Bring A Trailer auction preview: 427ci with a 4-speed, side pipes, knockoffs, air conditioning, power steering and power brakes. Restored red over black leather.1966 Chevrolet Corvette 427 CoupeVIN – 194376S116881Exterior Color – RedInterior Color –Black and Red leatherEngine – 427 cu. in. V8Transmission – Tremec 5-Speed ManualCurrent Miles – 24,142 miles (TMU)VIN Decode1 – Chevrolet9 – Corvette4 – V8 Engine37 – Coupe6 – 1966 YearS – St. Louis assembly plant116881 – Build numberTrim Tag DecodeH09 – April 9th build66 – Year built437 - Coupe418 – Dark Blue vinyl interior976 – Nassau Blue paintA-3168 – Body numberGeneral OverviewAfter more than 70 years of development, the Corvette remains among the most sought-after sports cars in the collector hobby. For 1966, the body design remained the same with modest changes including the 427-engine option, stinger hood, integrated backup lights on the inboard taillights, and interior updates. Already benefiting from independent rear suspension in the model change, the big block equipped disc brake cars were now formidable sports cars with a range of potent engine combinations including the desirable 425 hp engine option. History and Build Details of This CarAccording to the factory trim and VIN tags affixed to this car, this factory big block Corvette was originally built at the St. Louis factory finished in Nassau Blue with Dark Blue vinyl interior. The car was built without power brakes or power steering, had no AC and was originally delivered with side pipes and a 427 engine. Though not much is known about the early history of this car, it was reportedly placed into duty as a drag car not soon after being sold. The body was modified with flared front and rear fenders, an integrated rear duck tail, and 1967 front fender vents. The engine lived up to its potential but eventually gave up and was replaced with a 396 followed by a 1967 427/425 horse engine which remains in the car today. In 2015, while under prior ownership, this Corvette was comprehensively restored by Sierra Auto Restoration, Sonora, CA favoring modest performance upgrades while retaining the original character and design of the 1966 big block coupe. Invoices for the restoration and build details are included with the car as are copious handwritten notes detailing all processes, coatings, and parts used during the build. During the build process, the modified body was removed from the frame, and the frame was media blasted, primed and powder coated. After the frame was completed a new 20-gal fuel tank was installed. The front portion of the body, from the windshield forward, was removed, and the rear fenders and rear fascia also removed. A new 1966 fiberglass front body section with a correct 427 big block hood and correct rotating headlight assembly were sourced, measured for correct fit and panel alignment, and bonded to the structure using the correct adhesive and compression clamps. For the rear of the car, a pair of correctly contoured 1966 rear fenders and a rear taillight panel were bonded to the main fiberglass body structure. When the bonding was cured, all panels were primed, block sanded and prepped for paint. While the body was being prepped for paint, the 1967 427 engine was removed, refinished in the correct factory orange and rebuilt by Bettanini’s Automotive Machine using a forged crank, Eagle forged rods, ARP bolts, roller rockers, 10:1 compression, and topped with a Holley 4bbl carburetor. This set up and compression were specifically chosen and dialed in to run on pump gas The engine was installed with a new Sanden air conditioning system, power steering, and power assisted brakes. The interior was completed favoring the original configuration with updated leather seats trimmed in black with red inserts, matching red/black inner door panels, black carpet, and a correct factory faux woodgrain steering wheel, black headliner, and black rear deck carpet. The current owner purchased this car in 2019, delivering the car to the original builders at Sierra who further enhanced the build by installing a 4:33 rear end, a new RAM clutch and new steel flywheel, a new driveshaft, and a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission (installed approximately 4,000 miles ago). More recently a new aluminum radiator has been installed along with a new oil pan gasket, new harmonic balancer, a new clutch fan, new front damper and seal, and a new RH exhaust manifold and gasket. Condition OverviewToday this big block 427 Corvette presents in excellent condition offering a beautiful stock appearance with tasteful upgrades performed by vintage Corvette specialists. The vivid red paint is glossy and properly prepared with excellent coverage throughout the body and very nice workmanship on inner strike surfaces and underside panels. The big block stinger hood and doors show excellent panel gaps and proper fitting to the body, opening and closing with ease and tight latching even when lightly closed. The exterior chrome and various trim, emblems, and badges are like new. The glass, lenses, and lighting have very nice factory finishes overall with all rubber and gasket material replaced when the car was restored under prior ownership. The vent window rubber, more difficult to replace, appears to also have been replaced during restoration. Virtually all exterior features are superbly finished including the beautiful grille and rotating headlight housings which offer smooth operation and precise parting lines. Originally delivered with factory side exit exhaust, a new set of side pipes has been installed, completing the performance presentation just as originally spec’d when delivered new. The cast wheels and center knockoffs are in excellent condition with polished rim surfaces and webbing, showing no significant scratches or marks. A set of Michelin XWX 215/70 R15 tires were installed approximately 3,000 miles ago.The interior has been very nicely restored using correct components, proper materials, and attention to detail throughout while maintaining an essentially original appearance with desirable upgrades. The seats have been reupholstered in leather using black with red inserts, a welcome upgrade from the factory monotone vinyl. The instrument panel is in excellent condition as are the center console, push button radio, and beautifully finished steering wheel. Correct low pile black carpeting, red/black interior door panels, and beautifully detailed interior trim all come together in the sporty cockpit. All chrome interior features are in excellent condition including the detailed knobs, switches, and “Corvette” script on the dashboard. The center console retains a stock shifter which discretely conceals a modern Tremec 5-speed manual transmission displaying the subtle 5th gear shift pattern on the center console just as the 4-speed one formerly installed when new. Air conditioning has been added to the car which is a welcome summertime feature especially in the coupe configuration. Under the hood, the 1967 427 engine has been robustly built and subsequently serviced with attention to detail favoring a combination of original finishes and important upgrades. The painted finishes under the hood have been correctly applied giving the car an original appearance with the added plus of modern air conditioning. The finish overall is very crisp, detailed, and tastefully done including chrome valve covers, chrome air cleaner, power steering, and power brakes. The underside reveals an impeccably restored chassis with correct suspension components, new fuel and brake lines, correct factory style chambered side-exit exhaust, and appropriate suspension and brake components. Every aspect of the undercarriage is in excellent condition in keeping with the superb build quality throughout the car. The engine lights off on crank immediately delivering a wicked V8 sound that captures the heart of any performance enthusiast. The Tremec 5-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly and delivers stout acceleration, perfectly paired with the 427 and 4:33 rear end. Even on soft launches with gradual shifting the power is exhilarating. Steering is excellent as are the important four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes. Handling is surprisingly good even when compared to modern standards, a tribute to the engineering offered in the original design, enhanced by years of restoration and ride engineering improvements. This beautifully restored Corvette is a fantastic blend of modern enhancements and vintage excellence heralding the impressive big block Corvette legacy. Ready for show, Corvette driving tours, or enjoyable outings, this 1966 Corvette is sure to impress any vintage sports car enthusiast who enjoys driving their classic Corvette. Items Included with the Car This Corvette is offered with an original Muncie 4-speed manual transmission, shifter and shift levers, an original radiator, spare oil filters, car cover in box, a set of black floor mats, four new spare Koni gas filled shock absorbers a spare Proform starter, spare exhaust manifold, original spark plug wire shielding, a spare differential, and two driveshafts.