This 1964 Corvette Convertible project is in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania and is available here on eBay. This is not a project for the faint of heart but considering the going price for one is between $41,100 and $54,900 it could be worthwhile if you invested a lot of your own labor.
There is no number matching engine or transmission to go with it, but it is said to have been an original 300 HP with a factory four speed. The VIN in the pictures available has the last few digits scratched out so it would be worthwhile to find out the entire VIN perhaps before considering a purchase.
The pictures and description available show that the body is in decent shape with only a few minor repairs needed to get it ready for painting. The interior is mostly complete with 1964 seats, complete instrument cluster and glove box door. The radio is missing but certainly can be sourced or replaced with a newer model.
This C2 Sting Ray comes with a 1967 vinyl covered hardtop and the convertible top is completely missing. The frame has some rust but does not have any complete rust through. Some minor repairs would be necessary, or another frame could be sourced. The front and rear clips are said to be original as are the headlight buckets. This could be a great way to have a beautiful C2 convertible when completed, just add a bunch of labor and you will be cruising with the wind in your hair before you know it!
I’m thinking the writer’s a little optimistic with his “just add a bunch of labor” comment. It’s going to take a bunch of money too, even if the buyer’s capable of doing most of the work themselves (which not many people are).
I don’t know how the seller knows it was originally a 327/300. Neither the trim tag or VIN tag will identify the original engine and the original tach is gone (the car has a 63 speedo and tach). The trim tag does tell us the car started life in Riverside Red with a red vinyl interior, a nice combination.
Assuming the frame and birdcage are good you’re looking at $7500-$10,000 for a rebuilt Muncie and rebuilt 327 or a crate motor. Then another $500 to rebuild the rear trailing arms plus whatever else the drivetrain and chassis need. You’re looking at another $3000-$4000 for bumpers, lamps, emblems, rockers, and other new exterior trim. A soft top frame with new weatherstrip and canvas will be $5000-$6000 and $3000+ for the interior (seat covers, seat foam, door panels, arm rest, carpet, etc) before installation. A new console is about $1500, plus wheels, tires, weatherstrip, etc, etc, etc.
If you can get this car for it’s current bid of $18000 I’m guessing you’ll have $45000-$50000 in it before any paint or labor. With nice wrong motor 64’s going for around $60000, the best bet for this car is to use it as the basis for a restomod build…if you have the talent to build one or deep enough pockets to pay to have one professionally built from it.
The vin having some of the digits scratched out should be of some concern to anyone considering a restoration, but really doesn’t make much difference if hot rod is the plan.
Either way, I believe that the current bid is almost too much given the condition.
So… why would the Vin be altered. Stolen a long time ago. Maybe the real owner will recognize his car and show up with a car hauler. Would not be the first recovery of a missing Corvette. The person who has it now better be able to talk fast. That’s all, TWS.
The VIN has not been altered. The Barnfinds writer said the VIN’s been “scratched out”, when in fact the only thing done to the VIN is the last two digits of the VIN have been digitally obscured by the seller in the ad (personally I would have obscured at least the last three if I was going to obscure them). This is a quite common practice by people selling cars on line, as is obscuring the license plate(s). The seller says in the ad that that “The car comes with its original Vin tag, trim tag, and has valid paperwork.”
As an FYI to anyone interested, the trim tag body build date on the tag, “G23” decodes as March 23, 1964 for a 64 St Louis built body (bodies were also built by AO Smith, but the build dates are different than St Louis’). According to the C2 Birthday Calculator, 1964 Corvette VIN 139xx would have been on March 23, which fits with the body build date.
If Vin plate is scratched out..car is stolen..then when you try to get plates on the car..the..fbi shows up and takes the car..you lose your 20k in a flash..somebody else getscyourc64 vette..you got suckered..
Boneyard V8 and 5 spd. Maybe some rattle can flames. What else do you need?
Is there any rust ? Just Fiberglass.
SOLD for $18,600.
17 bids.
If you pay yourself a penny an hour and you really, really need a hobby , this can be the one but i think volunteering to help needy people would be a better choice …