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The 1965 Sting Ray marked the third year of C2. All models were manufactured at GM's St. Louis Assembly. 1965 was the first year a big-block engine would find its way between the fenderwells of a Corvette, in the form of a Mark IV 396 generating 425 horsepower.
Styling changes included removing the hood depressions that were common to the 1963 and 64 models. The horizontal grille bars were now black with the outer grille trim remaining bright, making the '65s grille one of a kind. Also, the front fender gills now sported three functional, vertical slots.
Base Price: $4,321.00 (Coupe), $4,106.00 (Convertible)
Power: The vaunted 327 was standard motivation for 1965. This motor, however, was available in multiple configurations. Depending on whether the car was manual or automatic transmission-equipped, had air conditioning, came with a Carter or Holley carburetor, or had transistorized ignition, the 327 was rated at either 250, 300, 350, 365, or 375 horsepower. Optional this year was the 396 cubic-inch Mark IV big-block (available with a manual transmission only) that put out 425 horsepower. 1965 Sting Ray included 8,186 coupes and 15,378 convertibles, for a total model year run of 23,564 units.
Corvettes equipped with the big-block 396 featured a new hood design with an exaggerated bulge in the middle. Four-wheel disc brakes became standard equipment for '65, utilizing 4-piston caliper assemblies at each wheel. Even though discs all around were included in the car's base, drum brakes could still be had as a credit option ($64.50) if so desired. Optional cast aluminum knock-off wheels were dark gray between the fins. These wheels were an expensive option at $322.80.
On the inside, instruments were revised with new flat black faces. The area around the radio and speaker bezel was now (previously vinyl-covered). A new seat design debuted in '65 that was slightly larger and more supportive. Inner door panels were also new and featured integrated armrests. Corvette's first antenna was standard equipment.
Tuxedo Black, Ermine White, Nassau Blue, Glen Green, Milano Maroon, Silver Pearl, Rally Red, and Goldenwood Yellow.
I bought my 1965 Sting Ray in January of 2012 from Corvette Shops and Supply in Tampa, FL. The body had just been sanded and the frame was 90% finished. The engine had been removed and set aside. I had the body and frame delivered to Altieri's Body Shop in Largo, FL. We soon determined not much was salvageable, so most parts were from Ecklers and other sources. The engine was brought back to Merritt Island and totally restored. Two years and $96,000 later, the car was finished. I completed some minor details, then it was off to the car shows!
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