Unique C2 Mark VI Pilot Car Heads To Auction

This special machine was the first ’65 Corvette and has a very cool story to tell.

Special Offering

Each passing Mecum auctions event never fails to have at least a few interesting lots for Corvette fans, and the upcoming Indy sale – which takes place May 13-21 – is no exception. Case in point – this 1965 Corvette Mark IV Pilot Line convertible is the very first 1965 Corvette built, period, and it’s a truly special car that’s expected to crack the million-dollar mark when it crosses the block.

Photos: Mecum Auctions

First of Many

The C2 Corvette introduced GM’s big block powerplant – the Mark IV – to the iconic sports car, a pivotal moment in automotive history. Mark IV development began back in 1962 and it’s a fascinating story on its own merit, but this particular car is also special in that it’s the first non-competition Corvette ever to receive a Mark IV big-block engine and the first with 427 power.

Photos: Mecum Auctions

Origin Story

This 1965 Corvette was assembled on August 6, 1964, and as such, it was one of the first “Pilot Line” cars built at GM’s St. Louis Corvette plant to confirm assembly techniques prior to the commencement of full-scale 1965-model production. With serial number 003, it was the first convertible built that year as well and actually started life with a 1964 Corvette body and frame.

Photos: Mecum Auctions

Development Process

Once built, this Corvette was sent to GM Engineering at the company’s Warren, Michigan, Technical Center, where it was used as a development car and prototype for the 1965 Chevrolet Mark IV program. That process included fitting the Mark VI powerplant under the hood, which was completed by a team including Denny Davis, Fred Frincke, and Cal Wade, who worked closely with Corvette Chief Engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov.

Photos: Mecum Auctions

Other Updates

The car’s exterior was modified to update it for the 1965 model year with hand-built features like the front-fender side vents, while the hood was hand-made. It was also fitted with side exhaust pipes, while the car itself was used as a four-wheel disc brake development model as it became one of the first Corvettes to bear that feature as well.

Photos: Mecum Auctions

Going Public

Originally finished in Ermine White, GM covered this Corvette in Firemist Green, a 1964 Cadillac paint color, and dyed the interior to match. The C2 was photographed in front of GM’s Technical Center before it hit the show circuit, though it didn’t wind up in the crusher afterward. In fact, GM replaced the original prototype 427 with a new unit before it was sold through Don Fry Chevrolet in Warren, Michigan, in 1966.

Photos: Mecum Auctions

Hitting the Block

This special piece of Corvette history was treated to a comprehensive restoration back in 2016 by the award-winning Naber’s Motors in Houston Texa. Now, it’ll be seeking a new home very soon, where it will continue to live on as a prototype that played a critical role in the transformation of America’s sports car.

Photos: Mecum Auctions

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Keyword: Unique C2 Mark VI Pilot Car Heads To Auction