Introduced in October 1962, the all-new 1963 Corvette Sting Ray quickly proved itself both on the racetrack and in the showroom, driven by the relentless engineering efforts of Zora Arkus-Duntov and his team. Its fully independent suspension marked a major leap forward, and throughout the 1963–67 production run, the Sting Ray benefited from a constant stream of performance upgrades and factory options that kept it competitive on road and track.
By 1965, Corvettes gained standard four-wheel disc brakes and the option of the Mark IV 396ci big-block V8. For 1966, performance stepped up further with the introduction of the larger L72 427ci engine. Initially rated at 450 horsepower—later curiously listed at 425 without mechanical changes—this solid-lifter V8 delivered serious performance, positioning the Corvette to rival Shelby’s Cobras domestically and compete against Europe’s best in FIA endurance racing.
Now listed on Bring a Trailer, this 1966 Corvette Sting Ray Coupe has undergone a meticulous frame-off restoration, earning the prestigious Duntov Mark of Excellence Award after achieving a 98.1% score at the September 2025 NCRS National Convention. The car began its NCRS judging journey in 2022, first receiving a Top Flight award and steadily improving through subsequent events.
It also earned Bloomington Gold certification in June 2024 and was previously featured in the Bloomington Gold 1966 Gold Collection, as well as recognized with NCRS National Top Flight honors in 1986. The car retains its original 427ci L36 V8, producing 390 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired with a four-speed manual transmission and Positraction differential.
Finished in Nassau Blue over a bright blue interior, this highly decorated example is equipped with 15-inch steel wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, power steering, a heater, AM/FM radio, chrome bumpers, and retractable headlights.
Source: Bring a Trailer
