Corvette: Year by Year
1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 19671968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982
1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
The Year of the Big Blocks
Big block engines dominated the Corvette 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 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.
Left: The Corvette script was revised to a more vertically elongated style for 1966. During 1966 it appeared on the hood front driver's side in addition to the right rear.
Left: Zora Arkus Duntov, Corvette Chief Engineer, next to a 1966 Corvette, a highlight of his career.
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 For Sale |
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White 390 hp 427 original
Price: $49,500 Exterior: White Interior: Black Miles: 108,000 Location: Santa Barbara Click Here for more info |
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This white convertible was purchased by us in approximately 1984 and has been garaged since. It is a "49 State" car never having CA smog Air Injection Reaction system (AIR) (more) |
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1966 Corvette: Official GM Photo.
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