If you were around in the mid-60s, you likely already know how hard it was to beat a well-driven L79 327/350 horsepower car, regardless of the car hosting it, from the humble Nova to the top-of-the-line Corvette. This 1965 Corvette is an original L79 car and carries a correctly date-coded and stamped block, so it’s quite authentic without being 100% matching numbers. Add in some side pipes, knock-off wheels, and a killer color combination and you get one of the most entertaining, yet affordable, Corvettes of the '60s.

This roadster was restored about ten years ago and used sparingly since, so the glossy Tuxedo Black paint still looks fantastic, far better than you’d expect for a car designed for daily driving duty. Experts will note that it wears a big block hood, which is arguably the best-looking of all mid-year Corvette hoods and it’s certainly welcome here. Panel gaps are excellent and details like the hood and headlight doors fit very well indeed. None of the usual fiberglass issues are present; no cracking around the headlight openings, no ragged seams, no visible bonding strips. Yes, if you want a perfectly imperfect Corvette for Bloomington Gold, this isn’t it, but if you want an exceptionally high-quality Corvette to use as intended, well, they don’t make them much more entertaining than this car. The chrome bumpers are brilliant, all the emblems and badges are crisply rendered, and yes, those are factory side pipes, which give it a spectacular engine note.

The black vinyl interior was restored to stock specs, and checking the trim tag, triple black is definitely how this car was originally ordered. The standard buckets have an upscale look with a simple pattern, and thanks to durable materials, it’ll look this good for years to come. This car also wears fresh carpets and door panels that are a match for the original equipment, and Corvette-logo floor mats are a welcome addition. It has a handsome woodgrained steering wheel that warms up the otherwise monochromatic interior, although a few splashes of bright chrome and satin-finished metallic trim are quite welcome. The gauges are big and easy to read, including a correct L79 6500 RPM redline tachometer. The voltmeter and temperature gauges appear to be offline, but the others work properly, including the clock, which ticks away reliably. There’s an aftermarket AM/FM/cassette stereo that isn’t connected, and a proper factory-style radio would be a welcome upgrade, but if you’re listening to the radio in a Corvette roadster with side pipes, you’re doing it wrong. There’s also a recent black convertible top that folds easily and fits well, even on the rear deck.

As I mentioned, the 327 cubic inch V8 under the hood is a correctly stamped HV-code L79 unit for a 1965 Corvette with a 4-speed. Contrary to what most folks believe, the L79 used a hydraulic lifter camshaft yet still happily revved to 6000 RPM. It’s docile enough that your mother could drive it to the market, but driven to its potential, it was shockingly effective on the street. In fact, the L79 camshaft was so effective that it became the most popular cam at GM parts counters for guys looking to upgrade their small blocks’ performance. The engine would stay in tune just about forever, the spark plugs rarely foul, and it’s happy to idle at 800 RPM in traffic. In short, if you want a Corvette that will pin your ears back but doesn’t ask for a pound of flesh to do so, the L79 is a brilliant choice.

This L79 was completely rebuilt by a reputable speed shop about 500 miles ago and runs superbly. The big Holley means it’s a little grumpy when it’s cold, but get it warmed up and the slightly lumpy idle is rock stable at 800 RPM and it feels like it could pull forever. It never sounds or feels strained and barks through the gears with shocking ferocity. The block was painted correct Chevy Orange, the finned valve covers were part of the Corvette package, and it wears a correct open-element air cleaner, which was standard on the L79. It’s only a set of decals away from being factory-correct. The “ram’s horn” exhaust manifolds were ceramic coated to keep them clean and help control heat, and there are a few chrome dress-up pieces like the oil filler and water neck, just to add a little sparkle. Reproduction hoses and correct clamps were used, which is always a welcome sign of a conscientious builder, and the original ignition shield remains in place. It always starts easily and reliably, and driving a high-revving small block with side pipes is one of those automotive experiences that you just shouldn’t miss.

The L79 is ideally suited to the Muncie 4-speed living behind it. Clutch take-up is smooth and progressive, making it easy to live with in traffic, and the Muncie will take all the abuse you can dish out, so go ahead and drive it like you stole it. 3.36 gears out back are a good compromise that keep the L79 in the sweet spot of its torque curve without getting annoying on the highway, making this a car that can go on longer road trips without complaints. The chassis is clean, but no longer detailed for show, and it’s remarkable how much space there is underneath with the exhaust heading outboard towards the rockers. 4-wheel disc brakes were a recent addition to the Corvette features list, and they’ve been fully rebuilt and feel powerful and confident, while the steering is direct and precise even without power assist (you don’t really need it with a small block anyway). There’s no rust (the floors are fiberglass anyway), no signs of previous accident damage, and it’s been nicely maintained all its life, so you can drive it with confidence. Finally, it’s fitted with handsome knock-off wheels which totally make the car look wicked, as well as a fresh set of 205/75/15 whitewall radials.

Not a pedigree Corvette but not priced like one, either, this cool roadster has a long list of virtues and no vices. If you’re the kind of guy who likes to use his equipment and use it as intended, this Corvette will delight you. Pretty enough to turn every head but not so perfect that it needs to be constantly mothered, it’s immensely satisfying in every way. Reliable, fast, fun, and gorgeous, this is how all hobby cars should be. Call today!