The 1967 model year was a milestone in Corvette history, marking the end of production for the second-generation models. Interestingly, while 1966 was supposed to have been the last model year for this body style, production delays on the upcoming new Mako Shark show car-inspired Corvette design necessitated extension of the second-generation production run for one additional year. As a result, the cars were only slightly updated for 1967, but today, they are coveted as the most refined second-generation Corvettes produced. While the big-block Corvettes, available from 1965, consumed most magazine ink, savvy Corvette performance enthusiasts instead selected the lower-profile RPO (Regular Production Option) L79 327 CI V-8 engine for power. Featuring tough, high-revving internal components, free-breathing cylinder heads, an aluminum intake mounting a 600 CFM Holley 4-barrel carb, a high-performance hydraulic cam—the first of its kind—and low-restriction exhaust manifolds, the L79 carried a 350 HP power rating. Renowned today as one of the very best high-performance engines ever designed, the L79 engine delivered performance approaching that of the big-block cars in a much lighter overall package, preserving the Corvette’s outstanding weight distribution, excellent handling and braking characteristics. In addition to the outstanding performance it delivered, the RPO L79 option added just $105 to the Corvette’s base price—an outstanding value then and now. While the RPO L79-equipped Corvettes of the late 1960s have always been appreciated as being “special,” this unrestored 1967 Chevrolet Corvette stands at the top of the pack, believed to be one of one known to exist as equipped today. Completed January 20, 1967 and delivered new to the Byrne Brothers Chevrolet dealership in White Plains, New York, this L79-powered 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible retains its original Rally Red paint finish and red vinyl interior. The factory-original L79 327/350 HP V-8 engine is mated to a Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission and choice additional options include N40 power steering a 3.36:1 rear axle, factory C60 air conditioning, a U69 AM/ FM radio and tinted glass. A two-top example with a rare C07/C08 Black vinyl-covered auxiliary hardtop, the Corvette rides on a complete set of five original “DG” Kelsey-Hayes Rally wheels with bright trim rings, and the spare wheel mounts an original BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewall tire. With such excellent preservation, this 1967 Corvette Convertible has enjoyed success in high-level judging, including Bloomington Gold Survivor Certification in 2009 and NCRS Second Flight honors during 2010. Additionally, this example has also been recommended by the NCRS for Bowtie Award judging in three of the four categories for consideration. The engine pad has been reviewed by Collector Car Affirmation Services (CCAS) and affirmed with a certificate kept in the vehicle’s document file. Judging sheets are also included to confirm the Corvette’s awards to date. An exhaustive, nine-page summary is also included, documenting every crucial serial number and date code on all parts. In addition to the original keys, the owner’s manual and a showroom brochure are also included. To call this extremely rare 1967 Corvette Convertible a “Survivor” almost does the car an injustice, given that its excellent appearance is clearly suggestive of uncommonly fastidious ownership and care over the past 54 years. There is nothing like the feel and integrity, not to mention the driving experience, delivered by a top-quality, unrestored vehicle, and this wonderful example from the last model for the second- generation Corvette Sting Ray series is more than worthy of continued preservation by a knowledgeable Corvette collector.
