The 1965 Corvette Stingray was the last year for fuel injection until 1982 when the L83 cross-fire fuel injection was introduced. This was the first year for the "Big Block" a 396ci, 425hp engine that also required a special hood to give clearance for the larger power plant. The hood also has the funnel shaped "power blister" air scoop. The vertical louvers on the side of the car are now functional and the blacked out grill has horizontal bars. The depressions on the standard hood were removed. The rocker panels were again restyled as well. New knock-off wheels were finally available from the factory, they were painted dark gray in between the fins. A side exhaust system was offered which made the car look even more aggressive. A telescoping steering wheel and new gauges influenced by aircraft design were added as well. Disc brakes were standard for the '65 Vette but drums could be substituted for a $64.50 credit. The seats were redesigned with larger and more supportive cushions. The antenna is now powered and is standard. A special order heavy duty transmission (M22) dubbed the "Rock Crusher" because of the sounds it makes while shifting was an option in '65.
This beautiful 1965 Corvette Stingray “Fuelie” has been totally restored by a Mr. Ernest Sims of Corpus Christi, TX and was completed in 2005. It has been featured in Vette View Magazine in September of that same year and is stunning example of this amazing car.
It is one of only 771 327 CID, 375 HP Fuel injected cars made that year and is equipped with the 4-speed transmission, and one of only 5 in the stunning red/red color combination. It comes complete with documentation including copies of titles from the past two owners dated 1991 and 2009, along with a photo documentation of the restoration in process, shipping data reports and original copy of window sticker showing the delivering dealer – Washburn Chevrolet in Santa Barbara, CA. Also included are all certificates and many photos from the NCRS events the cars participated in and all judging sheets, a winner of Bloomington Gold Certified 97%, NCRS Top Flight Certified 97.7%, Tripe Crown Certified 99.9% and a Gold Spinner Award recipient. The odometer reads 48,065 miles and was not set back to zero after the restoration.
The car has virtually no miles since the restoration was completed and is in beautiful concours-ready condition. It has been painstakingly restored over the past three years, and no expense was spared in a complete rebuild of this example. The work was carried out by marque experts with absolutely nothing left untouched. The body, paint, chrome and trim are all in like-new condition with factory-correct “Rally Red” paint. The car was then well-sorted and prepared as a “ready-to-drive” car with a terrific provenance and no damage history. If you are looking for an excellent, concours-ready 1965 Corvette Fuelie, you will not find a better car anywhere.