Beschreibung:

Corvette came of age in 1963 with the introduction of the fully independent suspension Sting Ray but its evolution, within the limitations of the Corvette team’s limited budget, continued until it culminated in the final “mid-year” Corvette in 1967. Several important milestones marked the mid-years’ evolution notably conversion to disc brakes in 1965 and the ultimate 7 liter 427 cubic inch Big Block which became available in 1966. Much like the last year of straight axle Corvette production in 1962, 1967 was a year in which the mid-year Corvette reached its highest level of refinement. The Big Block took ascendancy in 1967, amounting to 16,062 of the 22,940 Corvettes built, over 70% of 1967 production. Big Blocks were in fact the third most popular Corvette option, trailing only AM-FM radios, Positraction rear axles and 4-speed manual transmissions. Styling was refined by restraint. The exterior had a minimum of chrome trim and the front fender vents evolved into a simple five-slot design which was at once both effective and attractive. Inside, the hand brake handle was relocated from under the dash to between the seats where it belonged. Functionally, the braking system gained dual master cylinders. Another round of so-called “safety” regulations outlawed the optional knock off alloy wheels’ center securing nut – in hope of saving countless pedestrians who NHTSA bureaucrats, exposed to too many James Bond films, felt were in imminent danger of having their shins slashed by Corvette knock off ears. Instead the alloy wheels used conventional 5-lug attachment with the nuts concealed behind a hubcap. Reggie Jackson’s 1967 Corvette 427/400hp Roadster is a rare example of the three-deuce Big Block with a Powerglide automatic transmission. Its equipment complement the touring character of the automatic with factory air conditioning, AM-FM radio, power steering, power brakes and rally wheels. It is an NCRS Top Flight, body off the frame restoration documented with pictures, the window sticker and the all-important tank sticker and is believed to be one of only sixteen built with this unusual but very useful and practical configuration. Attractively finished in Marlboro Maroon with a black stinger and white interior complemented by a white convertible top, it was bought in a package of cars from a major collector. The cars Reggie really wanted he has kept, and he kept this 427/400 Roadster for a while, just because of its unusual equipment. In Reggie’s terms, “It’s a niche car, but it’s beautifully done and has ‘tissue.’” That’s Reggie’s shorthand for a full folder of documentation authenticating its presentation and correct configuration and equipment.