Following the late-1962 launch of Chevrolet’s stunning new Corvette Sting Ray for 1963, the relentless development work by Zora Arkus-Duntov and his engineering team quickly unleashed a virtually endless series of high-performance updates and options that kept the Corvette ahead of the pack on the road and track. Launched in 1963 with independent rear suspension and equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes by 1965, the Sting Ray was one of the world’s finest sports cars available. Chevrolet’s potent new Mark IV big-block engine debuted for ’65, enlarged to 427 CI for 1966 with 425 HP. This potent mill provided the firepower and development scope to take on Shelby’s Cobras at home and, soon, take on Europe’s best in FIA-sanctioned endurance racing. This highly engaging Corvette coupe is exceptionally rare as one of only 66 RPO N03 Big Tank Corvettes produced for 1966 with the long-range, 36-gallon fuel tank favored by endurance racers. Powered by the mighty L72 427/425 HP V-8 engine, the Corvette is rarer still as one of just 15 built with the close-ratio Muncie M22 “Rock Crusher” 4-speed manual transmission. Bought new at Capital Chevrolet in Nashville, Tennessee, by prolific gentleman racer Anatoly “Toly” Arutunoff, the Corvette was exported to Germany and put into service as a race car by Arutunoff, who was one of only a handful of privateer Grand Prix entrants and once finished fourth against the factory teams. He was also a contemporary and competitor to Bob Bondurant, Phil Hill, Richie Ginther, Dan Gurney, Ak Miller and Carroll Shelby. As offered, the Corvette benefits from a body-off restoration that was completed with hard-to-find original parts including the door panels, seats, headrests, seat belts and multiple other items. The Corvette is one of 382 produced for 1966 with J56 heavy duty brakes and also has J50 power assist. Other features and options include the L72-mandatory K66 transistorized ignition, F41 Heavy Duty suspension, G81 Positraction rear end, A82 headrest seats, the A02 tinted windshield and C48 heater delete. Other fascinating items include a 200 MPH speedometer, a tachometer with 8,500 RPM redline, a flat-black hood, exhaust headers and rear-exit exhaust pipes, plus a racing roll bar. Documents including copies of an NCRS Certificate, original bill of sale, Statement of Origin and Homologation Recognition Form accompany this fascinating and extremely rare L72, 4-speed, Big Tank 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe.
