We’ve recently seen a few classics at Barn Finds that have received engine upgrades, and this 1964 Corvette Convertible is one such vehicle. What helps this car to stand out is the seller’s decision to include the original motor in the sale. It means that the buyer could recapture its factory form relatively easily. The first thing it needs is a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Lake George, New York. Bidding has raced to $35,200, but that figure falls short of the reserve.
The seller is candid about this Corvette’s condition, describing its Ermine White paint as driver-quality. It presents well, with a healthy shine and no evidence of significant paint or fiberglass problems. The Black soft-top fits as tight as a drum, with no tears or defects. Below the surface, the frame is solid, with no rust to cause concerns. Its chrome and trim appear perfect, and the glass is spotless. One of the frustrating weak points with these classics is the headlamp operation, but the recent installation of new motors has eliminated that problem. This Corvette rolls on a shiny set of American Racing Torq Thrust wheels which add a sense of purpose. If the buyer is contemplating any form of restoration, locating a set of correct wheels and hubcaps should not pose any drama. Otherwise, this classic’s exterior appears to need nothing.
It is disappointing that we receive no decent interior shots, although the few glimpses afforded by the supplied photos paint a positive picture. It is upholstered in Black vinyl, and although the driver’s seatcover looks slightly stretched, the seller says there are no rips or tears. They describe it as “super nice,” suggesting the buyer won’t need to splash any cash inside this Convertible. It looks like it may include an aftermarket radio/cassette player, but it is unclear whether there are any further additions.
We’ve reached the point in this Corvette’s story which may divide opinions. Purists would prefer that this classic was unmolested, but that isn’t the case. However, all is not lost for those contemplating a return to its original specifications. The engine bay houses a 350ci small-block, although its specifications are unclear. It is hooked to a four-speed manual transmission, which should provide enjoyable motoring. The seller upgraded the suspension, dropping the ride height. They describe the driving experience as “nice,” suggesting there are no mechanical issues for the new owner to tackle. I mentioned some options for potential buyers, and it is worth clarifying them. While the suspension underwent upgrades, most of the original components are there for those craving factory specifications. More crucially, the seller includes the original engine block and rebuilt original cylinder heads. If someone is considering a faithful restoration, the opportunity exists to recapture the Convertible’s numbers-matching status.
This 1964 Corvette Convertible should appeal to a broad cross-section of enthusiasts for several reasons. It is a turn-key proposition for those seeking a tidy driver where originality isn’t a major concern. Others may feel that retaining it as a driver but returning it to factory form is the best option, and the included parts make that approach achievable. However, there will be passionate enthusiasts keen to return the car to a Concours state, and that is possible. Which category do you fall into?
I’m in the category of really liking this car. Easy to look at, sold with original engine core, and mild modifications to the suspension that eliminates the poor handling of the original suspension. Nice!
I thinks it’s great, a drivers car. Too many turning these cars into a garage trophy. Maybe upgrade the brakes and enjoy! Great car for the weekends or occasional trip to the store. ( hide a kill switch)
Agree. I have a ’66 ermine white with black top all original and drove it more before I restored it. Though mine was worse than this one, I still got thumbs up from folks who recognized what it was.
“Original engine included” might have been a better headline.
I’m not a Vette fan, but I do like this one. This should be a good car for someone who doesn’t have to spend an arm and a leg. Pretty car.
Torq Thrusts are the icing on the cake!! Good Luck.
Cheers
GPC
Seller has 2 feedbacks. Much fraudulent bidding. Be Careful. Sorry Feebay has come to this.
Cheers
GPC
Very nice hopefully stays affordable 😊
When I worked at Safeway bagging groceries,a local
female Doctor drove one of these.I’ll always remember the
time that I got 13 bags of groceries into it.
This is my favorite body style.
64 vettes are very much on the vette low ends in resale and values..due to lack of accessories and the slow development of the 64 cars..65 and 66.cars are much higher.in values..altho.this car looks.in good shape..converts.are.just that..spend their life in a garage.
1964 was a tough year to sell Corvettes. It got stuck between the game-changing 1963 and the optional big-block, standard 4-wheel disc brake 1965 models. I’m still surprised GM sold any 1964’s. They must have had one hell of a sales campaign on them.
Wanna trade for a georgous 67camaro.
Never understood the hysteria about having an “original” or “numbers matching” engine in a vehicle.
As long as what’s in there is appropriate, I’m saying love the car as it is!
I’ve never owned a Vette, but have enjoyed my several Jag XJ-S’s! To my point, if someone yanks a Jag’s original V12 and ‘lumps’ it with a SBC, that is not an appropriate substitution. But if the original V12 5.3ci was swapped with a V12 6.0, that would be appropriate. Just sayin’…..
$49,500 on Facebook marketplace. Interior photo there shows mis matched speedometer and other gauges. Hard to tell how many. Along with a non oe shifter
The pics of the rusty replaced A frames, would scare me away. Best to see this one in person up on a lift. Back in the day people drove these in the snow. The were pretty good with snows and side pipes. I did…Seen a few rotted frames as early as the late 70’s Sad one was a 63 SW my buddy bought for $2500. Decent looking, drive able, but you didn’t jack it up on the frame rails
Keep the original motor & knock a few dollar$ off the price.Perfect as it is at least for me. I didn’t realize these were poor handling cars. My first New Corvette was a ‘ 67 327-300 4 speed Lyndale Blue coupe & I thought it handled just fine.
I’ve owned a few corvettes and all of them were my “only car “at the time. Were they great in snow? Nah! I used to joke that I did a better job of plowing the roads with my ‘Vette than the town snow plows!
In thinking about it, 99% of the cars back then were front engine/ rear drive and NONE of them were great in snow. The skinny bias belted tires didn’t help either. At least the Corvettes didn’t rust “externally” and always looked great!
Hey Randy Jones that’s BS all the C2s are all about the same yes they upgraded to disk brakes and big block but they all have the same running gear. The frames are the same on the C2 and C3s also
Does it have extra tail lights, or do I need to have a visit to the optometrist?
Bruce, that’s what I thought at first… but on closer examination it’s only a reflection on the bumper.
My old eyes ain’t what they used to be either.
Jim
I see it now. That is a very shiny bumper