Image Credit: Bullet Motorsports Inc.There's something inherently tempting about a vintage race car you can legally drive on public roads, and this 1965 Chevrolet Corvette fits that description rather spectacularly. With decades of competition history, a high-revving small-block V8, and a four-speed manual, it looks ready for another afternoon at the circuit rather than retirement in a collection.The C2 Corvette is being offered by Bullet Motorsports and is headed to an online auction, where it will sell subject to a hidden reserve. No pre-auction price has been announced, leaving the market to decide what this piece of American racing history is worth.According to the seller, the Corvette competed in SCCA A and B Production as well as Trans-Am competition between 1966 and 1983. It later participated in historic racing, and its competition history is documented by an included SCCA logbook.AdvertisementAdvertisementDespite its extensive racing preparation, the Corvette retains its original VIN and trim tag and, crucially, has a title. Bullet Motorsports describes it as street legal, meaning its next owner isn't necessarily limited to trailers and racetracks when deciding where to enjoy it.A Small-Block Built To RevImage Credit: Bullet Motorsports Inc.Under the hood is a naturally aspirated small-block V8 that Bullet Motorsports says produces approximately 500 horsepower. The engine uses a 327 crank, Dart cylinder heads, a Holley intake and a modified 780-CFM carburetor, while its 12.5:1 compression ratio means it requires 110-octane fuel.Rather than chasing an extreme four-figure output, the engine was reportedly built with durability in mind. Power reaches the rear wheels through an M22 "Rock Crusher" four-speed manual and a 4.11 Positraction rear end, with the seller claiming the gearing allows around 150 mph at 7,500 rpm.Built For Serious Track WorkImage Credit: Bullet Motorsports Inc.This isn't a road-going Corvette wearing a few racing stickers. The chassis has been gusseted and welded for additional rigidity, while the suspension combines 550-pound front springs, a five-leaf rear setup and adjustable dampers.AdvertisementAdvertisementBraking is handled by a J56-style setup paired with a 1967 dual-circuit master cylinder. There's also a differential cooler, side-exit exhausts and an insulated nine-quart dry-sump oil tank designed to prevent oil starvation during hard cornering.Inside, nearly every detail reinforces the car's competition purpose. A full roll cage dominates the cabin alongside a removable racing steering wheel, racing seat, accessible switches and gauges monitoring essentials such as oil pressure, oil temperature, coolant temperature, voltage and fuel level.It Still Looks Like A Proper C2Image Credit: Bullet Motorsports Inc.The Corvette wears blue paint with contrasting racing stripes and No. 8 graphics, with the paint and bodywork credited to Classic Auto Restoration. Torque Thrust-style wheels, extended wheel studs, side pipes, a front splitter and tow hook complete the period competition look.Race use has inevitably left some evidence behind, and Bullet Motorsports rates the car at roughly seven out of 10 overall. The seller notes minor bumps, imperfections, and some panel-fit issues, particularly around the hood, which aren't exactly surprising on a Corvette that spent years doing what it was built to do.A Race Car You Can Drive HomeIts history may ultimately be the biggest attraction. In addition to its SCCA documentation, the Corvette was reportedly featured in a four-page spread in the August 2001 issue of Corvette Cars & Parts magazine, giving prospective bidders another piece of documentation for its past.AdvertisementAdvertisementPlenty of restored C2 Corvettes spend their lives moving between climate-controlled garages and concours lawns. This one offers something considerably louder: roughly 500 horsepower, a four-speed manual, genuine competition history, and the ability to leave the trailer at home when the mood strikes.If you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you don't miss what's coming next.
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