1965 Corvette Serial No. 001 Could be Yours

YAHOO AUTOS

                    

By Zach Doell            

 

 

 

 

Everybody likes being number one. Whether it’s the first to 60 mph or first across the line – first just sounds a lot better than second. And now you can get the chance to join a small collective of folks to own a ‘first’ in Corvette history, when this gorgeous 1965 Stingray crosses the block at Mecum’s Kissimmee event next month, serial number 001.

 

 Chevrolet debuted its second generation Corvette in 1963, sporting revolutionary styling and advances in sports car technology. But chief engineer Zora Arkus Duntov wasn’t content to let the ball stop there. He wanted to enhance the breed further, and one of the biggest items on his checklist included the brakes. Those drums needed to go.

 

 

 

In 1965, Duntov’s obsession with stopping power was fulfilled when the Corvette received disc brakes at all four corners, standard. The performance it gained was significant, and interestingly enough – this ’65 Stingray was the one to display that fact to the public.

Assembled on August 6, 1964, serial number 001 was built as a pilot car to test the team’s new designs. GM then enlisted this significant ’65 as a display vehicle to showcase the Stingray’s disc brakes at numerous auto shows from August until December 1964.

 Interestingly, the Silver Pearl paint intended for the ’65 Corvette wasn’t available when 001 rolled off the production line, so Cadillac ZZ code 1964 Satin Silver was used instead.

Underneath its momentous hood lies an L76 327ci V8, good for around 365 horsepower, which it sent to the rear through a four-speed gearbox and a 4.11 Positraction rear end. But best of all, number 001 has never been restored – despite its immaculate shape – and shows only 28,000 miles on the odometer. Talk about a time capsule on wheels. Attend any auto shows in ’64? You probably saw this very car.