I love original paint cars. This Milano Maroon on Black 1965 Corvette Sting Ray is a carport find, where it languished since 1985 at the hands of the original owner. Listed here on eBay with the reserve unmet and bidding at $19,000, the perfect patina is likely driving bidders to overlook the non-matching numbers engine for a chance to own a Corvette that is otherwise unmolested.

The paint is said to be original, and the seller acquired it from the only owner its ever had. So, that either makes him a flipper or perhaps someone who acquires projects for their own use and occasionally cleans house (see the rows of Corvettes in the background). Either way, this appears to be an honest example with an attractive color scheme. The 4-speed manual is obviously desirable, even when paired to a non-original engine.

Though not much is offered in the way of details, the missing carpet at least shows solid floors and seems to align with the dry, rot-free condition of the body. That’s not to say rust isn’t hiding elsewhere, but at first glance the Sting Ray appears to have led a sheltered life. Although it’s a shame it was relegated to carport for so many years, at least it perhaps provided some protection from the elements. The leather will need repair, but the rest of the interior may be decent enough to live with in a driver-grade car once cleaned.

It’s a shame this car doesn’t retain its original engine. A Sting Ray with its matching 327 paired with the 4-speed would be a very nice car to own as both a project and an investment; this car is already going to be a pricey restoration project and without the original block, it will likely never be as desirable as the numbers-matching car. For me, that’s a deal breaker but it isn’t slowing other bidders down. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Charles H. for the find.