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Comfortable Cruiser: 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

If a C2 Corvette has been on your classic radar and you’re not worried about spotless originality, this 1962 Convertible deserves a closer look. It presents well for its age, and the few reversible upgrades should allow a relaxed and comfortable classic motoring experience. It has a few needs, but addressing them is unlikely to break the bank. It is listed here on eBay in San Bruno, California. The bidding sits at $35,850, but it is yet to meet the reserve.

This Corvette presents nicely for its age, with the seller admitting it received a previous repaint in its original shade of Silver Blue. It holds a good shine, with no evidence of significant problems with the paint or fiberglass. The seller recently had the headlights rebuilt, ensuring they operate correctly. They have a documented history for the vehicle indicating it has twice received a new top in White. It presents as well as the rest of the exterior, with no rips or tears. Rust is always a consideration with these classics, and although the birdcage is sound, there are small areas of rust in the frame requiring attention. It has appeared in the rear frame rails in front of the wheel wells, but we have received no photos confirming how bad it is. The seller feels that repairs should be easy, but that would prompt me to negotiate an in-person inspection to clarify the situation. The trim looks good for a driver-grade vehicle, and the same is true of the glass.

Powering this Corvette is the L75 version of the company’s iconic 327ci V8. It should produce 300hp, which finds its way to the road via the rear wheels and a two-speed Powerglide transmission. The original owner added power steering, helping make this a comfortable and relaxed cruiser. The Powerglide saps some performance potential from the Corvette, with the journey down the ¼ mile taking 15.3 seconds. The extent of the performance loss becomes apparent when you consider that had they selected the four-speed manual, that figure would have dropped to 14.6 seconds. The seller indicates this classic is numbers-matching, with the transmission receiving a rebuild in the 1980s. They performed a few sensible mechanical upgrades, but all are reversible for those seeking factory specifications. They added a 1965 Corvette disc brake front end with Wilwood calipers and pads. They retained the factory setup and will include it in the sale. The brake upgrade prompted the addition of a dual-circuit master cylinder and power booster to improve stopping power. There is a new fuel tank, new tires, a three-core aluminum radiator, and electronic ignition. The car runs and drives well, although there are a few issues potential buyers may wish to consider. The transmission drips fluid, and there is blow-by on the right bank of that V8. The carburetor is also stubborn when cold but works well when there is heat in the system. None of these issues are catastrophic, but the blow-by issue probably indicates a rebuild is in this Corvette’s near future.

The tidy presentation continues when we assess this Corvette’s interior. The armrest and cup holders aren’t original, but they appear to be the only aftermarket additions. The original owner ordered the car trimmed in contrasting Blue and White, and the upholstered surfaces show no evidence of significant wear or abuse. The carpet presents well for its age, and the dash appears spotless. The dealership paperwork indicates the original owner added power windows and an AM/FM radio to their order, and everything works as it should.

The 1964 Corvette stands out amongst its siblings because it is one of the few models experiencing a recent value drop. The fall isn’t dramatic, but it is worth noting for those considering the investment potential of this classic. It is difficult to determine whether the tide will turn soon, but history suggests it will eventually happen. Purchasing any classic car based on its investment potential involves a leap of faith because today’s “must-have” could easily become tomorrow’s also-ran. Its Achille’s Heal, from an investment standpoint, could be the Powerglide because self-shifting Corvettes of this vintage don’t tend to attract the prices achieved by those with a manual transmission. Therefore, it is probably wiser to consider what this Convertible offers and whether it would fulfill your ownership needs. It has already attracted twenty-eight bids, suggesting a few people like what they see. I expect the price should plateau at around $42,000, although it could climb slightly higher. After all, this is the classic world, and anything is possible.

Comments

  1. Avatar Hugh

    Apologies for nitpicking, but it’s “Achilles heel” (not heal). Unfortunately for the Greek hero, he did not ‘heal’ from his wound there. Otherwise a great write up

    Like 0
  2. Avatar GuernseyPagoda

    Nice car. Hard to read ad. Take a spelling course. Gud lukk Witt dee saile……. Geez.

    Like 4
  3. Avatar gaspumpchas

    Presents nicely in the pics, but they all do. You would need an expert to evaluate the frame rust and birdcage. Worrisome. The Powerslide is a minus also, especially a leaky one. Do your homework. good luck.
    Cheers
    GPC

    Like 3
  4. Avatar dogwater

    I think the car looks pretty good but would like to take a poke at the frame with a screw driver b4 putting some money down

    Like 1
  5. Avatar Helmutt

    I Love those old Power Glides. Minor Tweaks to it and that 327 and Lookout you have a fast ass, Vette.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar V12MECH

    If it is original to Caly, shouldn’t it have the correct plate? Maybe it spent some time in a rusty frame state !

    Like 2
  7. Avatar peter k

    there are too many of these cars coming out of the woodwork to consider this one for the price.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Lowell Peterson

    If it sat and only blows from 1 side? Repace the valve seal with out tsking the engine apart ? Too easy? If it sat long that could fix it. Same with the trans ‘drip’! Replace the gasket and maybe rear seal if thats the issue. C’mon guys! Get a little dirty!!😉

    Like 1
  9. Avatar Mark

    Those kitchen clock wheelcovers aren’t doing this car any favors…..

    Like 0

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