1966 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 427/390 4-Speed
Overview
Ordered new by an employee of GM's Frigidaire division and preserved with remarkable care for six decades, this 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe brings the best in big-block C2 rarity. Rebuilt numbers-matching 427ci Turbo-Jet motivation dyno-tested at 400hp pairs with a close-ratio M21 4-speed manual transmission for a blue-chip specification with elite concours recognition. This example retains its factory-applied paint throughout the majority of the body, with only the rear valance and front of the nose refinished, a claim substantiated by NCRS and Bloomington Gold judging sheets. Approximately 15k miles have been added since 1969, reinforcing its status as a carefully stewarded, low-use example.
Detailed in Ownership History & Provenance (below), past owners feature notable collectors including U.S. Navy Captain and Blue Angel pilot, Norm Gandia, whose #5 decal remains applied. Cherished by knowledgeable caretakers, its authenticity and exemplary preservation are plain to see. Accolades include NCRS Second Flight (2002), Top Flight (2004) and again in 2006 after sympathetic chassis/mechanical restoration. In 2022, the car earned Bloomington Gold certification with stamping verification, along with Bloomington Bronze Survivor recognition—Gold prevented solely due to the restored chassis, not a lack of originality elsewhere. The engine and drivetrain have been professionally rebuilt, remain numbers-matching, and are accompanied by detailed rebuild documentation.
Offering an unrepeatable blend of originality and provenance, this 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe delivers the authentic experience of a big-block Sting Ray exactly as Chevrolet intended. A standout example, this C2 arrives ready to join the ranks of a curated collection or enthusiast stable alike. The car includes a reproduction window sticker, original owner’s manual, service records back to 1969, warranty card, protect-o-plate, decades of correspondence, and more.
Features & Options
- Highly awarded, numbers-matching example
- Original paint excluding rear valance and front of nose, verified by NCRS/Bloomington Gold judging sheets
- Approximately 15k miles added since 1969, backed by included records.
- Documented history from new, past ownership by Lead Pilot for the Blue Angels, and real "Top Gun" Naval aviation instructor Norm Gandin.
- 2002 NCRS Second Flight, 2004 Top Flight, 2006 Top Flight following a chassis only restoration, 2022 Bloomington Gold with stamping verification, 2022 Bloomington Bronze survivor (restored chassis
prevented gold).
Specification
- Laguna Blue exterior
- Black upholstery
- 427ci / 390hp Turbo-Jet V8
- M21 4-Speed Manual Transmission
- 3.70:1 Postitraction
- Offroad Exhaust
- Goodyear 7.75"x15" Goldline Tires
- 5-Spoke Spinner Hubcaps
- Teak Wood Steering Wheel
- Power Steering
- Power Antenna
- AM/FM Radio
- Comfort/Convenience Group
- Back-Up Lights, Hazard Warning Flasher
Service Records
- Seller's Disclosure
- Service records from previous ownership, in-house service under current ownership
- Rebuilt engine & drivetrain, numbers-matching
- Rebuild documentation & dyno-test results included
- The vehicle is currently equipped with a high-flow water pump appropriate for Arizona. The car's OEM water pump is still fully operational and included.
Ownership History & Provenance
The vehicle is currently located with the seller in Phoenix, Arizona, this time-capsule Corvette's ownership history is documented from day one. First owner, Bill Billet, traded the Corvette back to Ben Frost and Son Chevrolet for a 1969 Z28, where it remained under the care of David Frost owner of the dealership until his death in 1999, at which time the car was passed to his son Bob.
Sold to family friend (saw the car in the showroom in 1969) Lowell McAdam, in approximately 2002, Lowell entered the car in the Quebec NCRS meet where it achieved a 93.3 score, just .7 from Top Flight, and was awarded 2nd flight and an invitation for a bowtie judging.
Acquired by collector David Brecher, who showed it once at NCRS in 2004 achieving a Top Flight award. The next owner, Wayne Rosen, lifted the original body off the chassis, rebuilt the motor—achieving over 400hp according to dyno sheets, and achieved Top Flight once again with a score of 98.2. The chain of NCRS documents tracks wear and originality, still seen on the car today, as well as the car being maintained/fully operational—a great feature of the NCRS judging process.
Terry Mccalis of ProTeam Chevrolet purchased the vehicle prior to real Top Gun Norm Gandia’s ownerhship. After Norm’s passing, the car was sold to Corvette afficionado, Joe Caccitore, who entered the car at Bloomington. Having taken the car as far as possible for judging, Joe then sold it the current owner, a lifelong collector, and the two of them sparked a friendship at a subsequent Bloomington event.
Sold to family friend (saw the car in the showroom in 1969) Lowell McAdam, in approximately 2002, Lowell entered the car in the Quebec NCRS meet where it achieved a 93.3 score, just .7 from Top Flight, and was awarded 2nd flight and an invitation for a bowtie judging.
Acquired by collector David Brecher, who showed it once at NCRS in 2004 achieving a Top Flight award. The next owner, Wayne Rosen, lifted the original body off the chassis, rebuilt the motor—achieving over 400hp according to dyno sheets, and achieved Top Flight once again with a score of 98.2. The chain of NCRS documents tracks wear and originality, still seen on the car today, as well as the car being maintained/fully operational—a great feature of the NCRS judging process.
Terry Mccalis of ProTeam Chevrolet purchased the vehicle prior to real Top Gun Norm Gandia’s ownerhship. After Norm’s passing, the car was sold to Corvette afficionado, Joe Caccitore, who entered the car at Bloomington. Having taken the car as far as possible for judging, Joe then sold it the current owner, a lifelong collector, and the two of them sparked a friendship at a subsequent Bloomington event.
Known Shortcomings
Sotheby's Motorsport presents this auction in partnership with the seller. This 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 427/390 4-Speed shows wear consistent with its age, mileage, and refurbishment according to a Seller's Disclosure. Please review the entire document by clicking "Seller's Disclosure" above.
-
Wear & tear commensurate with original paint from 1966, right front nose & rear valence repaired under previous ownership
- Fluid weep noted at main seal
Please click the “Contact Seller” button to reach out with any condition-specific questions. This car is sold where-is, as-is, and bidder is responsible for all due diligence regarding vehicle condition.
Items included in the Sale
- Factory literature (i.e. an owner's manual)
- Period literature
- Reproduction window sticker
- Purchase documentation (i.e. original sales invoice)
- Service records from previous ownership
- Bloomington Gold & NCRS awards/documentation
- Blue Angels personalized leather briefcase
- Tool kit
- 3 key fobs