1966 Chevrolet Corvette

1966 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Convertible — L79 327/350 V8, 4-Speed Muncie, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes

The 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray sits at the peak of the C2 generation, which ran from 1963 through 1967. Of all five years in that generation, enthusiasts consistently rank 1966 and 1967 as the most refined. The split rear window of 1963 is more polarizing than pure; the 1964 and 1965 were still evolving. By 1966, Chevrolet had sorted out the ergonomics, refined the body lines, and expanded the engine lineup to include some of the most capable small- and big-block combinations ever offered in an American sports car. Total Corvette production for 1966 came to 27,720 units, split between the coupe and the convertible. This car is the convertible.

What makes this specific 1966 Corvette Sting Ray worth serious attention is its factory engine code. The L79 was the 327 cubic inch small block tuned to 350 horsepower — the highest output version of the 327 offered that year. Chevrolet accomplished this with a high-compression ratio, a more aggressive camshaft profile, and larger-port cylinder heads compared to the base 300-horsepower 327. The result was a small block that ran hard without the weight, fuel consumption, or insurance implications of the big-block 427. Among Corvette buyers who understood what they were looking at, the L79 was a smart, driver-focused choice. It was quick enough to be genuinely fast and light enough to handle well.

The VIN on this car decodes to a 1966 Corvette convertible, built at the St. Louis assembly plant, with the 327 V8 and a 4-speed manual transmission — all of which aligns with the equipment present on the car today. Factory color was Mosport Green, code 982, a medium green that was exclusive to 1966. The car has since been repainted silver, which is fully disclosed. The undercarriage and structure tell a cleaner story than the paint change might suggest.

Key details
Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
VIN / chassis: 194676S120348

Offered by Skyway Classics, 10420 Portal Crossing, Bradenton, FL 34212. Taxes, title and fees not included.

Photos courtesy of Skyway Classics.