Few cars embody American performance quite like the Chevrolet Corvette, and one recently unearthed example from 1965 is a reminder of why the model remains an icon. Featured on the Dennis Collins YouTube channel, this Goldwood Yellow Corvette coupe looks almost ready to roll straight onto the highway despite its age.
Built in August 1964, this particular Corvette was part of the second generation, a period many enthusiasts regard as the golden era for the model. The ’65 cars introduced four-wheel disc brakes for the first time, significantly improving stopping power over earlier models. Beneath its sleek fiberglass body, this coupe retains its numbers-matching 327-cubic-inch V8 engine, rated at 365 horsepower when new — impressive power for the time and still potent by modern standards.
The odometer shows 60,223 miles, but only about 200 have been added since 1998, suggesting decades of light use. It appears to have been carefully preserved, with its interior showing minimal wear. The vinyl seats, dash, and trim look remarkably fresh, and the rare teak steering wheel adds a touch of midcentury sophistication. Even the factory-style radio and controls remain intact.
Under the hood, the small-block V8 fires immediately to a strong, throaty idle. On the road, the Corvette still delivers the kind of raw engagement that made it famous, spinning the rear tires with ease and revving freely toward its 6,500-rpm redline. While the car lacks power steering and power brakes, the addition of four-wheel discs helps keep it composed under spirited driving.
Though the carburetor is a replacement, sourcing a period-correct unit would be straightforward for any restorer. Aside from a few cosmetic touch-ups and a much-needed set of new tires, this Corvette stands as a remarkably original, well-preserved example of one of Chevrolet’s greatest hits.
For enthusiasts, it’s a rare find — a 60-year-old American sports car that doesn’t need rescuing, just a little polish and a stretch of open road.