1965 Chevrolet Corvette 327/350 HP Convertible (LHD)

The sensational Sting Ray of 1963 represented a quantum leap for America’s favourite sports car, both in technological terms and looks.  The latest Corvette featured a new ladder-type chassis designed by Zora Arkus-Duntov combined with stunning bodywork penned by Larry Shinoda for Bill Mitchell’s GM Styling team.  Initially sold with the classic small-block 327-cid V8 under its stylish hood, the Sting Ray was a big improvement over previous generation ‘Vettes on the road thanks to independent suspension all round, the much stiffer box-section frame and – from 1965 – the addition of Delco disc brakes on all four wheels.  The list of drivetrain choices available for the Sting Ray expanded to include a 396-cid big block V8 in 1965, followed by the mighty 427-cid unit the following year, along with an array of manual or automatic transmissions to suit.  Cosmetic changes were remarkably few, testimony to the success of Larry Shinoda’s original concept and only minor alterations were made for the 1965 season, including a new egg-crate grille, new rocker panel moldings, chrome-plated exhaust bezels and “Corvette Sting Ray” script added to the bonnet, plus a new wheel cover design.  A new engine option for 1965 was the L79, basically an L76 with a milder hydraulic cam in place of the solid lifter.  With an 11:1 compression ratio and sporting cast aluminium valve covers and a chromed air cleaner, the L76 engine was rated at 350 horsepower and the vast majority were equipped with a four-speed manual transmission, while popular options included power brakes, power steering and air conditioning.  Sold in both convertible and coupe versions, the 1965 Corvette was available in a choice of eight exterior colours and sales hit a new high of 23,562 units, of which approximately two-thirds were ragtops.  Although later generations of Corvettes became more technologically advanced and are now the equal of the best Europe has to offer, none has quite managed to capture the style, presence and driving pleasure of the original 1963-1967 Sting Rays.