1965 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

- Red over Black
- Both Soft and Hard Tops
- 327 V8 with 4-Speed Gearbox
- Knock Off Wheels with Redline Tires
- Recent Work: New Clutch, Cam, Lifters, Master Cylinder, and Alternator

(Please note: If you happen to be viewing this 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible on a website other than our Garage Kept Motors site, it's possible that you've only seen some of our many photographs of the car due to third-party website limitations. To be sure you access all the more than 125 photographs, as well as a short start-up and walk-around video, please go to our main website: Garage Kept Motors.)

“There's never been a sports car like Corvette. And there's never been a Corvette like the '65!” - Chevrolet 1965 magazine ad

The 1965 Corvette Sting Ray is beloved by collectors as particularly special since these were the first Corvettes to offer 4-wheel disc brakes. Some say it was at that point that the car became a true competitor to European sports cars like Porsche and Jaguar that had long dominated the category.

Offered here is a well-maintained '65 Corvette convertible in red over black. Visually, and from every angle, including underneath, the car is in excellent condition.

The exterior paint is in near-showroom condition across the body: uniformly glossy, free of imperfections or fading. Turbine-style wheels with knock-off hubs are mounted with period-correct red-stripe tires. The iconic hidden headlights, front-and-rear split bumpers, the center-rear-deck fuel-filler cap hidden beneath the Corvette emblem, and of course, the Mako-inspired exterior lines of the car are all signature Corvette design cues. Windshield and side glass is clear and undamaged; all correct emblems and badging (including the crossed-flags front emblem) are properly mounted. In this red-over-black combination, it's a standout sports-car statement. Both the car's black-fabric soft top and a body-paint-matching hardtop are included in the sale.

Inside, the black color scheme was a classic choice that nicely allows chrome and other metal trim pieces to stand out. In particular, the gauge cluster—fronted by a wood rimmed steering wheel with brushed metal trim and crossed-flags center logo—is a feast for the eyes. Many enthusiasts believe the arrangement and design of the two large, round instruments (tach and 160-mph speedometer), four smaller auxiliary gauges, and three chromed pull levers (and the ignition) was never bettered through all the subsequent Corvette iterations. Certainly, the two-pod dash design has beautifully stood the test of time. The same holds for the center stack design with the pull-knob heating controls and especially the vertically mounted radio (here backed by replacement metal trim with an updated Corvette-branded radio installed). The console hosts the 4-speed manual transmission shifter with metal trim, and the shift pattern shown on a metal plate. Black leather adorns the professionally re-upholstered bucket seats; black carpeting covers the cabin floor.

Under the front-hinged hood, power originates from a 327 cubic-inch Chevrolet V8 (often said to be the perfect choice for the car) wearing a chrome air-cleaner cover with “327 V8” identification. Forged valve covers are original Chevrolet-script-branded. The engine bay is well-ordered and properly clean. Recent servicing included replacement of the alternator, clutch, cam, lifters, and master cylinder. Viewed from below, lower painted body panels show no damage, The chassis is straight, original, and clean. The full-length dual-exhaust system is properly installed with newer mufflers; the exhaust system is also free of damage as might arise from overly aggressive driving styles or track use.

While the more than 125 high-definition photographs and the short walk-around-and-startup video available on the GarageKeptMotors website showcase this Corvette in detail from every angle, including from below, we expect and encourage in-person inspections at our Grand Rapids, Michigan showroom. Please call to arrange an appointment in advance as our showroom is not open to the public. And feel free to get in touch anytime by phone or email if you have questions.

The 1965 Corvette was every bit as special when it was launched more than 55 years ago as this remarkable example is today. After all, how many cars ever rated their own hit song?

Little red Corvette
Baby you're much too fast
Little red Corvette
You need a love that's gonna last

Thanks to Prince for helping pen the write-up of this beautiful “little red Corvette.”

And just like in the song, this one's looking for its next lover.