The Mid Year or 2nd Generation (C2) Corvette Sting Rays were manufactured from 1963 through 1967. Previous to 1963, the 1st Generation (C1) Corvettes featured the more roundy, less angular shape, exposed double or single headlights, side coves behind the front wheel wells, and straight rear axle. The 1965 Sting Ray was the mid year car of the Mid Year series. Many collectors think the 1965 is the best mid-year, but each year has its admirers. The 1965 model was the first to feature 4 wheel disc brakes, and the last year for the fuel injection option on the small block engine. Late in the 1965 production year Chevrolet offered the first of the big block v8 engines, the 396 CI Turbo Jet engine. In 1966 this engine was enlarged to 427 CI and it replaced the small block fuel injected engine, which was no longer offered.

1965 Corvette Sting Ray, 327 ci V8, 365 hp solid lifter, 11:1 compression, Holley 4BBL carburetor, 4 spd manual transmission. Glen Green paint, Saddle Tan vinyl interior. Tan vinyl soft top, removeable hardtop. Kelsey-Hayes 15" x 6" knock off wheels, Firestone Deluxe Champion 7.75 x 15 bias ply Gold Sidewall tires. (Note- photos here show car wearing 215 x 75 Coker Classic radials). The true knock-off turbine style wheels were an option that Chevrolet offered on the Sting Ray in 1964, 65 and 66. These wheels have no lug nuts, in fact are held on to the hub with a spinner that is installed by whacking with a lead hammer. This type wheel was outlawed as a safety hazard in 1967 because the spinners stick out. This wheel has been offered as a reproduction by aftermarket wheel sellers for years, but the originals made by the Kelsey-Hayes company are highly sought after, and ridiculously expensive to buy. Even the original spinners command serious currency. This car has its original five wheels including the spare, and its original spinners.

Discussion with previous owners revealed that the body was in old worn and blistered original paint condition as recently as 1990. It was listed for sale in Dec 1990 Driveline No.76 and described as "Virgin 65 Roadster, 5 K/O wheels". It was repainted shortly after that in two stage acrylic enamel Glen Green paint, very closely approximating original lacquer appearance. There are few if any stress cracks in the body. There are touched up stone nicks in the nose that are not noticeable. It still appears today as a Virgin 65 Roadster. It is not a "survivor", but it looks like one, in very well kept condition.

All glass is original date coded LOF except the tinted windshield which has been replaced and is unblemished. Body panels appear all original and all bonding seam lines are faintly visible. Nose and tail are original, and undamaged. The engine was rebuilt at some point and was balanced, and runs very strong. Oil stays clean and amber colored over time. There is no exhaust smoke. The interior appears all original but is thought to have been redone once, probably in the early 90s. Dash pads are originals in good condition. Original body mounts indicate the body has never been lifted from the chassis. The hidden VIN number is present on the left side kick up, and matches. There is no rust evident on the frame save for a small spot of rot-through in the lower right corner of the left side rail end cap. A new replacement end cap piece is included. The frame is not pitted. The birdcage under the windshield (up above the glove box and forward of the instrument cluster) is surface rust colored but not rotted. Both door hinge posts are solid top and bottom, and still green zinc chromate painted. Overall the birdcage and frame are very solid. Everything works on this car from the windshield washers to headlights motors, turn signals, T3 headlights, high beam and parking brake indicator lights, glovebox lights, Interior lights, all instuments, odometer and trip meter, etc. The starter and alternator are correct number and dated originals. All five wheels are old original Kelsey-Hayes knock offs with original spinners. Jack and tools are present. The hard top wears matching GG paint, in used condition; the plexiglass window is original and clear, but has light scratches. The headliner is original and good, but has a couple marks in it. The tan vinyl top is near new condition, with clear plastic window and has warning tag. The top frame was restored and powder coated and appears new. The bumpers are all originals, and in very good old wavy condition. There is light rust discoloration inside of them. There are several sets of correct and properly cut Briggs/Stratton keys with knock outs. The spare tire lock is present. The odometer shows 83,000 miles.