Signs of use and wear consistent with its age and mileage.
350 CI Small Block V8 | 4-speed manual transmission | Edelbrock | 28 years één
owner | Very extensive restoration and documentation
This 1965 Chevrolet Corvette C2 Sting Ray Convertible is a remarkable example with
an impressive history. The car has been owned by
the same owner since 1998—a full 28 years. During this time, the Corvette has been meticulously maintained,
upgraded mechanically, and extensively restored. A comprehensive
photo report of the restoration is available, supplemented by a handwritten maintenance log, invoices, and
a personal statement from the owner.
Under the hood is a powerful 5.7-liter Chevrolet Small Block V8 with a
rated displacement of 350 cubic inches (5,735 cc). The engine is equipped with various
Edelbrock components and sport exhaust manifolds. Combined with the
four-speed manual transmission, this delivers the direct and mechanical driving experience
that makes a classic American sports car so special.
The combination of the iconic C2 design, the characterful V8, the manual
transmission, and the exceptionally comprehensive historical documentation makes this Corvette an
interesting example for enthusiasts.
Owned by the same owner for 28 years
The Corvette was purchased in 1998 from Arton USA Cars in Zwijndrecht. Since then, the
car has been continuously owned by the same Dutch owner for a
period of no less than 28 years.
During this long period of ownership, the Corvette has been extensively restored, maintained, and
upgraded mechanically. The owner has carefully
documented the work performed and compiled a comprehensive historical record.
Starting in 1998, maintenance was handled by Corvette Centrum Uden, under the direction of
Corvette specialist Mark van Diepenbeek. According to the previous owner, this specialist
knows the car inside and out and has been involved in its
maintenance and various technical work for nearly three decades.
A special feature is the inclusion of a handwritten maintenance logbook in which virtually all
work performed from 1998 through April 2026 is documented. This logbook contains not
only routine maintenance services are recorded, but also major repairs, technical
upgrades, restoration work, odometer readings, and investments.
In addition, there is a personal, written statement from the owner, dated August 21,
August 2026. In it, he confirms, among other things, his long-term ownership, the purchase from
Arton USA Cars, the involvement of Corvette Centrum Uden, and the extensive
investments made in the car.
An ownership history of this duration, combined with such a comprehensive file,
forms a valuable part of this classic Corvette’s history.
5.7-liter Chevrolet Small Block V8 with Edelbrock
components
One of the most important features of this Corvette is its engine. According to
the specifications, the car is equipped with a Chevrolet 350 cubic inch Small Block V8, with a displacement
of 5,735 cc, or 5.7 liters.
The Chevrolet Small Block V8 is one of the most famous American engines and is known
for its robust construction, strong torque output, and characteristic engine sound. The 350
cubic-inch version became one of the most beloved engine variants within the
Small Block family.
The engine in this Corvette is equipped with various performance components. These include
an Edelbrock air filter and aluminum Edelbrock valve covers.
In addition, the engine features an aluminum intake manifold, a modified
electronic ignition system, and tubular exhaust manifolds, also known as headers
.
This configuration gives the engine bay a sporty look and contributes to the
distinctive character of the car. In particular, the combination of the large V8, the modified
exhaust configuration, and the manual transmission delivers the driving experience so
characteristic of a classic American sports car.
The 350 cubic-inch Small Block V8 is a different engine variant than the one the Corvette was originally equipped with in
1965. In that model year, the C2 was available with a 327
cubic-inch Small Block V8 or a 396 cubic-inch Big Block V8. The current engine
is therefore likely a later modification.
For enthusiasts who, in addition to the classic appearance, also value a powerful and
characterful V8 engine, this configuration is an attractive feature of the
car.
Four-speed manual transmission
Another key feature of this Corvette is the manual
four-speed transmission.
The combination of the powerful 5.7-liter Small Block V8 and the manual transmission ensures
a direct and engaging driving experience. The driver has full control over the
shifting points and power delivery, which further
emphasizes the Corvette’s sporty character.
The characteristic sound of the V8, shifting through the four gears, and the
mechanical feedback make every drive a special experience.
It is precisely this combination of a classic Corvette C2, a powerful Small Block V8, and a
manual transmission that makes the car appealing to enthusiasts who value
a pure and authentic driving experience.
Extensive restoration with comprehensive
photo documentation
During the long period of ownership, significant investments were made in the preservation,
restoration, and technical improvement of this Corvette.
Corvette specialist Mark van Diepenbeek of Corvette
Centrum Uden played a key role in this, having been involved with the car since its purchase in 1998. According to the
previous owner, he knows the Corvette inside and out and has handled
its maintenance and various technical work for nearly three decades.
In addition, specialized restoration work was carried out by external companies,
including B&B Designs in Oss, which was responsible for an extensive
restoration of the interior in 2019.
During this interior restoration, the dashboard, center armrest, and
door panels, among other components, were carefully restored and refinished.
The dashboard underwent a thorough restoration. Damage and cracks were repaired,
after which the original surface texture was restored. The
dashboard was then refinished in its original dark color.
The door panels were also restored, with damage repaired and the
original texture and appearance preserved as much as possible.
The center armrest was disassembled, rebuilt, and fitted with new
upholstery and foam padding.
According to the owner’s statement, the convertible top and interior were also
replaced, at a cost of approximately € 10,000.
The Corvette has also undergone extensive technical work over the years. For example,
work has been performed on the clutch, brakes, suspension, ignition,
carburetor, steering system, and electrical system, among other components.
Furthermore, the service log indicates that a comprehensive service was performed in 2019
at a cost of approximately € 11,000.
A notable feature is the inclusion of a very comprehensive photo report documenting the
extensive restoration. This report documents the work performed on the Corvette in detail,
providing a clear picture of the restoration carried out and the care devoted to the
car.
Together with the handwritten maintenance log, the included invoices, and the personal
statement from the previous owner, this photo documentation forms an exceptionally comprehensive
historical record.
Nearly three decades of documented maintenance
What sets this Corvette apart is the exceptionally long period over which
maintenance records have been preserved.
The handwritten maintenance log begins in 1998, with a recorded odometer reading of
approximately 47,000 miles, and continues through April 2026.
Over the years, the following work, among other things, has been documented:
1998 to 2001
After purchase in 1998, various repairs were performed on, among other things, the
dashboard, the electrical system, the wiring harness, the ignition, the clutch, and the
fuel system.
2002 to 2006
During this period, work was performed on, among other things, the wheel bearings, rear axle,
brakes, brake lines, and tires. In addition, various body parts
were repainted and refinished.
2007 to 2012
The Corvette was regularly serviced and inspected. During this period, work was performed on, among other things, the
battery, water pump, and various parts of the brake system.
2013 to 2018
In addition to regular maintenance, work was performed on the
starter motor, suspension, wheel bearings, and tires, among other things.
2019
An important year in the car’s maintenance and restoration history. The maintenance logbook records
a comprehensive service with a cost of approximately € 11,000.
In addition, extensive interior restoration work was carried out by B&B Designs
in Oss, for which additional documentation is available.
2020
Regular maintenance service and vehicle inspection (APK).
2021
Service, work on the front right brake caliper and the electronic
ignition system.
2023
Work on the front brakes, routine maintenance, and repairs to the
door mechanisms.
2024
Service, carburetor adjustment, battery replacement, and work
on the ignition system.
2025
Extensive work on the brake system, including the rear brake calipers and
brake lines. In addition, work was performed on the rear suspension and
steering system, followed by wheel alignment.
2026
The most recent entry dates from April 2026 and notes an APK inspection, a service, and
work on the power steering.
In addition to the maintenance records, the booklet also includes historical appraisals. In 2006
a value of € 50,000 was recorded, and in 2012 a value of € 55,000.
The most recent odometer reading is approximately 89,273 miles, corresponding to about
143,700 kilometers.
The successive registrations provide an interesting insight into the car’s usage
over the past 28 years.
The iconic Chevrolet Corvette C2 Sting Ray
The second-generation Chevrolet Corvette, better known as the C2 Sting Ray, was
produced from 1963 through 1967 and is one of the most beloved generations in
the brand’s history.
The design is characterized by its long hood, pronounced fenders, low body
and distinctive lines. The C2 combines classic American sports car design
with a distinctly sporty character.
The 1965 model year also holds a special place in the development of the
Corvette. Among other things, four-wheel disc brakes were introduced as standard that year,
a significant technical improvement over earlier models.
The Convertible version also offers the opportunity to fully
experience the characteristic V8 while driving with the top down.
This Corvette combines the iconic C2 design with a striking red
body color, a redesigned convertible top, a restored interior, and a powerful
5.7-liter Small Block V8 with a four-speed manual transmission.
The result is a classic American sports car where appearance, engine sound, and
driving experience take center stage.
An exceptionally comprehensive historical record
The Corvette comes with a particularly comprehensive historical record.
This includes, among other things, a handwritten maintenance log with entries from
1998 through 2026, documentation of the interior restoration by B&B Designs, a
personal statement from the long-term owner, and a very extensive photo report
of the comprehensive restoration.
The written statement confirms, among other things, that the car was purchased in 1998 from
Arton USA Cars in Zwijndrecht, has remained in the same ownership for 28 years, and during that entire time
was maintained by Corvette specialist Mark van Diepenbeek of Corvette Centrum
Uden.
According to the previous owner, this specialist knows the Corvette inside and out and has been involved in the technical maintenance
of the car for virtually the entire duration of its ownership in the Netherlands.
The extensive photo report serves as a valuable supplement to this documentation. The
photos provide insight into the restoration work and allow for a
closer assessment of the work performed.
The owner describes the Corvette himself as a very reliable and pleasant-to-drive car with
a striking appearance and a particularly beautiful engine sound.
A Corvette with a remarkable story
This 1965 Chevrolet Corvette C2 Sting Ray Convertible offers an attractive
combination of iconic American design, a characterful 5.7-liter V8, a
four-speed manual transmission, and an exceptionally comprehensive restoration and
maintenance history.
The fact that the Corvette was owned by the same owner for no less than 28 years,
was maintained by a dedicated Corvette specialist during this period, and that the
work performed was carefully documented gives the car a special story.
The inclusion of an extensive photo report of the restoration, supplemented by
invoices, maintenance records, and a personal owner’s statement, makes the
historical file particularly interesting.
A classic Corvette for the enthusiast who is not only looking for the look and
feel of an American V8 sports car, but also values a long-standing and
extensively documented history.
Key Features
• 1965 Chevrolet Corvette C2 Sting Ray Convertible
• 5,735 cc Chevrolet 350 cubic inch Small Block V8, as stated
• Four-speed manual transmission
• Edelbrock air cleaner and aluminum valve covers
• Aluminum intake manifold and sport exhaust manifolds
• Modified electronic ignition
• Owned by the same owner for 28 years, since 1998
• Purchased from Arton USA Cars in Zwijndrecht
• Serviced by Corvette Centrum Uden since 1998
• Long-term involvement of Corvette specialist Mark van Diepenbeek
• Very extensive restoration
• Comprehensive photo documentation of the restoration available
• Professional interior restoration by B&B Designs in Oss
• According to the owner, the convertible top and interior have been replaced
• Significant technical investments made during ownership
• Handwritten maintenance log with history from 1998 through 2026
• Additional invoice documentation and personal owner’s statement
• Historical appraisals from 2006 and 2012
• Last recorded odometer reading approximately 89,273 miles
An iconic Chevrolet Corvette C2 Sting Ray Convertible with a powerful 5.7-liter
Small Block V8, four-speed manual transmission, extensive restoration history, and
no fewer than 28 years of careful ownership
We kindly refer you to the Bidder’s Guide on our platform, which explains how a public auction works and how you, as a bidder, can carefully prepare yourself prior to placing a bid by conducting your own research into the condition and history of a lot. We also recommend that you attend the viewing day so that you can form your own opinion of the vehicle on-site.
Bright Auctions acts as an intermediary for the seller
This is a public auction. All bids are binding and entail a payment obligation. Returns are not permitted. The auction closing will take place at Bright Auctions, Het Eek, 4004 LM 15, Tiel, the Netherlands. If you wish to attend the auction in person, you must register no later than 1 working day before the closing via auctioneer@brightauctions.com.
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