Description

The 1967 Corvette Sting Ray Coupe equipped with the 427-cubic-inch V8 rated at 435 horsepower represented the most powerful factory small-block Corvette of its era. Under the sculpted hood sat Chevrolet’s L71 “Tri-Power” setup—three Rochester two-barrel carburetors feeding a high-lift hydraulic cam and high-compression pistons. With peak output at 6,000 rpm and a broad torque band delivering nearly 460 lb-ft low in the rev range, this engine could accelerate the lightweight fiberglass coupe from 0 to 60 mph in just over five seconds, and push top speed past 150 mph when paired with the optional close-ratio four-speed manual transmission.

Visually, the ’67 coupe retained the sleek fastback profile introduced in 1964, with a single-piece rear window replacing the earlier split design. Subtle cues distinguished the 435-hp variant: small “427” and “Tri-Power” scripts in the side coves, a pronounced cowl-induction hood scoop, and optional chrome side-exit exhaust tips. Underneath, heavy-duty front springs and larger stabilizer bars helped tame the engine’s prodigious output, while standard four-wheel disc brakes provided strong, fade-resistant stopping power. Buyers could also specify the Z06 performance package to gain even stiffer suspension components and a larger-capacity fuel tank for endurance driving.

Inside the coupe, Chevrolet struck a balance between performance and comfort. Deeply bolstered bucket seats offered support during aggressive cornering, and the twin-cowl dashboard placed large, easy-read gauges directly in the driver’s line of sight—including an 8,000 rpm tachometer. Options such as power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, and a removable hardtop allowed owners to tailor the car for both weekend track use and long-distance touring. Despite its ferocious performance credentials, the 427/435-hp Corvette remained surprisingly livable on public roads.

Production numbers for the L71 427/435 were quite limited—fewer than 600 coupes were built—making it one of the rarest and most sought-after second-generation Corvettes. Today, examples in original or concours-quality condition command top dollar at auction and are considered blue-chip collectibles. As the capstone of the C2 era’s performance offerings, the 435-horsepower 427 coupe stands as a testament to Chevrolet’s engineering prowess and the Corvette’s emergence as a true world-class sports car.