35 Years in Pieces, Reborn With 508 HP: 1966 Corvette Custom Heads to Mecum Harrisburg

Johnny Puckett Johnny Puckett |
2 min read
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This Silver Pearl restomod pairs a modern ZZ502 crate V-8 with a Tremec five-speed, crossing the block at Mecum's Harrisburg sale this July.

Some cars sit quietly for decades before finding their second act, and this 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible is a prime example. According to the listing (https://www.mecum.com/lots/1176336/1966-chevrolet-corvette-custom-convertible/), the car was disassembled and sat in pieces for 35 years before undergoing the build it wears today. Now finished and ready for the road, it's heading to Mecum's Harrisburg auction as Lot F100, crossing the block Friday, July 24th.

The listing notes the Corvette was originally delivered to Rosenthal Chevrolet in Arlington, Virginia. Since then, it's been transformed into a comprehensive custom build, with the seller noting approximately 125 miles logged since the current build was completed. The odometer reads 30,122 miles, though as with any car that's undergone extensive mechanical work, that figure solely reflects what's currently displayed.

Under the hood sits a GM Performance ZZ502 crate V-8 rated at 502/508 horsepower, installed in 2025. It's fed by a Holley carburetor through an aluminum intake manifold, with spark handled by an HEI distributor and oiling managed by a Moroso pan. Cooling comes from a DeWitts aluminum radiator paired with SPAL dual electric fans. Power routes through a Tremec TKX five-speed manual transmission with overdrive, backed by a McLeod clutch and flywheel, and out to a rebuilt 3.55:1 Positraction differential with new ring and pinion gears. The chassis has been updated with F41 front and rear sway bars, freshened suspension bearings, joints, and tie rods, plus Wilwood disc brakes with drilled and slotted rotors at all four corners.

Outside, the Corvette wears a Silver Pearl exterior refinished in 2025, complemented by replated chrome and replacement glass. Retractable headlights and a driver-side mirror round out the classic C2 profile, along with a side-exit exhaust and retractable antenna. It rolls on 15-inch American Racing Torq Thrust II wheels wrapped in 215/70 BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires, and a replacement Black convertible soft top completes the look.

Inside, the cabin has been reupholstered in Black vinyl, with replacement seat covers, door panels, dash pads, carpeting, console, glovebox door, and sun visors. Period-correct touches include an AM/FM radio, an analog clock, and lap belts. Documentation includes an NCRS Shipping Data Report and the owner's manual, adding some historical context to the car's origins alongside its extensive rebuild.

This 1966 Corvette Custom Convertible will cross the block at Mecum's Harrisburg auction, running July 22-25 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex. Those interested in bidding or learning more about the car's full specifications can view the complete listing and photo gallery on Mecum's website.

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