The 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible remains a high-water mark for American sports car design, but this specific example carries a story that transcends the automotive world. Originally purchased in 2000 by the legendary composer Burt Bacharach, the car began its journey under his ownership as a black-over-black cruiser. Since then, it has undergone a total mechanical metamorphosis, evolving into a potent restomod that balances its mid-sixties silhouette with twenty-first-century drivetrain technology. This C2 is no longer just a vintage collector piece; it is a precision-engineered machine built for the modern road.
Double-Refinished Blue Body and Classic C2 Accents
The fiberglass body of this convertible has seen a colorful history, leaving the factory in Ermine White before transitioning through black and blue finishes. Its current blue aesthetic was professionally applied in 2014, highlighting the sharp fender vents and aggressive lines of the C2 generation. Exterior highlights include flip-up headlights and gleaming chrome bumpers that frame the car’s iconic front and rear profiles. A replacement black convertible soft top provides a sharp contrast, while the 15-inch Rally wheels mounted with Cooper Cobra tires maintain a period-correct stance.
Reupholstered Leather Cabin with Precision Shifting
The interior underwent a comprehensive refurbishment in 2014, with the seats reupholstered in premium black leather. While the dashboard and analog clock were carefully restored, the door cards and carpeting were replaced to ensure a fresh, high-quality feel throughout the cockpit. The focal point of the driver’s experience is a Hurst short-throw shifter, which provides tactile control over the modern gearbox. A wood-rimmed steering wheel and the original-style AM/FM radio preserve the car’s vintage soul, while the 160-mph speedometer hints at its upgraded capabilities.
Big-Block 427ci V8 and Six-Speed Manual Precision
The heart of this Corvette was radically upgraded in 2014 with the installation of a 427ci V8. This big-block powerhouse is equipped with aluminum cylinder heads, a Holley 770-cfm four-barrel carburetor, and Hooker long-tube headers that exhale through Magnaflow mufflers. The power delivery is handled by a Tremec six-speed manual transmission, a significant upgrade over the original units that provides a much-needed overdrive for highway cruising. Modern cooling is managed by an aluminum radiator, while an electric fuel pump ensures consistent delivery to the high-performance V8.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 427ci Big-Block V8 |
| Transmission | Tremec 6-Speed Manual |
| Induction | Holley 770-cfm Carburetor |
| Steering | Power Rack-and-Pinion |
| Exhaust | Hooker Headers / Magnaflow Mufflers |
| Cooling | Aluminum Radiator / New Water Pump |
| Brakes | Power-Assisted 4-Wheel Discs |
A Restomod Benchmark with Celebrity Provenance
In the current C2 market, vehicles with verified celebrity ownership like this Burt Bacharach example often command additional attention from collectors. However, the unique selling point here is the successful integration of modern performance hardware into a classic frame. By replacing the original steering box with a power rack-and-pinion setup and adding a six-speed transmission, this Corvette offers a level of drivability that far exceeds a standard 1966 model. It competes directly with high-end pro-touring builds, offering the perfect mix of name-brand history and mechanical reliability.
Recent Preparation and Documented Mechanical Health
Ownership of this Corvette is supported by service records documenting the extensive 2014 upgrades and recent maintenance. In preparation for the sale, the water pump, tires, and brake master cylinder were replaced, ensuring the car is ready for immediate enjoyment. The rear end was also rebuilt during the 2014 overhaul to handle the increased torque of the 427ci engine. With a clean California title and a history of ownership by one of the most significant figures in music history, this C2 stands as a well-documented and mechanically sound investment.
The Perfect Harmony of Style and Speed
This 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible is a masterclass in how to evolve a classic without losing its identity. It carries the elegance of the Bacharach era while packing the punch of a modern big-block muscle car. From its custom blue paint to the precise six-speed manual, every modification has been chosen to enhance the driving experience. For the enthusiast who wants a Corvette that stands out at a show and excels on a coastal drive, this celebrity-owned restomod is an exceptional opportunity that hits all the right notes.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
