.55:1, 3.70:1, 4.11:1, 4.56:1
Powerglide Transmission -
– 300 HP: 3.36:1
– 350 HP: Not Available
– 390 and 400 HP Powerglide: 3.36:1; Optional 3.08:1, 3.55:1, 3.70:1
– 435 HP and L88: Not Available
1967 Corvette Facts - Powertrain Options - and Pricing from Back in the Day!
Engines:
-
- 327 cubic inch 300 horsepower four-barrel carburetor engine standard.
- L79 327 cubic inch 350 horsepower V-8 engine ($105).
- L36 427 cubic inch 390 horsepower V-8 four-barrel carb engine ($200.15).
- L68 427 cubic inch 400 horsepower V-8 Tri-carb engine ($305).
- L71 427 cubic inch 435 horsepower V-8 Tri-carb engine ($437).
- L88 427 cubic inch 430 horsepower V-8 four-barrel carb engine ($1500.00 plus other mandatory options).
- L89 427 cubic inch 435 horsepower V-8 – Add aluminum cylinder heads to L71 V-8 (additional $368).
Other:
-
- 2-speed automatic transmission ($194.35).
- 3-speed manual transmission standard and only available on 300 HP only.
- 4-speed close ratio M-22 Heavy Duty manual floor shift transmission ($237).
- 4-speed close ratio M-21 manual transmission with floor shift ($184).
- 4-speed wide ratio M-20 manual transmission with floor shift ($184).
- Heavy-duty brakes ($342.30).
- Off-road exhaust system ($36.90).
- Side-mount exhaust system ($131.65).
- Special front and rear suspension ($36.90).
- Transistor ignition system ($74.75).
1967 Corvette Facts - Significant Options - with 1967 Pricing
- 36-gallon fuel tank ($198.05).
- Air conditioning ($412.90).
- Cast aluminum bolt-on wheels ($263.30).
- Exhaust System, Side Mount ($131.65)
- Front shoulder belts ($26.35).
- Hardtop, Detachable for Convertible ($231.75).
- Headrests ($42.15).
- Heater/defroster ($97.85).
- Leather seats ($79).
- Power brakes ($42.15).
- Power steering ($94.80).
- Power windows ($57.95).
- Radio, AM/FM with rear antenna ($172.75).
- Rear Axle, Positraction Rear Axle, all ratios ($42.15)
- Speed warning indicator ($10.55).
- Telescope steering column ($42.15).
- Tinted windows ($15.80).
- Tinted windshield ($10.55).
- Tires, Red stripe Nylon size 7.75 x 15 ($46.55).
- Tires, Whitewall size 7.75 x 15 ($31.35).
- Vinyl roof cover for hardtop ($52.70).
Sales and Legacy
Despite its refined design and robust performance lineup, the 1967 Corvette saw a dip in sales as anticipation for the all-new C3 loomed. Production totaled 22,940 units, down over 5,000 from the prior year. However, the car remained firmly planted in the enthusiast community. Notably, 88% of 1967 Corvettes were equipped with 4-speed manual transmissions, showcasing the model’s continued appeal to true driving enthusiasts. Powerglide automatic transmissions accounted for just 10.1%, with a minimal 1.9% sporting the base 3-speed manual paired with the 300 HP engine.
Final Thoughts
The 1967 Corvette Sting Ray wasn’t just the last of the C2s—it was the best. Combining five years of refinement, engineering evolution, and aggressive styling, the '67 model is considered by many collectors and enthusiasts to be the pinnacle of the second generation. Whether as a well-balanced cruiser or a fire-breathing race car in L88 guise, the 1967 Corvette stands as a symbol of American performance and ingenuity, closing the chapter on the Sting Ray era with unmistakable style and strength.
Classic Industries Sells C2 Corvette Parts
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.
More Corvette & GM 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:
- Corvette Generations: C1-C8 History, Design Differences, and Features
- 1964 Impala Wagon - Built with the Kids
- 1957 Chevy 3200 - The Perfect Pickup for 3 Surf Grommets
- 1970-1981 2nd Gen Camaro - A European/American Styling Tour de Force
- A Tale of Too Many - 1964 Corvette C2 Convertible
- 1963-67 C2 Corvette: History, Prices, Engine Options, & Production Numbers
Above: All 1967 Corvette images courtesy of Mecum Auctions - Sting Rays are meant to be driven! Much of the factual information is from Over-Drive-Magazine - an awesome resource for gearheads and automotive enthusiasts!
