A 1966 Corvette Stingray, a car that traversed the 2,266-mile expanse between Hollywood, California, and Wayne, Michigan twice before its final resting place, is part of an extraordinary three-car collection. Sharing its garage since the early 70s is an untouched 1973 Corvette, while a 1949 DeSoto has held its position between the two sports cars for nearly half a century.
The owner, a woman, is now parting with this time capsule of automobiles, offering a unique opportunity for car enthusiasts. The heart of the matter lies not in the age of these Corvettes but in their exceptional preservation. Both cars have remarkably low mileage and appear untouched, save for essential maintenance.
The 1966 model, a 327/350 powerhouse with a mere 9,750 miles, is a testament to this. It’s almost as if the original owner drove it twice across the country from Michigan to California and then simply parked it. This theory is supported by the car’s friend, who claims the only alterations are oil changes and possibly fan belts.
Under the hood lies a potent 350-horsepower small-block, a far cry from the base engine option. The other engine choices for 1966 were the newly introduced big blocks, replacing the previous year’s 396. Why anyone would shelve such a car remains a mystery. Perhaps it was intended for a cross-country adventure with the 1949 DeSoto acquired in 1971.
Intriguingly, this pattern repeats with the 1973 Corvette, also purchased in California, suggesting another road trip. However, this car, despite being newer, was also prematurely retired. The 1973 model, a product of the infamous Malaise Era, houses a 350 cubic-inch V8, though the claimed 270 horsepower doesn’t align with official figures for that year.
Regardless, it too was relegated to the garage after just three years. The 1949 DeSoto, a stark contrast to the Corvettes, is a time capsule with only 5,929 miles on the odometer. Its exceptional condition, especially considering its age, is a surprise even for a California car. Equipped with a 236.7 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine, it offers a look into a bygone era of motoring.
