1967 Corvette Stingray
Of all the classic American performance cars I have lusted after in my life, this one stands out. I remember seeing a new ’67 Corvette Stingray when I was about 6 or 7 years old. The impression it made then has never left me. This example appears to be a very faithful restoration of the top of line model for that year, the 427/435 horsepower big block convertible with the three 2 barrel carburetor setup known as the Tri-Power option.
I think this car represents the peak of the American muscle car phenomenon, because it is one of the last, best examples of all out performance, before safety and pollution controls, rising gasoline and insurance costs, and popular sentiment conspired to emasculate these vehicles. The hood scoop and power bulge are not just for looks- you would not be able to close the stock hood over the huge powerplant. Even at idle, the exhaust has a serious tone, and at full throttle, the sidepipes make a bellowing racket just inches from the occupant’s ears. And above all else, it is beautiful. The 427 Shelby Cobra might (or might not) outrun this ‘Vette, but the Harley Earl design of the mid-year Stingray is much more stylish and attractive.
427/435 horsepower big block
Corvette purists often say that the big block cars don’t handle as well as the 327 versions, but that is beside the point. This car was meant to fight the horsepower wars and win. The competition was fierce, from street Hemi Mopars and 427 Fords, as well as other GM offerings such as the Pontiac GTO and Olds 442. The 427 Stingray could outrun these muscle cars in a straight line, and would leave them way behind when the roads turned twisty.
The fact that cars like this one sell for $200K + says that the styling and engineering that went into them has stood the test of time. Even though modern performance cars such as the 2011 Camaro, Mustang, and Challenger are much more refined, there will never be another car like the 67 big block Stingray.
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