Summary

Inspected by Corvette expert Roy Sinor. Documented L71 with big-brake option. Has Bloomington Gold and NCRS Top Flight. Powered by the original matching-numbers 427ci V8 engine and 4-speed manual transmission. From the MS CLASSIC CARS Collection.

Details

Known as 'The Desert Rat,' this 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 big-brake coupe is recognized worldwide because of its unbelievable story. It was inspected by Corvette expert Roy Sinor in December 2023. This car retains its original VIN Tag, original Trim Tag, original color combination and original drivetrain. This example is one of only 3,754 built with the L71 427/435hp option in both coupes and convertibles. It's also one of only 267 built with the J56 Special Heavy-Duty Brakes option. It's accompanied by the original Corvette Order Copy Tank Sticker, original 1967 New Vehicle Inspection form, copy of the Corvette Order Form 7 and copy of the Window Sticker, which were all validated by the NCRS as GM/UAW work produced at the time the car was built. This car was ordered with a Goodwood Green exterior, green vinyl interior, tinted glass, 7.75x15 white sidewall tires, PB AM/FM radio, transistor ignition, 435hp V8 engine, 4-speed close-ratio transmission, posi-traction axle with 3.55 gears, special suspension and vacuum-power heavy-duty brakes. It was purchased at Miller Chevrolet located in Grand Haven, MI, on June 22, 1967, by Steven Brown, who was a dealership employee. He removed the original engine to a safe place and added an L88 engine as he raced within the SCCA in the 1960s and 1970s. A copy of the original Michigan title, as well as copies of registrations from 1977, 1985, 1987 and 1989, is included. Original photos of the car from 1967, 1968 and 1974 on the Michigan International Speedway are also included. Brown put the original engine back in the car and sold it to Seko Rockets Enterprises (Jim Barsano and Rich Bogosian) which is documented with copies of original title, registration transfer and photos. The car underwent a frame-off restoration by Nabers Brothers that was completed in February 1990. The car won Best of Show at the Houston Classic Car Show on February 18, 1990. Unfortunately, on February 19 it was stolen from a hotel parking lot (a stolen advertisement from the Driveline newspaper describing the car is included). After months of searching, a settlement payment was made by Northwestern Insurance Company, which is documented with paperwork. On September 3, 1991, the car was found in the Yuma, AZ, desert. The car was covered by a light blue car cover that blew off. Since the car was trailered to the location, it only had 4 additional miles on the odometer and the keys were still in the ignition. The Report of Apprehension and Yuma County Sheriff's Department report, along with photos of the car in the desert, are included. The car was sold back to the second owner Rich Bagosian on November 10, 1991, which is documented with copies of letters and registrations that are included. Although the car was in very nice condition, the second owner did another frame-off restoration with D&B Corvettes that was completed in 1992, which is documented with photos. After completion it achieved two NCRS Regional Top Flight awards and one National Top Flight award. It also achieved Bloomington Gold Certification. It was featured in Vette magazine in April 1999, which is included. It's been with the last two owners for the last 23 years with limited exposure. The entire car is in beautiful condition throughout. The original matching-numbers 427/435hp Tri-Power V8 engine breathes through added side pipes. The engine was rebuilt by the last owner and a set of L88 heads were added. The original L71 heads are included. The engine is coupled to the original matching-numbers 4-speed manual transmission. A list of all the owners with copies of titles and parts assembly dates is included. This car was recently serviced and detailed, which is documented with an invoice. 42,586 miles (title reads exempt). From the MS CLASSIC CARS Collection.