1965 Chevrolet Corvette C2 Sting Ray Coupé Chassis no. 194375S118618 • Award-winning former US drag racer • Desirable manual gearbox • Optional 350bhp V8 engine • Numerous new components * Please note that this car will be available for viewing by prior appointment in Belgium. Back in 1953, Chevrolet's launch of a two-seater sports car was a radical departure for a marque hitherto associated almost exclusively with sensible family transport. Based on the 1952 EX-122 show car, the Corvette made use of existing GM running gear and a shortened chassis frame, around which was wrapped striking Harley Earl-styled glassfibre coachwork. Motive power came from Chevrolet's 235.5ci (3.8-litre) overhead-valve straight six and, unusually for a sports car, there was automatic transmission, a feature that attracted much adverse criticism at the time. Intended as competition for the T-Series MG, the Corvette cost way above the target figure, ending up in Jaguar XK120 territory but with an inferior performance. Sales were sluggish initially and the model came close to being axed, surviving thanks to Chevrolet's need to compete with Ford's Thunderbird. A V8 engine for 1955 and a radical restyle for '56 consolidated the Vette's position in the market. Introduced for 1963, the heavily revised 'Sting Ray' version sported a totally new ladder-type chassis and for the first time there was a Gran Turismo coupé in the range. As had been the case with the previous (1956-62) generation of Corvettes, development proceeded slowly, being characterised by annual facelifts and few engineering changes of note. The long-overdue arrival of four-wheel disc brakes was the most significant development for 1965, while Chevrolet's 327ci (5.4-litre) standard V8 was joined by an optional 396ci (6.5-litre) Big Block for '65 only, then a '427' until the end of Sting Ray production in 1967. The 'Stingray', of course, continued and the Corvette would go on to become the world's best-selling and longest-lived sports car. Imported from the USA in November 2020, the Sting Ray we offer is a former US drag racer that features its Class Trophy Winner decal and comes with its Bunker Hill Dragstrip trophy. Recently resprayed in its original colour, the Vette features its dragstrip suspension set up; optional 350bhp V8 engine with aluminium headers; manual gearbox; side exhaust; knock-off wheels; and highly original interior. New components include the door panels; clock; seals; tyres; and suspension and steering components. Prior to sale, the headlights will be connected to the headlight motors, and the leaking radiator replaced. The car is offered with a clean US title and comes with duties and taxes fully paid. Please note that the radiator is new (installed) and the headlights lights have been installed fix only in close position, so are not operational but the car drivable securely during the day. For making the headlight operational some work is required and we have no time until auction. Lot to be sold without reserve. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing