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327/4-Speed: 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

Okay, it’s decision time. Imagine that you’ve just bought this 1964 Corvette. This is a tidy, numbers-matching classic that is ready to be driven and enjoyed. Would you do that, or would you treat it to a repaint in its original color? While you’re pondering that one, consider whether you have always wanted to own a C2 Corvette and whether this could be that car. If the idea sounds tempting, you will find the Corvette located in Reno, Nevada, and listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set the BIN at $49,990, but there is the option to make an offer. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this classic for us.

The owner says that the Corvette presents well but that it would benefit from a cosmetic refresh. The Dover White paint and Hugger Orange stripe aren’t original because this car wore Saddle Tan paint when it rolled off the production line. Maybe I’m mellowing in my old age because I’m usually a stickler for originality with a car like this. However, there’s something quite appealing about this paint scheme. I am forced to admit that if I were to park this Corvette in my garage, I would probably treat it to a cosmetic refresh, but in the current colors. The fiberglass is in good order, with no crazing or issues around the bonding strips. The owner supplies some clear photos of the car’s underside, and the frame looks clean and sound. The Corvette comes with both a Black soft-top in good condition and a factory hardtop that is equally impressive. The chrome is very acceptable for a survivor-grade car, as is the glass. The vehicle rolls on aftermarket wheels, but whether they stay or go will be a matter of personal taste.

If the buyer is considering returning this Corvette to a factory-fresh state, they will be commencing the process with a numbers-matching vehicle. It comes equipped with a 327ci V8, a 4-speed manual transmission, and power steering. This V8 is the L76 version of the 327, which produces 365hp. It was an option that cost its buyer $107.60 when this Corvette was new, and it represented excellent value for money. Point the car at a ¼ mile, and it should demolish it in 14.1 seconds. That time was impressive when the car was new, and it would be nothing to be ashamed of today. The engine bay presents extremely well, and appearances aren’t deceptive. The ‘Vette has accumulated 16,000 miles since the owner treated the engine to a rebuild. He also installed a new clutch, as well as some new Summit suspension components and bushes. The Corvette is a turn-key classic that is ready to hit the road with a lucky new owner behind the wheel.

The buyer’s quest for originality will also include making some changes to the Corvette’s interior. The factory shifter has made way for a Hurst item, while there is also an aftermarket wheel. None of these changes are dramatic, and they could be easily reversed. The trim is Saddle vinyl, and it appears to be in good condition. The sheepskin slipcovers don’t allow us to see the seat cushions, so that is an unknown. However, the console, dash, and door trims all look great. The factory AM/FM radio has been retained, but the owner has mounted a CD player in a pod behind the seats. There are also a pair of speakers back there, along with another set in the kick panels. Once again, if the buyer doesn’t like these changes, the stereo can be removed.

One of the great attractions of this 1964 Corvette Convertible is that it is a numbers-matching classic that is structurally and mechanically healthy. The owner has performed some cosmetic changes in the past, but they don’t spell the end of the world. That means that the buyer has the option of returning it to a stock state or retaining it as-is. I don’t know which way I’d jump on that one, so I’d probably drive and enjoy it this Summer and make the final decision as the weather takes a turn for the worse. Alternatively, I could leave it stored away for Winter while I thought about it and then drive it again the following Summer to confirm the decision in my mind. If that didn’t work, I’d simply keep repeating that process. After all, we can’t rush these sorts of decisions!

Comments

  1. Avatar Fahrvergnugen Member

    I really like the new colors as opposed to beige, but the fuzzy seats gotta go as this isn’t a DD for a year-round Yooper enthusiast. It could be returned to original saddle tan at any point.

    Like 2
    • Avatar SubGothius

      A car is only original once, and this one isn’t anymore, so IMO there’s no reason to choose the original color for a respray. Keep this color scheme or pick a new one, but originality is moot now.

      Like 4
  2. Avatar Blyndgesser

    Swap in the disc brakes from a ‘65 and drive, drive, drive.

    Like 4
    • Avatar Blyndgesser

      Never mind—looks like discs are already there.

      Like 2
  3. Avatar Ken

    Front bumpers

    Like 3
    • Avatar 86_Vette_Convertible

      That’s the main complaint I have regarding C2’s, removing the front bumpers. Admittedly there is the chance of damage to the front end regardless, but it’s much greater without front bumpers. As someone that’s seen a couple of cars damaged via parking lot idiots, I would never have a car without front and rear bumpers.

      Like 5
  4. Avatar Steveo

    Color change and disc brakes…the car’s been ruined.

    Like 4
    • Avatar JC

      I can’t tell if thats sarcasm or not… ruined is pretty dramatic. I’d drive it as is.

      Like 9
  5. Avatar A.G.

    The emergency/parking brake not working could be related to the disc brake conversion. Are the brakes considered a ‘tribute’ to Brembo?

    Like 3
  6. Avatar Craigo

    The car looks like it’s been raised or the wheel wells were radiused

    Like 1
    • Avatar SubGothius

      More likely the tires are just undersized; bumping up the aspect ratio by 5 (for the same width) would prolly resolve that jacked-up/radiused illusion.

      Like 0
  7. Avatar matt

    Nice car !! 63,64,65 Corvette works for me.
    That car may not be original, but so what !
    If those are merino sheepskin covers they are a true comfort, if cheapies, toss-em.

    Like 2
  8. Avatar moosie

    The first thing I would do if it were mine is get some front bumpers for it, a pair of front springs so I could pitch those twist in spacers in the trash, either paint over that red stripe or get a ’67 hood and keep the stripe, investigate the front seat cushions and just drive it top down every opportunity I could. Nice as it sits even tho they painted over one of my favorite Corvette colors, Fawn Beige. 327/365’s were rocket ships !!!

    Like 1
  9. Avatar Gary Rhodes

    The world has enough puke colored bla bla bla Vettes, this one looks badass, but that’s my humble opinion. Fix the seats if needed and drive it. Bumpers are probably a good idea but it sure looks good without them

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Will Irby

    I would add A/C and front bumper and drive it! Despite the 14.1-second quarter mile time that is exactly the same as my 2018 2.0 liter Accord, this one would be much more fun.

    Like 0

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