I am looking at a 65 Chevelle SS with a 327/350 hp L79 engine and air conditioning. It is stated as a matching number engine (restamped or not, just wondering if a?c was available on these high horsepower engines. This is a body off restoration that looks very nice in pictures (detailed engine and undercarriage) What might be a ball park price for this catr in todays market? THanks for any help on this.
Chris
Chris,
I have looked through everything I have and can find no definate answer. The Dealer Albumn dosen't list the 350 HP engine so it was a mid-year addition. It would be listed as a Special high performance engine. The option code would be on the Protect-O-Plate if it isn't long cone (was to be kept in the glove box).
The engine was not available in a Chevelle in 1966.
I do see the 1965 Chevy II as being available with the the Special H.P engine and AC.
Off hand my thought would be the 1965 350 would not have been available with A.C.
one could order a 65 vette with l-79 and c-60 as the hydraulic lifters in the 327/350 hp l-79 didn't rev high enough to throw the belt off the AC compressor. hence, i suspect the chevy pass car l-79 would have had c-60 as an option. mike
Hi chris,
It is generally accepted that the L79 was not available in a 65 Chevelle body with the A/C option.
Now I find your post interesting because I have recently looked at a very similiar vehicle in Indiana. I know for a fact that the A/C was added during the frame off restoration and the workmanship is spectacular. It is a real L79 Chevelle. Asking price was $42,000 and if I had the room - it would be parked here right now.
Oliver, Do you know if that Chevelle is still for sale?? The one I am looking at is light blue with a black interior. It recently sold on ebay for $41,000. Just wondering if it is the same car? If not, I would be interested in the one you were looking at. Thanks for your input.
Chris