Exploring the Legacy of a Classic: Dr. Mark Davis Collection’s 1967 Corvette

Unveiling a Timeless Classic

Welcome to a rare glimpse into history through the lens of an iconic 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Coupe from the esteemed Dr. Mark Davis Collection. This Corvette, a part of automotive lore, is set to be showcased at the Mecum Kissimmee Auction, marking an extraordinary opportunity for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Awards and Legacy

This particular Corvette, bearing the VIN 194377S117084, has a storied past entrenched in accolades and preservation. Dr. Mark Davis, a prominent collector, proudly displayed this beauty at the Galveston Island Convention Center during the Corvette Chevy Expo in March 2019. Notably, this stunning car clinched several prestigious awards during its time there, including the coveted Tri-Power Award, the President’s Award, and the Best of Show Corvette Cup.

An Impeccable Original

What sets this 1967 Corvette apart is its immaculate preservation. With a mileage of just 32,202 miles, it retains an astonishingly original condition, with minor modifications limited to essentials like the battery, tires, and a single radiator hose replacement. Its exceptional state has garnered over a dozen revered awards in the Corvette realm, including Bloomington Gold, Survivor, and Benchmark Certification, and the NCRS Top Flight honors, among others.

Tracing the Corvette’s Journey

This Corvette’s journey traces back to its birth on April 26, 1967, at the St. Louis assembly plant. Initially delivered to Hauser Chevrolet in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, it served as a demonstrator and promotional vehicle for the dealership’s principal. In September 1967, it found its first owner, William C. Zemen, who cherished and preserved it meticulously for 38 years in a climate-controlled environment.

The car passed hands to John Ballard of Kentucky, a revered figure in the automotive paint industry and a distinguished NCRS member. Eventually, in 2017, it found its way into the possession of Dr. Mark Davis, entering the collection at a mere 32,141 miles on the odometer.

Unparalleled Honors

What truly distinguishes this Corvette is not just its pristine condition but also its unique honors. It remains the sole 1967 Corvette to receive the All-Time Preservation Award from the Historical Vehicle Association of America. Moreover, it secured the Best in Preservation Class at the Hilton Head and Greenbrier Concours d’Elegance, further solidifying its place in automotive history.

Witnessing Automotive Excellence

For enthusiasts and collectors eager to witness this piece of automotive excellence, mark your calendars for January 2–14, 2024, at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida. This is a rare opportunity to witness a true masterpiece in person, available for sale at the Mecum Kissimmee Auction.

Connecting with Corvette Legacy

The Corvette Chevy Expo, an annual event held in Galveston, Texas, has been a platform where this Corvette has garnered numerous accolades. To delve deeper into the history and significance of the Tri-Power Award and witness the allure of the Corvette Chevy Expo, enthusiasts are encouraged to showcase their own Corvettes or Chevys or secure tickets to this iconic event.

Embracing Automotive History

This Corvette’s story is a testament to meticulous preservation and an unwavering dedication to automotive excellence. Don’t miss the chance to witness this automotive legend make its mark at the Mecum Kissimmee Auction while celebrating its legacy at the Corvette Chevy Expo. Discover more about the Tri-Power Award and the Corvette Chevy Expo to immerse yourself in the world of automotive splendor.

Mark Davis’ 1967 Sting Ray Photo Gallery

Corvette Chevy Expo 2019

1967 Corvette Sting Ray Coupe Nuts and Bolts:

• Model: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Coupe
• VIN / SERIAL: 194377S117084
• Mileage: 32,202 miles
• Production Date: Built on Wednesday, April 26, 1967
• Assembly Plant: St. Louis, Missouri
• Original Dealer: Hauser Chevrolet in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
• First Owner: William C. Zemen of Portland, Pennsylvania (acquired on September 21, 1967)
• Previous Owners: John Ballard of Louisville, Kentucky, and Dr. Mark Davis of South Carolina
• Condition: Impeccably preserved in an original state, with minor maintenance such as battery, tires, and one radiator hose replacement
• Awards & Certifications: Bloomington Gold, Survivor and Benchmark Certification, NCRS Top Flight honors, NCRS Bowtie Preservation, 5-Star Preservation Awards, All Time Preservation award by the Historical Vehicle Association of America, Best in Preservation Class at Hilton Head Concours d’Elegance and Greenbrier Concours d’Elegance, Tri-Power Award, President’s Award, Best of Show Corvette Cup at Corvette Chevy Expo, among others
• Noteworthy Features: Matching numbers, highly original condition, extensively documented history, featured in Vette Vues Magazine, used by NCRS for training purposes, unique awards and accolades

Note: The car comes with extensive documentation, including original invoices, receipts, manuals, brochures, historical pictures, maintenance logs, and various original dealership items and documents.

VIN 194377S117084 Breakdown:

• 1: Chevrolet Motor Division
• 94: Corvette Series
• 37: Body Style Code for 2-Door Coupe
• 7: 1967 Model Year
• S: Final Assembly Plant in St. Louis, MO
• 1: Check Digit
• 17084: Sequential Vehicle Numbering
  • This Corvette is number 17,084 out of 22,940 built in the 1967 model year

Protect-O-Plate Data

• STD: Code for standard black vinyl interior
• 986: Silver Pearl paint code
• 194377S117084: Vehicle Identification Number
• H: Carburetor source code for Holley
• T0407ILH: Engine number with carburetor source code added (H – Holley)

According to The Complete Restoration & Technical Guide -Vol. 2 by Noland Adams, pg. 449, “Some, perhaps all 1967 Corvette Protect-O-Plates have the carburetor source code listed to the right of the engine number, while the actual number stamped on the engine stamp pad would not include the final H.

Protect-O-Plate Engine Number Breakdown:

• T: Engine assembled in Tonawanda, NY
• 0407: Engine assembled on Friday, April 7, 1967
• IL: Engine suffix code for 427 cubic inch, 390 horsepower, hydraulic lifters, and a special camshaft with manual transmission
• H: Carburetor source code for Holley

Protect-O-Plate Rear Axle Number Breakdown:

• FA: Rear axle code for 427 engine with 3.70:1 positraction
• 0418: Rear axle assembled on Tuesday, April 18, 1967
• W: Rear axle assembled in Warren, MI
• N: Vehicle build month code for April 1967

Protect-O-Plate Transmission Number Breakdown:

• P: Prefix for Muncie 4-speed
• 7D 12: Transmission assembled by Muncie on Wednesday, April 12, 1967

Trim Tag Data:

• 125: Body build date code for Tuesday, April 25, 1967
• Style: 67 437
  • 67: 1967 model year
  • 437: Body code for coupe
• Body: S5609
  • S: Body built by Chevrolet in St. Louis, MO
  • 5609: Body sequence number
• Trim: STD
  • STD: Trim code for standard black vinyl interior
• Paint: 986AA
  • 986: Paint code for silver pearl
  • AA: Paint code option suffix code

Frame Stencil:

• 303196 / 33 – GC
  • 303196: A.O. Smith part number
  • 33: A.O. Smith production number
  • GC: A.O. Smith production plant in Granite City, IL
• 2900200 – 4 – 21 -67
  • 2900200: GM part number
  • 4 – 21 – 67: Production date, Friday, April 21, 1967
  • This 1967 Corvette frame was manufactured for GM by the A.O. Smith Company at their Granite City, IL plant on Friday, April 21, 1967

Engine Numbers:

• Engine stamp pad numbers: T0407IL 7117084
  • T: Engine assembled in Tonawanda, NY
  • 0407: Engine assembled on Friday, April 7, 1967
  • IL: Engine pad suffix code for 427 cubic inch, 390 horsepower, 4-speed, hydraulic lifters, with special camshaft and 4 BBL
  • 7: 1967 model year
  • 1: Check digit
  • 17084: Vehicle production number 17,084 out of 22,940 Corvettes produced in 1967

Engine Description:

• 1967 model option: L36
  • 427 cubic inch, 390 horsepower engine with 2-bolt main block, hydraulic lifters, special camshaft, and Holley 4 BBL carburetor list number 3811 (model 4160)
• Compression ratio: 10.25:1

Engine Block:

• Casting number: 39043 51 (427 cubic inch 2-bolt main block)
• Casting date code: C 21 7 (Tuesday, March 21, 1967)

Carburetor:

• Holley 4 BBL model 4160, type R-3811A
• Air horn stamped numbers:
  • 3906633-EO: Chevrolet part number
  • List 3811: Holley list number
  • 6B2: Carburetor assembly date code
    • 6: 1966
    • B: Holley month code for December
    • 2: Second week
  • This 4 BBL carburetor was manufactured by Holley the second week of December 1966
• Metering block stamp: 4 796

Cast Iron Intake Manifold:

• Casting number: 3866948
• Casting date code: D 3 7 (Monday, April 3, 1967)

Engine Cylinder Heads:

• Casting number for both: 3909802
• Left side casting date code: D 3 7 (Monday, April 3, 1967)
• Right side casting date code: C 30 7 (Thursday, March 30, 1967)

Engine Exhaust Manifolds:

• Left side casting number: 3880827
  • No visible casting date code provided.
• Right side casting number: 3880828
  • Right side casting date code: H 31 6
    • (Wednesday, August 31, 1967)

Transmission:

• Muncie M21 close ratio 4-speed
• Main case casting number: 3885010
• Main case casting date: 3rd week of September 1966
• Extension housing cast number: 3857584
• Extension housing casting date: 2nd week of March 1967
• Side cover casting number: 3884685
• Side cover casting date: 4th week of March 1967
• Side cover GM part number metal tag: 3880853
• VIN number stamped on driver’s side of the main case: 7S 117084
• Main case assembly date code: P7D12
  • P: Prefix for Muncie 4-speed
  • 7: 1967 model year
  • D: April
  • 12: 12th day
• This Muncie M21 close ratio 4-speed transmission was assembled on Wednesday, April 12, 1967.

Engine Exhaust Manifolds:

• Left side casting number: 3880827
  • (Casting date code not visible.)
• Right side casting number: 3880828
  • Right side casting date code: H 31 6 (Wednesday, August 31, 1967)

Transmission Details:

• Transmission Type: Muncie M21 close ratio 4-speed
• Main case casting number: 3885010
  • Main case casting date: 3rd week of September 1966
• Extension housing cast number: 3857584
  • Extension housing casting date: 2nd week of March 1967
• Side cover casting number: 3884685
  • Side cover casting date: 4th week of March 1967
• Side cover GM part number metal tag: 3880853
• VIN number stamped on driver’s side of the main case: 7S 117084
• Main case assembly date code: P7D12
  • P: Prefix for Muncie 4-speed
  • 7: 1967 model year
  • D: April
  • 12: 12th day
• Conclusion: This Muncie M21 close ratio 4-speed transmission was assembled on Wednesday, April 12, 1967.

Rear Axle:

• Stamped alphanumeric identification code: FA 4 18 67
  • FA: Rear axle code for 427 engine with a 3.70:1 positraction
  • 4: April
  • 18: 18th day
  • 67: 1967 model year
• Conclusion: This rear axle was assembled by General Motors in Warren, MI on Tuesday, April 18, 1967.

Engine Clutch Fan:

• Ink stamped: CK (identification code for 427 clutch fan)
• Ink stamped date code: C 22 H (Wednesday, March 22, 1967)

Water Pump:

• Casting number: 3856284
  • (Casting date code not visible.)

Bell Housing:

• Casting number: 3899621
• Casting date code: 3rd week of February 1967

Distributor:

• Delco Remy model number: 1111247
• Date code: 6 H 15 (Monday, August 15, 1966)

Spark Plug Wires:

• Original spark plug wires date coded l-Q-67 (first quarter 1967)

Ignition Coil:

• Original “264” 12v (last 3 digits of part number – 12 volt)

Voltage Regulator:

• Delco Remy model number: 1119515 (12v)
• Date code: 7 D (April 1967)

Starter:

• Delco Remy model number: 1107365
• Date code: 7 D 13 (Thursday, April 13, 1967)

Alternator:

• Delcotron alternator by Delco Remy
• Model number: 1100693 – 37 A (37 Amp)
• Date code: 7 D 18 (Tuesday, April 18, 1967)
• 12 v neg: 12 volt, negative ground

Horns:

• Dual Delco Remy horns
  • Left part number: 9000487
    • Left date code: 7 C 2 (1967, March, 2nd week)
  • Right part number: 9000488
    • Right date code: 7 C 1 (1967, March, 1st week)

Frame Stencil:

• Stamped in white ink on the passenger side frame rail:
  • 303196 I 33 – GC
  • 3900200 – 4 – 21 – 67
• Frame stencil numbers breakdown:
  • 303196: A.O. Smith part number
  • 33: A.O. Smith production number
  • GC: A.O. Smith plant in Granite City, IL
  • 3900200: GM part number
  • 4 – 21 – 67: This Corvette frame was assembled for GM by A.O. Smith in Granite City, IL on Friday, April 21, 1967

N11 Off Road Exhaust:

• This Corvette still retains its ENTIRE original exhaust system, including both off-road mufflers and the original cast zinc chrome-plated exhaust tips.
• The mufflers are welded to the pipes, which is correct for N11 off-road exhaust systems. Both mufflers are identical and still retain the original factory yellow ink stamp “OFF. ROAD. ASSY.

Shock Absorbers:

• Front: Delco Pliacell part number: 3186906
  • Date code: 47-67 (47th day of 1967 – Thursday, February 16, 1967)
  • Original paper tag: E L
• Rear: Delco Pliacell part number: 3186907
  • Date code: 82 – 67 (82nd day of 1967 – Thursday, March 23, 1967)
  • The original paper tag is present but not legible.

Paper Spring Tags:

• Both front coil springs retain the original “green spring tag,” labeled “EB” with GM part number 3888250, correct for heavy-duty front springs for a 427 Corvette.

Fuel Tank:

• Original stamped metal 20-gallon fuel tank with “St. Louis and GM part number 381????,” stamped in white ink on the driver’s side.
• The “Factory Build Sheet” is still attached and legible on the left side top of the tank.

Wheels:

• All 5 original 15″ x 6″ steel “Rally Wheels” by Kelsey-Hayes are stamped “DC,” correct for 1967.
• Spare wheel: 15″ x 6″ steel “Rally Wheel,” stamped “DC.”
• Spare tire: Uniroyal “Laredo” black wall 7.75-15 tire, never mounted or driven on.
• Spare Tire Storage Compartment stamped in white ink “April 21, 1967.”

Seat Belts:

• Hamill 1967
• Model# ClO
• Date code: 15 E 67, manufactured in the 15th week of 1967 (April 4 – 8, 1967).

Window Glass:

• All original “Soft-Ray” tinted LOF Safety Plate glass.
• Windshield date code: XZ (February 1967).
• Various date codes for side glass (January and April 1967) and rear glass (January 1967).

Jack Storage Compartment Cover:

• Jacking Instructions Label GM part number: 3904975, dated Tuesday, May 3, 1966.
• Positraction Caution Label GM part number: 3745926, dated Wednesday, July 22, 1958.
• J.P. Stevens & Co., Inc. Carpet Label GM part number: 3878988, 1070-T Black. Stowage Cover S/19467-37, dated Monday, March 27, 1967.
• Original jack date coded: C7 (March 1967).

Instrument Cluster:

• Dated on the back with a black ink stamp: Wednesday, March 22, 1967.

Clock:

• A “Julian Style” date code stamped in black ink on the back of the clock: 0627 (62nd day of 1967 – Friday, March 3, 1967).

Additional Notes:

• Identified as the first Corvette off the assembly line on Wednesday, April 26, 1967.
• “64” handwritten in white crayon under the passenger floorboard, believed to be an assembly line reference “job number.”
• An exceptional untouched original example showcasing original factory markings, crayon markings, shim tape, chalk shim marks, inspection paint, paint patterns, and assembly patterns. Demonstrates the originality and untouched nature of this Corvette.

Ownership History:

• This Corvette Coupe was assembled by Chevrolet at the Corvette Plant in St. Louis, MO on Wednesday, April 26, 1967.
• Delivered new to:
  • Hauser Chevrolet Company
  • Bethlehem, PA 18018
• Purchased on Thursday, September 21, 1967 by:
  • William C. Zeman
  • Portland, PA
• In 2005: Sold by the original owner to:
  • John Ballard
  • Dundee, IL
• In 2017: Sold by John Ballard to
  • Dr. Mark Davis
  • Bluffton, SC

The information provided about this Corvette Coupe’s history and specifications is sourced from details available on the Mecum Auctions website.

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