Tom Tramutola has Two Pristine, Original ’67 Big-Blocks in His Stable

A completely original, unrestored big-block is a rare and exceptional find, but a pair isn’t fair!

Tom Tramutola of Naples, Florida, has a pair of the most beautiful ’67 big-blocks we’ve ever seen, making him a man to envy. When a classic Sting Ray is referred to as “original,” it conjures up an image of a “show car” never driven on the street, or a restoration that makes it appear like it did when it left the factory. To find a pair of original, unrestored big-block Sting Rays in the same garage is something very special.

These two beauties show only the natural signs of aging, such as minor hairline cracks and some pitting in the 34-year-old original paint. The interiors are perfect with only minor fading of the carpet to hint at their maturity.

The Maroon coupe was awarded a 98-point Top Flight Award in 1988, and although the convertible hasn’t been judged, it wouldn’t embarrass its owner, either. Without rare cars like these, it would be virtually impossible to properly replicate the hundreds of details necessary in a quality restoration.

Tom’s ’67 Sting Rays sport the two different versions of the Tri-powered optional 427ci engine. The striking Marlboro Maroon coupe features a black vinyl interior and power courtesy of the L71 435hp solid-lifter tri-carbed engine matched to the N11 off-road exhaust system. This, coupled to an M21 four-speed close-ratio gearbox, sends power to the rear wheels via a 4.11 Posi-equipped rearend, while the F41 heavy-duty suspension keeps all four tires planted firmly on the ground. Power windows, AM-FM radio, and Soft Ray tinted glass fill out the option list.

Thirty-four years and 25,000 miles after leaving Harry Mann Chevrolet in California, this beauty still takes your breath away, both in appearance and performance.

Tom’s “drop-top” is no less unique. The Goodwood Green convertible has a Saddle leather interior complementing its black soft top. Its tri-carbed 400hp L68 engine is the hydraulic-lifter version of the one found in his coupe. Power is transmitted through the same M21 close-ratio gearbox with a taller 3.36 Posi-equipped gearset in the rearend. The optional K66 transistor ignition provides the spark while shoulder harnesses hold you securely in the bucket seats. A telescopic steering wheel provides direction, and a speed-warning indicator helps keep the “loud” pedal under control.

The convertible, still sporting its original paint, was Tom’s first big-block, acquired in 1986 after she’d seen 49,500 miles of fun. First attracted to its extensive GM paperwork and original owner’s 18-year maintenance log, Tom became the originality buff he is today.

These ’67s are two excellent examples of what Corvettes have begged for from the beginning—to be driven and enjoyed, not garaged and protected. With slightly fewer than 75,000 miles between the two of them, they have lots of enjoyment left in them. But, still—a pair isn’t fair!