The 1965 Corvette Serial No. 001 Is Up For Grabs And It Could Be Yours

Just about any classic Corvette lover would jump for the chance to own the serial number 001 1965 Stingray model.

Not only is the 1965 Corvette serial number 001 a beautiful classic car, it’s a piece of Corvette history. Zora Arkus Duntov, chief engineer, wanted to overhaul and improve the developing Corvette, and the brake drums weren’t cutting it. Until then, Corvettes did not have standard disc brakes at all four corners, according to Bold Ride.

On August 6, 1964, serial number 001 was born as a pilot test car for the GM team’s new interior designs, including exterior designs as well as the new disc brakes. GM showed off the 1965 tester at car shows from August until December 1964.

A fun fact about this Stingray serial number 001 is that it has Cadillac ZZ code 1964 Satin Silver paint, instead of the 1965 Silver Pearl paint meant for the ’65 Corvette. The Silver Pearl paint simply wasn’t ready in time to put on serial number 001.

According to Bold Ride, the special Corvette has some impressive stats.

“Underneath its momentous hood lies an L76 327ci V8, good for around 365 horsepower, which it sent to the rear through a four-speed gearbox and a 4.11 Positraction rear end.”

What’s really impressive is that the car has lasted half a century without ever being restored, and it still looks pristine. GM Authority pointed out the eye-widening features of the Stingray of the mid ’60s.

“The interior also boasts a pair of innovations. In addition to being the first car equipped with a teakwood steering wheel, #001 is also the first Corvette to feature a power-operated antenna for its AM/FM radio, an expensive feature at the time.”

The odometer only reads an astounding 28,000 miles. If you went to any car shows back in 1964, you may have seen this very car. Simply seeing the Corvette may literally take you back in time only like hearing certain songs or smelling certain scents can.

If you think you have enough cash and luck to bid on this one-of-a-kind car, you are going to have to make plans to be at the Mecum Kissimmee auction happening January 16-25, 2015. There is absolutely no doubt you will not be the only one bidding on the amazingly pristine and well-documented 1965 Corvette Stingray serial number 001.

[Images via Bold Ride]