1966 Chevrolet CorvetteEmail Send Email
1966 Chevrolet CorvetteEmail Send Email
Model:Corvette
Year:1966
Body Type:2-Door Sport Coupe
Engine:427 cid/450hp (L72)
Exterior Color:Rally Red
Interior:Saddle Leather
Transmission:4-Speed Muncie
Comment:Original '66 - No documentation but owned over 20 years

SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications:
Original Base Price: $4,295.00
Number Produced: 9,958 (5,528 in L72 Trim)
Wheelbase: 98-Inches
Track, Front: 57.6-Inches
Track, Rear: 58.3-Inches
Length: 175.3-Inches
Curb Weight: 3160-Pounds
Engine: 90-Degree V8
Displacement: 427-cid
Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
BHP (Brake Horsepower): 425@5,600rpm/460lbs.-ft.@4,000rpm
Carburetor: 4-BBL (780cfm)
Transmission: Muncie M22, 4-Speed (2.20:1 First Gear)
Differential:
Standard 3.55:1 (General Purpose)
Optional 3.70:1 (Mountain), 3.36:1 (Economy Cruise), 4.11:1 (Special Purpose)
Front Suspension: Independent Coil Spring
Rear Suspension: Transverse, Multi-Leaf Spring
Brakes:
Front Brakes: 11.75-Inch, Disc
Rear Brakes: 11.75-Inch Disc
Ignition: Transistor
Battery: 12-Volt
Tire Size: 7.75 x 15, 4-Ply Black Wall
Fuel Capacity: 20-Gallons
Oil Capacity: 6-Quarts (w/Filter)
Cooling System: 22-Quarts (with Heater)

DETAILS

There is a saying in the performance business; “Bigger is always better, and too much is just enough”. Apparently, Chevrolet discovered this early in their performance career, constantly installing larger, more powerful engines with each passing year. And 1966 would usher in the dominance of the Big Block Chevy Engine! The L72 engine was the forerunner of the L88, 427. And in reality there were a limited number of “engineering use only” test subjects that were produced in 1966; Three to be exact. These three engines were distributed to race teams known to assist Chevrolet with proving new designs; one of which was Roger Penske, the other two were NASCAR teams. Peter Fonda (yes, Easy Rider, Peter Fonda) found himself on the receiving end of one of these “test” engines. His car equipped with a 2.36:1 differential! Although not an official offering, Mr. Fonda wanted to set a Land Speed Record at Bonneville.