With a solid competition history, it is probably no surprise to learn that this 1964 Corvette is far from original. Whether or not this is a good thing is an issue that is open to debate, but there is no reason why the next owner couldn’t restore it to at least close to its original specifications. Located in Elyria, Ohio, you will find the Corvette listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has now reached $18,700, and the reserve has been met.
The owner of the Corvette states that the frame is crusty in the usual spots, but that the birdcage is solid. He also says that the fender flares were added at some point after 1967, but thankfully, they are at least slight restrained in both their style and size. The car is definitely going to require a complete restoration in one form or another, but this poses a question. Would you restore it to its original specifications, or would you jump on the growing bandwagon of people looking to buy period race cars?
It’s under the hood where we discover the worst of the news on the Corvette. Originally this was a Fuelie, but that engine and all of its associated equipment are long gone. In its place, what the next owner will be getting is a 400ci V8. The transmission is a 1965-vintage M21 transmission. Obviously, the car doesn’t currently run, and when the current owner purchased it, the top end of the engine was dismantled. That means that we have no idea about the state of the engine, but the owner is including a fair collection of parts with the car.
The interior trim actually doesn’t look to be too bad, and the lack of any carpet is no surprise in a car with a racing history. In fact, given this racing past, I’m quite surprised by just how complete the interior actually is. The aftermarket tach needs to be removed, and it looks like the surround for the original gauges might need restoration, but the rest of the trim and equipment looks to be complete, right down to the original radio, and will need little work to have it looking its best again.
With a competition past, it isn’t surprising to find that the Corvette is no longer home to its original engine. There is a pretty fair chance that this succumbed to wear and tear a long time ago. So, if you bought the Corvette, would you undertake a faithful restoration, build it into the car of your dreams, or return it to the specifications and appearance that it carried during the height of its competition life?
Neat documentation and history but it’s going to take a lot of work to make this Vette presentable/usable. Interestingly, it has 1967 type fender gills.
As for the 400 CI small block engine, they’re boat anchors. I worked for a Chevrolet dealership back when those were in production and the most consistent thing that they did was overheat due to the Siamese bore cooling jacket design – the 350 available engine referenced would be a much better choice.
Of course best of all, for value, would be returning it to its fuel injection roots but that would be a very tall & expensive order.
Also the second Sting Ray to come through BF within a week with the Impala light set up.
400 Small blocks can be made to run quite good the four bolt main variety are the better ones. a drilled out steam port set of vortec heads and a big cam and this motor will scream. the weak point is the Siamese cylinder liners.
You can remedy the 400 engine situation for $200 to get a 4 bolt 350 core.
The original owner seems to have had his share of fun with the car. That seems to have ended when a restoration was started. I wouldn’t restore it back to stock, at that point it becomes just another car in a line of boring cars parked at a show. This car was modified and enjoyed, it would be nice if it’s future saw more of the same. I’d personally go with some vintage speed equipment as a recognition of its past life.
Steve R
This is an interesting car. We’ve been actively searching for some old Corvette road racer cars, and the seller contacted us about the car. It doesn’t appear that it ever did any “door to door” racing, but instead competed in autocross, gymkhanas, and hill climbs, with quite a bit of success. We’re watching the auction, but wish the seller had reached out to us before listing it on eBay.
If I remember correctly, the 400SB was externally balanced with the harmonic balancer and flex plate. The heads were also specific to the 400 block. Other heads could easily be adapted with minor cooling passage drilling. I think at the time they were rated at 265HP. Back in the day I put one in a Vega. I do believe they also tended run hot. Don’t hold my feet too close to the fire on my recollections, it was 40 years ago. Seems like yesterday.
Buy it, return to racing form and have a blast at the play day tracks.
I’d put a lightweight engine in it, and make it into a custom/restomod and have fun driving it.
The reserve is met so not a bad deal as of now with the price where it’s at!! Wonder if the bird cage was beefed up to race!!!
Although I’m not a Corvette enthusiast, this was one of my favorite year models. I think I would either restore as the race car as it was, or bring it back to production specs; I’m not sure which. I have other projects underway anyway.
In this case I’d put it back to race format and have fun.
Junk
Get a 327 block. Put a 283 crank and 302 pistons in it ,.. build it for 8500rpm and have a pretty good street & track car .
From some of the earlier comments I’m adjusting my remarks. Tho’ I would want it for ‘almost’ daily driving, I wouldn’t mind if it was set up to at least give a good showing at an AutoX event.
Ended: Aug 18, 2019 , 1:00PM
Winning bid:US $19,100.00
[ 18 bids ]