Sitting in this garage is a 1964 Corvette Convertible that will leave its new owner with decisions to make. It originally featured the desirable “Fuelie” V8, which was an expensive option, but that motor is a distant memory. Another healthy motor has taken its place, but the car is far from roadworthy. So, is a faithful refurbishment or a custom build the best approach? While contemplating the answer, you will find the Corvette listed here on eBay in Feeding Hills, Massachusetts. This isn’t a cheap project candidate, with the seller setting a BIN of $36,000.

The C2 cemented the Corvette’s sports car credentials when introduced in 1963. It brought a stylish new body to the table and mechanical upgrades that made it a more complete package as a genuine driver’s car. This Convertible has endured many changes but remains a solid project candidate. Its panels once wore attractive Saddle Tan paint, although this now hides under a tired layer of Black. It retains its factory hard and soft-tops. Looking beyond the aged paint reveals plenty of positive news. The fiberglass appears respectable, with no flaws or defects that would warrant specialist attention. The underside shots confirm the frame wears little beyond surface corrosion, meaning this Convertible is structurally sound. Most potential buyers would consider a frame-off approach as the best way to recapture the car’s former glory, and that should guarantee the high-end result this car deserves. The glass looks okay, but items like the bumpers might be missing. However, the badges on the front fenders confirm this was one of the most desirable Corvettes to grace our roads in 1964.

What a crying shame this Corvette is no longer numbers-matching. It seems the original owner focused on outright performance, equipping this car with the L84 version of the company’s 327ci V8. The fuel-injected powerplant delivered 375hp and 350 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Was it fast? A ¼-mile ET of  14.1 seconds and a top speed of 144mph confirm that “yes” is the appropriate answer. The “Fuelie” is nothing but a distant memory, with its rightful place occupied by a 350ci small-block of unknown origin and specifications. The embedded video in the seller’s listing confirms the motor runs and sounds healthy, but they stress the car is not roadworthy, as it has sat for thirty-five years. This is where the buyer must make some decisions. Retaining the existing drivetrain would be the most straightforward and cost-effective answer, and many enthusiasts would accept that. However, those blessed with a sense of adventure could locate the appropriate parts for a faithful refurbishment. Finding a date-correct engine would be pretty easy, and I spotted a freshly rebuilt, complete, and correct fuel-injection system online for $5,000. That is a significant investment, but short of unearthing the original mechanical components, it should be the most appropriate way to secure the best long-term investment potential from this Corvette.

The Corvette’s interior is a genuine surprise packet. It appears to be essentially complete, although the seats aren’t bolted in. However, the overall condition might make this the most affordable part of this build. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces are free from rips and significant wear, while the dash looks pretty good. The gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings, and I can’t spot any aftermarket additions. The overall condition may mean that a carpet set is all that is required for it to present acceptably for a driver-grade classic. There are some excellent factory options, with the original owner ticking the boxes beside power windows and the AM/FM radio on their Order Form.

This 1964 Corvette Convertible can’t be considered an affordable project candidate, but choosing the most appropriate path to pursue with this classic is challenging. A faithful refurbishment will be expensive, but it can never be a numbers-matching classic that would command a mega-value. However, that approach would be viewed favorably if it were to hit the market once the work was complete. A more affordable approach would be to utilize the existing components to produce a tidy driver-grade classic. Either option will require deep commitment and a healthy wallet, but which would you choose?