Rare L78 Big Block Corvette — Matching Numbers, Driver Quality, Great Colors

OVERALL CONDITION: Goldwood Yellow paint is a repaint from about 10 years ago. It looks good from 10 feet but shows age: minor checking on the hood, a 2-inch paint crack on the driver's door jamb, and light oxidation on the deck lid. The fiberglass body is straight with no stress cracks in the usual spots. Black convertible top is in good condition — no tears, and the rear window is clear. 15-inch knock-off wheels are correct with minor pitting on the spinners. Goldline tires have good tread but are 8 years old. Chrome bumpers are driver quality — light pitting but presentable. Interior is black vinyl — correct and clean. Seats are in good shape with minor wear on the driver's bottom cushion. Door panels are good. The wooden steering wheel is original with patina. Gauges work except the clock. AM/FM radio works. Carpet is clean. Overall this is a nice driver.

ENGINE: Matching-numbers 396 CI L78 V8 rated at 425 HP. The engine starts immediately and settles into a deep, authoritative idle at 850 RPM. This is a big block and you feel it — the car shakes slightly at idle. The Winters intake manifold is correct. Single 4-barrel carburetor runs clean — no smoke, no stumble. Compression is 165-175 psi — consistent and healthy. No oil leaks from the engine — this is a clean-running motor. The exhaust is stock-style with stock manifolds feeding a dual system — the sound is deep but not overly loud. Cooling is good — 195°F in traffic, 185°F on the highway with the original-style radiator. This engine runs strong and correct.

TRANSMISSION: Muncie 4-speed manual. Shifts are smooth through all gears. The shifter is stock and has minimal play. Clutch is a replacement unit — smooth engagement, about 50% life remaining. No grinding, no slippage. The 4-speed makes this car feel like the performance machine it is.

BRAKES: Four-wheel manual disc brakes — correct for 1965, the first year for Corvette disc brakes. The pedal is firm and the brakes are adequate. Pad life is 50% front, 60% rear. The system works well for normal driving. Parking brake works.

UNDERCARRIAGE: The birdcage is solid — no rust in the critical frame structure. This is the most important part of a C2 and this car passes. The fiberglass floors are intact. The body-to-frame bond is solid with no separation. Front suspension has original-spec components with newer bushings. The transverse rear suspension functions correctly but the springs are original and soft. Gas tank is clean with no rust. The undercarriage is not detailed but is solid and honest — you could detail it for shows or leave it as a driver.