1965 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Convertible L78 396/425 HP
The L78 engine was introduced in 1965 as the first big-block engine in the Corvette lineup. This 396 “Turbo Jet” was $556.65 over the base $4,106.00 price of a standard Convertible and was offered in 1965 only.
The L78 required extra clearance on the hood and they were fitted with a “power blister” scoop specific to this engine. GM also required the purchase of a K66 Transistor Ignition System ($75.35) and M20 4-Speed Manual transmission ($188.30) on top of the $292.70 L78 engine.
Included with the engine package was heavier front coil springs, a larger stabilizers and better rear suspension mounts.
For competition, race customers had a range of options available to them including the N03 36-Gallon Fuel Tank, closer rear axle ratios and the C48 Heater/Defroster Delete (-100). Most cars equipped like this came with either L78 or the L84 with Ram-Jet Fuel Injection.
All 1965 cars received new rocker panels, a blacked out grill with horizontal bars, a function vertical louvers behind the front wheels. Minor upgrades to the 1965 model year included a power antenna, redesigned seats, standard disc brakes, a telescoping steering wheel, new dashboard gauges and optional side exhausts.
Standard colors for the year were Tuxedo Black, Ermine White, Nassau Blue, Glen Green, Milano Maroon, Silver Pearl, Rally Red, Goldwood Yellow and Crocus Yellow.
Major options included Genuine Leather Seats ($80.70), Auxiliary Hardtop ($236.75), Air Conditioning ($421.80), Powerglide Automatic Transmission ($199.10), M20 4-speed Manual Transmission ($188.30), Side Mount Exhaust System ($134.50), Cast Aluminum Knock-Off Wheels ($322.80) and an AM/FM Radio ($203.40).
Story by Richard Michael Owen
In Detail
| type | Series Production Car |
| built at | St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
| price $ | $ 4,665.65 |
| engine | V8 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| valvetrain | Pushrod OHV, 2 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | Holley 4150 4-Barrel |
| displacement | 6489 cc / 396 in³ |
| bore | 103.99 mm / 4.094 in |
| stroke | 95.5 mm / 3.76 in |
| power | 316.9 kw / 425 bhp @ 6400 rpm |
| specific output | 65.5 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 297.41 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 562.66 nm / 415 ft lbs @ 4000 rpm |
| body / frame | Ladder-Type Frame |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| wheel type | Steel Discs |
| front tires | 6.70×15 |
| rear tires | 6.70×15 |
| front brakes | Drums |
| f brake size | 69.85 x 279 mm / 2.75 x 11 in |
| rear brakes | Drums |
| r brake size | 50.80 x 279 mm / 2.0 x 11 in |
| steering | Saginaw Recirculating Ball |
| f suspension | A-Arms w/Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar, Tubular Shock Absorbers |
| r suspension | Half Shafts w/Lateral Struts, Radius Rods, Transverse Leaf Springs, Hydrualic Shock Absorbers |
| curb weight | 1429 kg / 3150 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2489 mm / 98 in |
| front track | 1443 mm / 56.8 in |
| rear track | 1463 mm / 57.6 in |
| length | 4453 mm / 175.3 in |
| width | 1768 mm / 69.6 in |
| height | 1265 mm / 49.8 in |
| transmission | 3-Speed Manual |
| final drive | 3.36:1 |
| top speed | ~229 kph / 142.3 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~5.7 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~13.4 seconds |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~14.1 seconds |
Auction Sales History
1965 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible L78 396/425 HP –
1965 396/425 HP Roadster. NCRS Top Flight award in September 2012. Numbers matching L78 engine. 4-speed manual transmission. Frame-off restoration. Only 600 miles since restoration. Auxiliary hardtop and soft top. Side exhaust, F40 suspension. Knock-off wheels, goldline tires. Original date coded glass. Teakwood steering wheel. Desirable color combination. Nassau Blue with Bright Blue interior. Sold new at Atwood Chevrolet in Bristol, Conneticut. NCRS Shipping Data Report.
Auction Source: The Daytime Auction in Monterey by Mecum
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