1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 Roadster

The 427/435

For the 1967 model year, Chevrolet introduced the most powerful Corvette to date – the L71 427. Utilizing 11:1 compression, an aggressive solid-lifter camshaft, large valve heads, and three two-barrel Holley carburetors, the L71 package delivered 435 bhp at 5,800 rpm. Coupled to a close-ratio four-speed gearbox, the 427/435 delivered monumental performance and, for the first time ever, a showroom stock Corvette was capable of a sub-13-second quarter mile.

Not only was the L71 Corvette fast in a straight line, its independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and optional Posi-Traction rear end made it a well-rounded sports car that rivaled the finest European offerings.

In testing the new 427/435 Corvette, Car & Driver found that the vacuum-operated three-carb setup “results in an astoundingly tractable engine and uncannily smooth engine response. As soon as it’s rolling, say at 500 rpm, you can push the throttle to the floor and the car just picks up with a turbine-like swelling surge of power that never misses a beat all the way up to its top speed of over 140 mph.”

This Car

One of only a limited number of big-block roadsters delivered in Sunfire Yellow with white upholstery, this Corvette was specified with some of the most desirable performance features General Motors offered in 1967.

Ordered with the range-topping L71-code engine, close-ratio M21 gearbox, transistor ignition, dual side exhausts, Posi-Traction axle, vacuum-power disc brakes, and F41 special suspension, this Corvette was one of the most potent American production cars of its day.

In addition to its impressive selection of high-performance equipment, the Corvette was generously outfitted with convenience options, such as a black vinyl hard top, whitewall tires, power windows, power headlamps, tinted glass, telescopic steering wheel, shoulder harnesses, speed-warning equipment, and headrests.

With a remarkable combination of rare factory options, this was a phenomenally expensive Corvette, carrying a sticker price of $5,878.55.

Originally delivered to Burt Chevrolet in Englewood, Colorado, the 427/435 Roadster was first sold to Dr. Louis Roussalis of Casper, Wyoming. In 1969, Gary Kniss of Bayard, Nebraska, acquired the 16,000-mile Corvette and is believed to have retained it for nearly two decades. In 1988, well-known collector Malcolm Winer added the highly original two-owner car to his collection, where it remained until 2009, at which time it was sold to a fellow Southern California Corvette enthusiast.

In 2009 and again in 2012, this wonderfully original Corvette was awarded the prestigious Bloomington Gold SURVIVOR Award, confirming that it “remains over 50% unrestored, un-refinished, or unaltered,” with finishes good enough to use as a guide for authentic, factory- original color. In further judged competition, the 427/435 received Bloomington Gold’s Silver Certificate.

Beyond its impressive awards, this L71 Corvette is offered with important documents, including the tank sticker, Protect-O-Plate, and warranty book – all of which testify to this car’s remarkable specifications and provenance. Copies of the Bloomington Gold judging sheets, along with the SURVIVOR certificates and pins accompany the sale of the car and are available for review.

Ideally optioned, well documented and possessing an irreplaceable patina, this 427/435 Roadster is an exceptional example of a rare breed. For the collector who has been searching for a unique, big-block Stingray, we encourage serious consideration of this spectacular Corvette.