Unicorn Alert: The Pinnacle of C2 Corvettes
 

Introducing the Duntov-certified 1967 Marina Blue L89 coupe—a crown jewel in the Corvette world and an unparalleled find for the most discerning collectors. Among the mere 16 L89s built in 1967, this example is unmatched, boasting a one-of-one ‘JH’ engine pad and retaining its original drivetrain and chassis. While the ’67 L88 models have their place in history, this L89 reigns supreme, making it the ultimate acquisition for those seeking the finest and rarest in automotive excellence.

With a VIN ending in 22908, this Corvette was assembled on the final day of ’67 production a mere 32 cars from the end.

This Corvette was originally sold to Don Stankovsky of Berkeley, CA, on July 28, 1967, by Cochran & Celli Chevrolet in Oakland. As with all ’67 Corvettes sold in California, it features the rare, mandatory K19 smog equipment.

What elevates this car further is that it's one of only two known smog-equipped L89s, with the other—a green coupe—having vanished into history.

Stankovsky, a true performance aficionado, spared no expense in outfitting this machine. The L89 aluminum cylinder heads alone added $368.65 to the base price—a significant investment at the time. He also selected the top-tier performance options: F41 stiffer suspension, M21 close-ratio 4-speed manual transmission, N14 side exhaust, K66 transistor ignition, J50 power brakes, and the L71 solid lifter motor, all wrapped in a stunning Marina Blue with black stripe exterior and a black leather interior. This car is not just about raw power; it's about sophistication and style, making a statement without uttering a word.

This particular L89’s lineage reads like a who's who of the Corvette elite, passing through the hands of some of the most respected collectors, including Chris Marcom and Bob Rowe, before finding a long-term home with Larry Martin, a renowned collector in Houston. Under the guidance of Jim Purvis, Rowe had the car expertly restored by the famed Naber brothers of Houston—a process that only added to its pedigree.

Enter "Corvette" Mike Vietro, a name synonymous with the finest Corvettes in the world. Vietro’s obsession with this L89 began nearly three decades ago when he first learned of its existence. After 29 years of relentless pursuit, his dream became a reality in 2023 when he finally acquired this automotive masterpiece from Larry Martin.

The L89’s documentation is as impeccable as the car itself, featuring an original tank sticker validated by the NCRS, the original Protect-O-Plate, and the original dealer invoice. This is a car that comes with provenance, rarity, and a story that few other Corvettes can match.

The awards are many, including a 99.27 score at the NCRS Cypress Gardens meet in 1989 and two appearances in the Bloomington Gold Special Collection. In 2023, after being carefully stored for 30 years, the car scored an incredible 98.4% at the NCRS Frisco Texas Regional Meet—a testament to the quality of the Naber brothers' restoration. It has been featured in the book *Corvette: Five Decades of Sports Car Speed*, and with fewer than 38,000 original miles, it looks like it just rolled off the factory floor.


In August 2024, this L89 was judged at the NCRS Nationals in Virginia, scoring 99.08 after meticulous preparation in Vietro’s Anaheim, CA shop. Most recently, it was profiled by MotorTrend in its coverage of the prestigious Quail event in Monterey.

This is not just a Corvette; it’s the Holy Grail of the C2 generation—a rarefied piece of automotive history, reserved for the most astute collectors. If you seek the best of the best, this 1967 Marina Blue L89 coupe is your ultimate prize.

A review of this ’67 L89’s highlights:
Original tank sticker, NCRS validated 2023.
Original dealer invoice from Cochran and Celli Chevrolet, Oakland CA.
Original protect-o-plate with original owner from Berkeley, CA.
Original side-pipes car.
Original factory leather.
Original power brakes.
Original K19 smog equipment.
Original drivetrain.
Original F41 suspension.
Nabers Bros restoration for Bob Rowe, Michigan, circa 1988.
NCRS Cypress Gardens 99.1 score in 1989.
Bloomington Gold 2004.
Bloomington Special Collection 1989 & 1992.
NCRS Top Flight Regional, Frisco, Texas,.98.4, 2023.
NCRS PV, Las Vegas Regional, April, 2024.
NCRS Duntov award August, 2024, 99.08.
Featured in MotorTrend’s coverage of exclusive invitational The Quail show on Aug. 16, 2024.

Future awards
MCACN November 2024 Gold Concours and Triple Diamond.

Looking forward to seeing this amazing car at MCACN!

Me too!

What is the $ value of this car? Just wondering.

500,000-700,000

I wish you were right because I would write a check for it tomorrow for the higher number. That said, I think it will eventually sell for a number well north of a million. Time will tell.

I agree certainly north of 1 mil.

1967 l89
 

As info:
https://www.corvetteactioncenter.com...VIN%20List.pdf

Beautiful car… .does it really reign supreme over a similar L-88 ??

What's with the steering wheel

The steering wheel is the telescopic type with a slide lever that allows it to move in and out.
This is the only 1967 L89 Corvette with both the original engine and validated paperwork.
The combination of this and the Duntov award add tremendous value to this car.

For me personally, an L88 is far more the pinnacle than an L89 but this is certainly a very cool car and I am from Berkeley where this car's original owner lived.

No, an L88 of similar quality is well north of 3 million.

I can certainly appreciate a car like this for its authenticity and quality of restoration but in it's current state it's little more than a rolling museum display. No one can now enjoy what this car was originally intended for. I hope the original did.

L89 Vette...
 

No question...a rare and beautiful car, but you are right, it will likely never be driven hard. It is just part of the hobby...we have show cars and 'go' cars. Good to have them both :biggthumpup:

-wilma

I believe he meant that the steering wheel on that car is not an original 67 wheel.

The past owner liked the teak wood wheel so he had that on the car but saved the original for judging.

that wheel really jumps out at you. a walnut wheel would blend better.

----Have wanted to see this iconic 67 for a while now. So cool to come to MCACN this fall!!!....Bill S

1967 Corvette L71/L89 Duntov Awarded- Attending MCACN 2024
 

This is one of the cars I can't wait to see in person! It is is the Veterans Display and the owner Mike Vietro is a proud Marine. It has achieved many awards but is now competing for the Concours Gold and Triple Diamond @MCACN Nov 23 & 24 2024!!