The first production ’65 Vette sporting serial number 001, will be in the spotlight during the upcoming Mecum auction this January in Kissimmee, and it is estimated to rake in quite a few bucks – between $100,000 – $150,000 worth.

Starting in 1963, the second gen Sting Ray designed by Bill Mitchell was first introduced. Engineer Zora Arkus Duntov decided to go with an upgraded suspension and the addition of the Mark IV big-block. Also, he believed that the big brakes were necessary when it came to performing on track. Then in 1965, disc brakes behind all four wheels became standard equipment for the Corvette.

People were excited to vigorously test out this new ’65 Vette to expose any flaws in the drum brakes, but unsurprisingly the Vette surpassed everyone’s expectations by keeping everything intact, giving this car the impression of a true performance car. The drivers felt that combining the Vette’s big braking system with a small-block V8 would make this car unstoppable.

Built by John Evans and five of his coworkers, this first ’65 Vette was built as a pilot car and served as GM’s display vehicle for the standard four-wheel brake system. It then hit the show circuit in 1964 from April until December, it then was once a part of the famous Bob McDorman collection. This is also the first Vette to don the Satin Silver hue, trim code ZZ for Cadillac.

Stuffed inside of the engine bay of this rare Vette is a L76 327/365 HP V8 routing power down to a 4-speed transmission and through to the rear end sporting a  4.11:1 Posi-traction. Giving the exterior that classic Vette look, it features aluminum Kelsey Hays knock-off wheels complete with Whitewalls.

Being the only mid-year Vette rocking the 001 serial number, it is unrestored with just 28,000 miles with all history documented. It also has the only teak wood steering wheel available inside the cabin and power antenna equipped with AM/FM radio. Does the serial number weigh more heavily than anything else on this Vette, or do you think it will be snagged up by a collector, never to be so