Unicorn Alert: The Pinnacle of C2 Corvettes

[Steve Shauger]

Introducing the Duntov-certified 1967 Marina Blue L89 coupe—a crown jewel in the Corvette world and an unparalleled find for the most discerning collectors. Among the mere 16 L89s built in 1967, this example is unmatched, boasting a one-of-one ‘JH’ engine pad and retaining its original drivetrain and chassis. While the ’67 L88 models have their place in history, this L89 reigns supreme, making it the ultimate acquisition for those seeking the finest and rarest in automotive excellence.

With a VIN ending in 22908, this Corvette was assembled on the final day of ’67 production a mere 32 cars from the end.

This Corvette was originally sold to Don Stankovsky of Berkeley, CA, on July 28, 1967, by Cochran & Celli Chevrolet in Oakland. As with all ’67 Corvettes sold in California, it features the rare, mandatory K19 smog equipment.

What elevates this car further is that it's one of only two known smog-equipped L89s, with the other—a green coupe—having vanished into history.

Stankovsky, a true performance aficionado, spared no expense in outfitting this machine. The L89 aluminum cylinder heads alone added $368.65 to the base price—a significant investment at the time. He also selected the top-tier performance options: F41 stiffer suspension, M21 close-ratio 4-speed manual transmission, N14 side exhaust, K66 transistor ignition, J50 power brakes, and the L71 solid lifter motor, all wrapped in a stunning Marina Blue with black stripe exterior and a black leather interior. This car is not just about raw power; it's about sophistication and style, making a statement without uttering a word.

This particular L89’s lineage reads like a who's who of the Corvette elite, passing through the hands of some of the most respected collectors, including Chris Marcom and Bob Rowe, before finding a long-term home with Larry Martin, a renowned collector in Houston. Under the guidance of Jim Purvis, Rowe had the car expertly restored by the famed Naber brothers of Houston—a process that only added to its pedigree.

Enter "Corvette" Mike Vietro, a name synonymous with the finest Corvettes in the world. Vietro’s obsession with this L89 began nearly three decades ago when he first learned of its existence. After 29 years of relentless pursuit, his dream became a reality in 2023 when he finally acquired this automotive masterpiece from Larry Martin.

The L89’s documentation is as impeccable as the car itself, featuring an original tank sticker validated by the NCRS, the original Protect-O-Plate, and the original dealer invoice. This is a car that comes with provenance, rarity, and a story that few other Corvettes can match.

The awards are many, including a 99.27 score at the NCRS Cypress Gardens meet in 1989 and two appearances in the Bloomington Gold Special Collection. In 2023, after being carefully stored for 30 years, the car scored an incredible 98.4% at the NCRS Frisco Texas Regional Meet—a testament to the quality of the Naber brothers' restoration. It has been featured in the book *Corvette: Five Decades of Sports Car Speed*, and with fewer than 38,000 original miles, it looks like it just rolled off the factory floor.


In August 2024, this L89 was judged at the NCRS Nationals in Virginia, scoring 99.08 after meticulous preparation in Vietro’s Anaheim, CA shop. Most recently, it was profiled by MotorTrend in its coverage of the prestigious Quail event in Monterey.

This is not just a Corvette; it’s the Holy Grail of the C2 generation—a rarefied piece of automotive history, reserved for the most astute collectors. If you seek the best of the best, this 1967 Marina Blue L89 coupe is your ultimate prize.

A review of this ’67 L89’s highlights:
Original tank sticker, NCRS validated 2023.
Original dealer invoice from Cochran and Celli Chevrolet, Oakland CA.
Original protect-o-plate with original owner from Berkeley, CA.
Original side-pipes car.
Original factory leather.
Original power brakes.
Original K19 smog equipment.
Original drivetrain.
Original F41 suspension.
Nabers Bros restoration for Bob Rowe, Michigan, circa 1988.
NCRS Cypress Gardens 99.1 score in 1989.
Bloomington Gold 2004.
Bloomington Special Collection 1989 & 1992.
NCRS Top Flight Regional, Frisco, Texas,.98.4, 2023.
NCRS PV, Las Vegas Regional, April, 2024.
NCRS Duntov award August, 2024, 99.08.
Featured in MotorTrend’s coverage of exclusive invitational The Quail show on Aug. 16, 2024.

Future awards
MCACN November 2024 Gold Concours and Triple Diamond.

[Steve Shauger]

Looking forward to seeing this amazing car at MCACN!

[RPOLS3]

Originally Posted by Steve Shauger

Looking forward to seeing this amazing car at MCACN!

Me too!

[big gear head]

What is the $ value of this car? Just wondering.

[luzl78]

500,000-700,000