The L78 engine was introduced in 1965 as the first big-block engine in the Corvette lineup. This 396 “Turbo Jet” was $556.65 over the base $4,321.00 price of a standard Coupe and was offered in 1965 only.

The L78 required extra clearance on the hood and they were fitted with a “power blister” scoop specific to this engine. GM also required the purchase of a K66 Transistor Ignition System ($75.35) and M20 4-Speed Manual transmission ($188.30) on top of the $292.70 L78 engine.

Included with the engine package was heavier front coil springs, a larger stabilizers and better rear suspension mounts.

For competition, race customers had a range of options available to them including the N03 36-Gallon Fuel Tank, closer rear axle ratios and the C48 Heater/Defroster Delete (-100). Most cars equipped like this came with either L78 or the L84 with Ram-Jet Fuel Injection.

All 1965 cars received new rocker panels, a blacked out grill with horizontal bars, a function vertical louvers behind the front wheels. Minor upgrades to the 1965 model year included a power antenna, redesigned seats, standard disc brakes, a telescoping steering wheel, new dashboard gauges and optional side exhausts.

Standard colors for the year were Tuxedo Black, Ermine White, Nassau Blue, Glen Green, Milano Maroon, Silver Pearl, Rally Red, Goldwood Yellow and Crocus Yellow.

Major options included Genuine Leather Seats ($80.70), Air Conditioning ($421.80), Powerglide Automatic Transmission ($199.10), M20 4-speed Manual Transmission ($188.30), Side Mount Exhaust System ($134.50), Cast Aluminum Knock-Off Wheels ($322.80) and an AM/FM Radio ($203.40).

Of the total 8,186 Corvette Coupes produced in 1965, 618 were equipped with the 396 L78 which was 13.24% of the production.

Story by Richard Michael Owen

In Detail

type	Series Production Car
built at	St. Louis, Missouri, USA
production	618
price $	$ 4,877.65
engine	V8
position	Front Longitudinal
aspiration	Natural
valvetrain	Pushrod OHV, 2 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed	Holley 4150 4-Barrel
displacement	6489 cc / 396 in³
bore	103.99 mm / 4.094 in
stroke	95.5 mm / 3.76 in
power	316.9 kw / 425 bhp @ 6400 rpm
specific output	65.5 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	297.41 bhp per tonne
torque	562.66 nm / 415 ft lbs @ 4000 rpm
body / frame	Ladder-Type Frame
driven wheels	RWD
wheel type	Steel Discs
front tires	6.70×15
rear tires	6.70×15
front brakes	Drums
f brake size	69.85 x 279 mm / 2.75 x 11 in
rear brakes	Drums
r brake size	50.80 x 279 mm / 2.0 x 11 in
steering	Saginaw Recirculating Ball
f suspension	A-Arms w/Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar, Tubular Shock Absorbers
r suspension	Half Shafts w/Lateral Struts, Radius Rods, Transverse Leaf Springs, Hydrualic Shock Absorbers
curb weight	1429 kg / 3150 lbs
wheelbase	2489 mm / 98 in
front track	1443 mm / 56.8 in
rear track	1463 mm / 57.6 in
length	4450 mm / 175.2 in
width	1768 mm / 69.6 in
height	1443 mm / 56.8 in
transmission	3-Speed Manual
final drive	3.36:1
top speed	~229 kph / 142.3 mph
0 – 60 mph	~5.7 seconds
0 – 100 mph	~13.4 seconds
0 – 1/4 mile	~14.1 seconds

Auction Sales History

1965 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe – sold for $46,000

In its first year of production the 396/425 HP big block-equipped 1965 Chevrolet Corvette was at its rarest in coupe form, a fact that today makes this beautiful example a rare find. It has been driven just 2,200 miles since the completion of its restoration in 2002, which included refinishing it in the original color combination of Nassau Blue with a Blue interior. Mechanical details include the professionally built 396 CI engine (suitable for running on pump gasoline) a rebuilt 4-speed transmission and rebuilt brake cylinders.

Auction Source: 2012 Daytime Auction by Mecum