1966 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Convertible
Registration no. PRP 204D
Chassis no. 1946765114076
Engine no. 6114076F0209HE

To say that the Sting Ray's arrival caused a sensation would be grossly understating its impact on the North American sports car market. Indeed, such was its runaway success that the St Louis factory hired a second shift but still could not build cars fast enough to meet demand. Styled in General Motors' Art and Colour Studio under Bill Mitchell, the new Corvette featured radical styling pioneered on Mitchell's successful Stingray sports-racer, and for the first time there was a Gran Turismo coupé in the range. Beneath the skin was an all-new ladder-frame chassis with independent rear suspension, the adoption of which enabled the centre of gravity to be significantly lowered, improving both roadholding and ride. This new frame was the work of Corvette Chief Engineer, Zora Arkus-Duntov who said: 'For the first time I have a Corvette which I am proud to use in Europe.' Now recognised as representing a 'golden age' for the Corvette, the Sting Ray was manufactured from 1963 to 1967 and has since gone on to become a highly collectible modern classic. Sourced directly from the USA in 2002 and subsequently restored by Dragon Wheels Ltd for its present owner, this car is a matching-numbers 350hp/327ci (5.4-litre) small-block V8 with four-speed manual transmission and limited-slip-differential rear axle. Originally white with matching convertible top and blue interior, it has been the subject to a two-year complete 'last nut and bolt' body-off total restoration to concours standard (based upon the American NCRS specification). The car was disassembled to its bare chassis, which was powder-coated, detailed with correct markings and fitted with stainless steel brake and fuel lines. Every single mechanical component on the vehicle was completely stripped, restored, rebuilt and detailed to visually appear as factory correct. The engine was rebuilt and upgraded internally by Knight Racing Services and the electrics fully rewired with period-correct harnesses. The glassfibre body was stripped bare and repainted in Corvette Trophy Blue, with complete interior re-trim and restored and detailed convertible top frame assembly fitted with period correct white top. Factory options include a teak wood steering wheel, twin-circuit power brakes, leather seat covers and knock-off aluminium wheels, the latter retained by unique centre-lock nuts that were specially machined for the Swiss market. Completed in 2005, this beautiful Corvette Sting Ray is offered with restoration invoices, current MoT certificate and Swansea V5C document.