The 1967 Corvette has little competition for the title of most desirable Corvette year in history but at the time it was built it was all but ignored. The big news was the redesigned Corvette that was known to be lurking just over the model change horizon.

It may be that the lack of fanfare and designers’ distraction contributed to the distinctive, clean look of the ’67. Appearance changes were minimal and mostly confined to elimination of fussy trim and decoration details. Only the five-slat fender vents might have counted as an embellishment. Inside there were new seats, a revised dash without the passenger’s panic bar and one long-awaited change when the parking brake was moved to a proper pull up handle alongside the console next to the driver’s seat.

The biggest series of changes came under the hood. In 1966 there had been only two big blocks, both with single 4-barrel carburetors. For 1967 the big block 427 cubic inch engine came in four separate flavors – five counting the rarely-specified L89 aluminum head option. Two of them had a trio of Holley two-barrel carbs with a fast-acting progressive linkage that opened the front and rear carbs’ throats quickly. The hydraulic lifter version was rated at 400 horsepower while its RPO L71 solid lifter sibling cranked out a breathtaking 435 horsepower which has made it the most appreciated big block street Corvette of all.

The 427/435 ’67 Corvette is a driver’s car, demanding respect and constant attention for its combination of big block torque and high rpm solid lifter cam power. When the front and rear carbs come in the response is instant.

No doubt its character is one reason why this Marlboro Maroon ’67 427/435 Corvette Roadster is in the collection of Bruce Willis. Like many of his cars it has been personalized, including a repaint by Performance Paint in Torrance in the original color, polished Cragar S/S alloy wheels, Michelin blackwall radial tires and an Alpine 5-CD changer in the glove box with an infrared remote so it doesn’t detract from the otherwise stock appearance of the black leather interior or require removal of the original AM-FM radio in the console stack. It also has factory side exhausts. Its drivability is enhanced by having both power brakes and power steering.

It has been one of Bruce Willis’s favorite cars. Carefully and professionally maintained, it is in nearly showroom quality condition, drives well and takes off like it’s turbocharged when the second two Holleys come on line. It is one of 6,375 Corvettes built in 1967 with the L71 427/435 big block. It is the only one which has been owned by Bruce Willis.