Mel, a seasoned Corvette connoisseur and respected Hagerty authority, was an unlikely savior for a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible. His discerning eye and deep-rooted passion for the marque made him the ideal custodian for such a classic. While his home was in the sun-drenched state of Florida, destiny intervened when he discovered a hidden gem in the often-overlooked automotive world of Illinois.
There, within the sanctuary of a meticulous enthusiast’s garage, resided a 1967 Corvette undergoing a thorough frame-off restoration. The mastermind behind this labor of love was a retired engineer from the legendary aerospace company, McDonald Douglas, a name synonymous with American ingenuity and innovation.
Mel’s 1967 Corvette Stingray Convertible is a living testament to automotive history and a reflection of its owner’s enduring passion. Discovered in a state of disrepair during the summer of 1994, this exceptional vehicle immediately fascinated Mel, representing as it did the pinnacle of the C2 Corvette lineage.
Produced in limited numbers a mere 22,940 examples and boasting cutting-edge technology and safety features for its time, the 1967 model year stands as a coveted milestone for Corvette enthusiasts. Mel’s convertible, distinguished by its rare headrest option, further raises its desirability.
While the original 327-cubic-inch V8 engine has been replaced with a period-accurate unit, the car’s accompanying documentation, including the original window sticker and owner’s manual, offers a fascinating look into its storied past. This combination of rarity, performance, and historical significance renders Mel’s Corvette a truly exceptional automotive treasure.
The 1967 Corvette, a masterpiece of automotive design, has been meticulously preserved by its current owner, who has treated it with the reverence of a cherished family member. A testament to the original owner’s dedication, the car’s engine compartment is a pristine replica of its factory state, a showcase of meticulous restoration.
The Corvette’s heart, its engine, demands high-octane fuel to unleash its full potential, a legacy of Zora Arkus-Dantov’s pursuit of maximum horsepower. This engineering visionary, instrumental in the Corvette’s creation, instilled his passion for mid and rear-engine designs into the project, a blueprint that perfectly suited the car’s character.
Unfortunately, the once readily available Sunoco 2.60 fuel is a relic of the past, forcing the owner to source high-octane racing fuel from unconventional outlets. 1967 marked the final year for the Corvette’s iconic ducktail design, a feature later revived in the C8 generation.
While the ducktail’s integration of Chevy pickup truck lights for reverse illumination might seem incongruous, the car’s true allure lies in its distinctive side-vent windows, a design element exclusive to the 1967 model.
