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1966 Corvette in Sunfire Yellow 1966 Corvette in Silver Pearl

1966 Corvette Stingray:
The Year of the Big Blocks

1966 Corvette sign courtesy of Carls Jr. Big block engines dominated the Corvette Stingray story for 1966. They first appeared in April 1965 and as such had limited exposure. 1966 extended the big block Corvette story with the introduction of the legendary 427 cu. in. motors. They were bored and stroked versions of the 396 cu. in. 1965 big block motors and were available in two flavors: 390 hp (RPO L36, $181.20) and 425 hp (RPO L72, $312.85). The extra cost for the L72 was justified as it included four bolt mains, impact extruded aluminum pistons, a very aggressive camshaft, Holly 780 CFM carburetor mated to a aluminum intake and a free-flowing exhaust. The K66 transistorized ignition was a mandatory option with the L72. There are reports that the L72 actually featured more horsepower than the 450 hp that was quoted. The specifications were downgraded to avoid undesirable backlash from safety legislation, but enthusiasts only had to read the magazine reviews to learn what was really going on.
1966 Corvette Model Information

GM document with 1966 Corvette information, including Powertrain availability, features, specifications, transmissions, engine detail, body features, chassis specs and optional equipment.

1966 Corvette Elongated Hood Script 1966 Corvette Elongated Hood Script
Above: The "Corvette Sting Ray" script was revised to a more vertically elongated style for 1966.
For 1966 only it appeared on the hood front driver's side in addition to the right rear.


1966 Corvette Stingray 427 side emblem
Notification of the engine displacement appeared on the front fenders.
1966 Corvette Disk Brake Brochure Illustration
GM, per the 1966 brochure, was rightfully proud of the four wheel disk brakes which first appeared on the 1965 Corvette.
1966 Corvette C2 Seats (Brochure Illustration) 1966 Corvette C2 Seats Frame View (Brochure Illustration)
Corvette C2 seating was quite comfortable, definitely more so than the C1, and, some would argue, better than the early C3 seats.
1966 Corvette Engine and Transmission Choices
Drivetrain choices were nicely varied in 1966. Notice the number of axle ratios available, quite a contrast to later years when regulations would effectively limit the number of options. The "Not recommended for general driving" refers to the famous M22 "Rock Crusher" Muncie four speed transmission. The M22 was exceptionally strong but, due to its straighter cut gears, had an audible whine.

1966 Corvette Coupe Bargain Color Advertisement 1966 Corvette Convertible on Display at Carmel-By-The-Sea California
Left: GM was always proud of the "Bang for the Buck" aspect of the Corvette; it would be a constant theme in their marketing efforts. Right: 1966 Corvette convertible on display at Carmel-By-The-Sea California.
Zora Arkus Duntov with 1966 Corvette Stingray 1966 Corvette Stingray in Rally Red
Left: Zora Arkus Duntov, Corvette Chief Engineer, next to a 1966 Corvette, a highlight of his career.
1966 Corvette Stingray, Color: Nassau Blue
1966 Corvette teak steering wheel 1966 Corvette Stingray big block bubble hood 1966 Corvette Stingray fuel filler lid
1966 Corvette window sticker Left: Teak steering wheel was a handsome option (RPO N32, $47.40) that was first available in 1965. Middle: As in 1965, the "Bubble" hood signified a big block was lurking beneath. Above Right: Stylish emblem on the rear deck also functioned as a lid for fuel fill-up access.

Right: Sample 1966 Corvette window sticker. A price of $5308.90 might seem like an amazing bargain these days, but in 1966 it was big $$$ and almost three times the price of an economy car.

1966 Corvette C2 Air Conditioning Vent
Vent located between the speaker grill and the clock indicates an air conditioned C2 Corvette. The option was first available in 1963 (RPO C60, $421.80) when only 278 or 0.58% were so equipped. It got to be more popular in 1966 when 3,520 (12.70%) Corvettes included AC.

1966 Corvette StingRay For Sale

Stingray
Price: $50,000 obo
Exterior: Red
Interior: Black
Miles: 1,000
Location: Wichita Falls

Click Here for more info

1966 Red Corvette StingRay Convertible for sale. Exterior and interior are in great shape and Engine has been rebuilt and only has 1,000 miles on it (more)

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1966 Corvette Stingray, Color: Ermine White
1966 Corvette Stingray, official GM photograph
1966 Corvette: Official GM Photo.

1966 Corvette Options, Prices

RPO Description Production Price
Genuine Leather Seats 2,002 (7.22%) $79.00
A01 Soft Ray Tinted Glass, all windows 11,859 (42.78%) $15.80
A02 Soft Ray Tinted Glass, windshield 9,270 (33.44%) $10.55
A31 Power Windows 4,562 (16.46%) $57.95
A82 Headrests 1,033 (3.73%) $42.15
A85 Shoulder Belts 37 (0.13%) $26.35
C07 Auxiliary Hardtop (for convertible) 8,463 (30.53%) $231.75
C48 Heater and Defroster Deletion (credit) 54 (0.19%) n/a
C60 Air Conditioning 3,520 (12.70%) $412.90
F41 Special Front and Rear Suspension 2,705 (9.76%) $36.90
G81 Positraction Rear Axle, all ratios 24,056 (86.78%) $42.15
J50 Power Brakes 5,464 (19.71%) $42.15
J56 Special Heavy Duty Brakes 382 (1.38%) $342.30
K19 Air Injection Reactor 2,380 (8.59%) $44.75
K66 Transistor Ignition System 7,146 (25.78%) $73.75
L36 427 cu. in. 390hp Engine 5,116 (18.46%) $181.20
L72 427 cu. in. 425hp Engine 5,258 (18.97%) $312.85
L79 327 cu. in. 350hp Engine 7,591 (27.38%) $105.35
M20 4-Speed Manual Transmission 10,837 (39.09%) $184.35
M21 4-Speed Man Transmission, close ratio 13,903 (50.16%) $184.35
M22 4-Speed Man Transmission, close ratio, heavy duty 15 (0.05%) $237.00
M35 Powerglide Automatic Transmission 2,401 (8.66%) $194.85
N03 36 Gallon Fuel Tank (for coupe) 66 (0.24%) $198.05
N11 Off Road Exhaust System 2,795 (10.08%) $36.90
N14 Side Mount Exhaust System 3,617 (13.05%) $131.65
N32 Teakwood Steering Wheel 3,941 (14.22%) $47.40
N36 Telescopic Steering Column 3,670 (13.24%) $42.15
N40 Power Steering 5,611 (20.24%) $94.80
P48 Cast Aluminum Knock-Off Wheels (5) 1,194 (4.31%) $316.00
P92 Whitewall Tires, 7.75x15 (rayon cord) 17,969 (64.82%) $31.30
T01 Goldwall Tires, 7.75x15 (nylon cord) 5,557 (20.05%) $46.55
U69 AM-FM Radio 26,363 (95.10%) $199.10
V74 Traffic Hazard Lamp Switch 5,764 (20.79%) $11.60

Total Production: 27,720
Coupe: 9,958 (35.92%)
Convertible: 17,762 (64.08%)

Notes: Base Corvette Coupe with 327 cu. in. 300 hp engine and three speed manual transmission: $4,295.00.
Base Corvette Convertible with 327 cu. in. 300 hp engine and three speed manual transmission: $4,084.00.

Colors

Code Exterior Quantity Interior Soft Top Wheels
900 Tuxedo Black 1,190 (4.29%) Black / Red / Bright Blue / White-Blue / Saddle / Silver / Green / Blue Black / White / Beige Black
972 Ermine White 2,120 (7.65%) Black / Red / Bright Blue / White-Blue / Saddle / Silver / Green / Blue Black / White / Beige Black
974 Rally Red 3,366 (12.14%) Black / Red Black / White / Beige Black
976 Nassau Blue 6,100 (22.01%) Black / Bright Blue / White-Blue / Blue Black / White / Beige Black
978 Laguna Blue 2,054 (7.41%) Black / Bright Blue / Blue Black / White / Beige Black
980 Trophy Blue 1,463 (5.28%) Black / Bright Blue / Blue Black / White / Beige Black
982 Mosport Green 2,311 (8.34%) Black / Green Black / White / Beige Black
984 Sunfire Yellow 2,339 (8.44%) Black Black / White / Beige Black
986 Silver Pearl 2,967 (10.70%) Black / Silver Black / White / Beige Black
988 Milano Maroon 3,799 (13.70%) Black / Saddle Black / White / Beige Black
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Introducing the Vette Spotter app for the iPhone.


The Vette Spotter app can identify the year of any Corvette.


All years and generations are covered, from 1953 to 2014. Over 350 photographs and detailed text are included.

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