Freije & Freije Auctioneers Offers an Original Red 1966 Corvette Convertible With 300-HP 327 Power

There are few shapes in American car design as instantly recognizable as a midyear Corvette, and Freije & Freije Auctioneers has a gorgeous example lined up for collectors this fall. This 1966 Chevrolet Corvette convertible will cross the block during The Fall Big Boy Toy Auction hosted by The Auto Dealers Exchange in Indianapolis, finished in its original red over a black interior and powered by a 300-horsepower 327 small-block V8. It is an open-air Sting Ray with the right colors, the right engine and a compelling production-line story.

An Original Red Car From the End of the 1966 Run

According to the auction listing, this Corvette is an original red car and is described as one of the last 200 Corvettes built for the 1966 model year. That places it at the tail end of a banner season for Chevrolet’s sports car, when the C2 Sting Ray had been refined into one of the most desirable designs of the era. The 1966 model year brought a cleaner look with an egg-crate grille and the removal of the hood’s fake vents, giving the car a crisp, purposeful face that still turns heads today. Red paint over a black cabin is about as classic a Corvette combination as there is, and it looks spectacular on these hidden-headlight lines.

300-Horsepower 327 Small-Block Power

Under the long hood sits a 327-cubic-inch small-block Chevrolet V8 rated at 300 horsepower, an engine that gave the 1966 Corvette strong, smooth performance without the temperament of the higher-strung options. The bay shown in the photos presents nicely, with Chevrolet orange paint on the block, a chrome open-element air cleaner and finned valve covers that look right at home in a midyear. It is the kind of engine that pulls willingly around town and loves a long stretch of highway, which is exactly what most owners want from a classic convertible.

Powerglide Ease and Posi-Traction Grip

Power travels through a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission to a 3.55 Positraction rear end, a pairing that makes this Corvette convertible easy to enjoy in traffic while still delivering confident launches and good traction out of corners. Power brakes are also listed, a welcome feature that makes the car more relaxed to drive on modern roads. For a buyer who wants to cruise, show and share the car with family members who may never have learned to row through a manual gearbox, the Powerglide setup is a real advantage.

A Clean Black Cabin

Inside, the black interior looks inviting, with pleated bucket seats, door panels to match and a center console that houses the automatic shifter. A wood-rim steering wheel sits ahead of the familiar twin-cowl dash and its full set of round gauges, and the passenger-side grab bar carries the Corvette script. Interior photos in the listing show a cockpit that has been well kept and is ready to be enjoyed rather than simply admired from behind a rope.

Top-Down Fun With a Black Soft Top

As a true convertible, this Sting Ray offers wide-open motoring on warm days, and a black soft top is on hand when the weather turns. Raised, the top gives the car a sleek, tailored profile that pairs well with the red paint, and the rear view shows off the signature split-taillight tail, chrome bumpers and dual exhaust outlets that define the midyear look. Whether it is parked at a show field or rolling down a country road, this is a Corvette that delivers the full experience.

Documented Identity

The listing includes photos of the car’s VIN plate, which reads 194676S127526, as well as the body trim tag, giving prospective bidders an opportunity to review the identifying details before the sale. Interested buyers can study those images and the rest of the gallery on the Freije & Freije Auctioneers lot page, and should note that a 10 percent buyer’s premium applies, plus a 2.5 percent fee for online bidding.

When It Crosses the Block

This 1966 Corvette convertible is scheduled for the Day 2 Session 2 Saturday afternoon classic and collector car ring of The Fall Big Boy Toy Auction. With its original red finish, 300-horsepower 327, Powerglide automatic, Posi rear end and late-production status, it offers a great deal of what collectors love about the C2 era in one approachable, drivable package. Register and place your bid on this Corvette through Freije & Freije Auctioneers.

The Fall Big Boy Toy Auction hosted by The Dealer Exchange will be held October 30-31 in Indianapolis, Indiana. With memorabilia and great classic and collector cars on offer, make sure to visit their website to see the lots and get registered to bid. If you are in the area, and would like to consign your car space is still available.