Sold 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 Big Brake Coupe - "The Desert Rat"

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1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 Big Brake Coupe - "The Desert Rat"

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**THIS VEHICLE WILL BE SELLING WITH NO RESERVE AT THE UPCOMING BARRETT JACKSON AUTO AUCTION BEING HELD IN SCOTTSDALE, AZ JANUARY 20-28, 2024. IT’S SELLING ON SATURDAY JANUARY 27TH - LOT #1309. IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING PLEASE REGISTER DIRECTLY WITH BARRETT JACKSON TO BID. IT’S A QUICK AND SIMPLE PROCESS. YOU CAN BID IN PERSON, ONLINE OR OVER THE PHONE. PLEASE CALL WITH ANY QUESTIONS. YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS HUGE OPPORTUNITY! THANK YOU.**

“The Desert Rat” is recognized worldwide because of its unbelievable story. This 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 Big Brake Coupe with 42,586 actual miles was inspected by Corvette expert Roy Sinor in December of 2023. This car retains its original VIN tag, original Trim Tag, original color combination and original drivetrain. This example is one of only 3,754 built with the “L71” 427/435 option in both coupes and convertibles. It’s also one of only 267 built with the “J56” Special Heavy Duty Brakes option. It’s accompanied with the original Corvette Order Copy “Tank Sticker”, original 1967 New Vehicle Inspection form, copy of the Corvette Order Form 7 and copy of the Window sticker which were all validated by the NCRS as GM/UAW work produced the time the car was built. This car was ordered with a Goodwood Green exterior, Green vinyl interior, tinted glass, 7.75x15 white side wall tires, PB AM/FM radio, transistor ignition, 435hp V8, 4-spd close ratio transmission, positract axle with 3.55 gears, special suspension, vacuum power brakes and heavy duty brakes. It was purchased at Miller Chevrolet located in Grand Haven, MI on June 22, 1967 by Steven Brown who was a dealership employee. He removed the original engine to a safe place and added an “L88” engine as he raced within the SCCA in the 1960’s and 1970’s. A copy of the original Michigan title, copies of registrations from 1977, 1985, 1987 and 1989 are included. Original photos of the car from 1967, 1968 and 1974 on the Michigan International Speedway are also included. Steve put the original engine back in the car and sold it to Seko Rockets Enterprises ( Jim Barsano and Rich Bogosian) which is documented with copies of original title, registration transfer and photos. The car underwent a frame off restoration by Nabers Brothers which was completed in February of 1990. The car won “Best of Show” at the Houston Classic Car Show on February 18th, 1990. Unfortunately, on February 19th between the hours of 1:00-6:00am it was stolen from the parking lot at the LA Quinta Motel. A stolen advertisement from the Driveline Newspaper describing the car is included. After months of searching a settlement payment was made by Northwestern Insurance Company which is documented with paperwork. On September 3rd, 1991 the car was found in the Yuma, Arizona desert by U.S. Border Control pilot Hank Hayes during a search and rescue mission of a 15 year old boy who had broken his ankle climbing the canyon with his father. The car was covered by a light blue car cover that blew off. Since the car was trailered to the location it only had 4 additional miles on the odometer and the keys were still in the ignition. The Report of Apprehension and Yuma County Sheriff’s Department report along with photos of the car in the desert are included. The car was sold back to the second owner Rich Bagosian on November 10, 1991 which is documented with copies of letters and registrations that are included. Although the car was in very nice condition, the second owner did another frame off restoration with D&B Corvettes that was completed in 1992 which is documented with photos. After completion it achieved two NCRS Regional “Top Flight” awards and one National “Top Flight” award. It also achieved Bloomington Gold “Gold Certified”. It was featured in Vette magazine in April of 1999 which is included. It’s been with the last two owners for the last 23 years with limited exposure. The entire car is in beautiful condition throughout. The original matching numbers 427/435 Tri-Power V8 breathes through added side pipes. The engine was rebuilt by the last owner and a set of “L88” heads were added. The original “L71” heads are included. The engine is coupled to the original matching numbers 4-spd manual transmission. A list of all the owners with copies of titles and parts assembly dates is included. This car was recently serviced and detailed which is documented with an invoice. From the MS CLASSIC CARS Collection.