Monterey, CA (Jul 28, 2010) -- Known for the high quality of its luxurious and collectable automobiles, Russo and Steele continues to offer some of the most historic automobiles on the Monterey Peninsula. Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, located at the epicenter of historic, downtown Monterey, and expanded to a three evening auction this August 12-14,2 2010 Russo and Steele will offer this 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 "Survivor" Roadster.
It is undeniably one of the finest Survivor Corvettes extant from what is arguably the finest year for top-tier collectible Corvettes.
The first positive performance improvement for Chevrolet's Corvette was the introduction in 1955 of Chevrolet's first V-8 engine, a 265 cubic-inch, short-stroke design. The second was the influence of a Soviet émigré in GM's engineering department, Zora Arkus-Duntov. Duntov simply took the new V-8 and backed it with a three-speed manual transmission. That combination helped turn the Corvette from a two-seat curiosity into a genuine performer above and beyond anything to come out of an American manufacturer's production facility in the history of the automobile.
With evaluation on the racetrack and the long-awaited independent rear suspension, the second-generation Corvette, or C2, was a completely new car in most respects, adding also a coupe variant to America's Sports Car that had only been available in roadster and coupe form since its debut. Development continued over the next few years and engineers and designers alike realized that there was plenty more room to grow. The 1965 model year would introduce the 'Mark IV' 396 big-block 425 horsepower V-8 for the first time, while 1966 would see the introduction of Chevrolet’s 427ci big block engine with 390 and 425 horsepower options that pushed the performance envelope further. The best was yet to come, however; for in 1967, the L71 option 427/435hp engine with solid lifters and tri-power carburetion set the high-water mark for Corvette performance in cars that were not intended solely for racing purposes.
With just 17,800 original, documented miles from new, this 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 horsepower L71 Convertible is comprehensively numbers-matching and wears 100% of its original, factory applied Marlboro Maroon lacquer finish over a black interior and matching convertible top. A true Survivor in every sense of the term, the car rolls on its original factory non-DOT-marked rubber, exhales through its original factory exhaust and retains its original belts, hoses and even its original spark plug wires after forty-three years.
Few legitimately unrestored, original paint top-of-the-heap L71-powered Chevrolet Corvettes exist; in fact, the number of Corvettes in the same Benchmark class of cars such as this one on offer is presently limited to fewer than ten examples the world over. Apart from its rare and desirable tri-power, solid-lifter big-block V-8 engine, the car sports the desirable Muncie M21 close-ratio 4-speed manual transmission, the optional 3.55:1 ratio rear axle with posi-traction limited slip differential, transistorized ignition, F41 Gymkhana heavy-duty suspension, a refinished auxiliary hardtop, the under-car 'Off-Road' exhausts, the rare AM/FM radio and the unusual and original 7.75x15" white stripe tires.
The car has run the gamut of certifications and awards presentations from Bloomington Gold that included Gold and Gold Survivor Certification, Benchmark Certification, Hall of Fame and has been featured in Bloomington Gold's Special Collection on two separate occasions. Additionally, it has been awarded multiple NCRS Top Flight Awards, has been NCRS Performance Verified and is a Triple Crown Award Winner.
About Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions
Russo and Steele Collector Automobiles is one of the nation’s premier collector car auctions; specializing in the world’s finest European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods and customs. Its auctions each year attract clients all over the globe not only because of its reputation for stellar collector automobiles, but also unique auction experiences unattainable at any other collector car auction in the world. Its auction events take place with its signature auction in Scottsdale, Arizona every January, and Monterey, California in August. Additional information please visit www.russoandsteele.com or call 602.252.2697.
Media Contact
Stephanie Quinn, Quintessential Media, (480) 422-9246, stephanie@quintessential-media.com
For more information, contact:
Stephanie Quinn
Phone: (602) 252-2697
Stephanie@russoandsteele.com
