When
talking about mid-years nothing excites the imagination or garners more
attention than the legendary Chevy big block motor. True examples of
this mammoth power plant are far and few between. Unfortunately there
are probably more big block mid year Corvettes on the roads today than
there were in 1967. The almost endemic practice of installing the
venerable 427 "Rat Motor" in cars with a lesser pedigree has become an
art form.
The real problem arises when sellers either
wittingly or unwittingly proclaim that their car is a genuine numbers
matching example of a big block. Installers have become very adept at
swapping a 427 into a car that was born with a 327 base engine.
Sophisticated machining techniques that include high tech computer
guided laser etching can duplicate correct number designations on
blocks, engine pads and other various locations that appraisers use to
determine the validity of a Corvettes heritage. The
gold standard for objectively determining a Corvettes pedigree has and
continues to be the NCRS (National Corvette Restorers Society) methods
for originality determination. A car with the coveted NCRS "Top
Flight" Certification will in most cases bring a higher sales premium
than a car not as well endowed.
That being said there is
absolutely nothing wrong with a car that has been restored with what is
referred to as a "period correct" engine. For instance a car that was
that was originally equipped with a specific big block had a quality
engine replacement that matched the exact year and specifications of
the original engine. A purist will invariably scoff at the idea of a
car that does not have every original nut and bolt on its accounting
sheet.
The
reality is that the lines or a cars pedigree have become increasingly
blurred in recent years. This can be seen with the recent surge in the
popularity and valuations placed on classics that have undergone what
is referred to as a "resto-mod' conversion. Classic Corvettes that have
been upgraded to include modern drivetrains , interiors and electronics
have become much more desirable to collectors for one simple reason,
you can actually drive them. Resto-moded cars usually are adorned with
a modern LS engine. The
LS platform when transplanted into a classic offers extreme
reliability, extreme power and decent gas mileage. The new breed of
Corvette collectors value these attributes as they are not into turning
wrenches on a weekly basis. The want a car that starts when they push
the electronic button and can cruise all day without a whimper.
We
recently came across an outstanding example of a C2 classic that was
retrofitted with a period correct big block 427 engine. The l36
427/390 engine is a reliable powerhouse that was offered in the 1966 C2
Corvette. The car underwent a total restoration and is in outstanding
near concourse condition. With only 56k miles the Marina Blue exterior
and flawless blue leather interior will impress the most critical of
purists.
As mentioned the period correct 427/390hp L36 has
been totally rebuilt and restored to factory specifications. The
car is equipped with a 4speed manual, AC,PS,PB, am/fm, side exhaust,
hard top, knock off wheels, teak steering wheel and a perfect rust free
chassis. The car is currently for sale and can be viewed at the Corvette and Classics marketplace page. return to index page
