Some owners can complete a restoration project in what seems record time, while for others, it will prove to be a labor of love as they strive for years to achieve perfection. This 1964 Corvette Sting Ray Convertible fits within the second category, but the result has been worth the effort. Its restoration journey commenced in 2004, and the story only recently reached its conclusion. This Corvette is a classic guaranteed to take away your breath as you marvel at the seller’s attention to detail. That makes it seem strange that they would choose to part with the vehicle after nearly two decades of work, but for some enthusiasts, their passion rests within the restoration process rather than owning the finished product. Therefore, the Convertible is listed here on eBay in Kansas City, Missouri. The bidding sits at $50,100, but I’m unsurprised that it falls short of the reserve.
Few badges have enjoyed the longevity of that experienced by Chevrolet’s Corvette. After a stuttering start, it has cemented its place within American automotive folklore. That situation shows no sign of changing in a future where zero-emission vehicles could rule the roost. The seller states a previous owner, the vehicle’s custodian for forty-two years, commenced its frame-off restoration in 2004. The listing indicates that they parted with the Sting Ray before the process ended, with the seller stepping in to return the car to its former glory. They left no stone unturned, with everything either rebuilt or replaced. With the work complete, they elected to list the vehicle before it accumulated many miles. Its Riverside Red paint is as flawless as you might expect from a perfectionist, with a depth of color and shine that can’t help but impress. It cloaks fiberglass in a similar state, and while there are no underside shots, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to expect the same level of presentation from the frame. The color-matched factory hardtop is in good order, although it is unclear what color they selected for the soft top. The chrome is in as-new condition, as is the Soft Ray tinted glass. Rounding out the exterior are steel wheels featuring factory wheel covers, wrapped in narrow whitewall tires.
The mechanical specifications suggest the original owner wasn’t afraid to spend a few dollars to extract impressive performance from their new Sting Ray. They opted for the L75 version of the 327ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, a Posi rear end, and power brakes. The L75 delivers 300hp, allowing this Corvette to gallop through the ¼ mile in 14.6 seconds. The engine bay presentation is all you might expect from a classic of this caliber, and it doesn’t flatter to deceive. The seller indicates this is a full numbers-matching vehicle that has undergone a complete mechanical rebuild. The listing indicates this Convertible is road ready, meaning the new owner could fly in and build their relationship with their new toy by driving it home.
You’re probably not surprised when you open this Corvette’s doors to find a spotless interior. The seller states the door trims are original, but the overall condition suggests everything else is new or restored. The gauge lenses are crystal clear, while the markings are crisp. There is no visible wear or physical damage anywhere inside this classic, and no aftermarket additions. The original owner ordered the car with an AM/FM radio, and the attention to detail on the restoration included locating a radio instruction tag as the ‘Vette would have worn from the factory. If you rocked up at a show or Cars & Coffee in this bad boy with the top down, people would swarm all over it to appreciate its condition.
This 1964 Corvette Sting Ray is a beautiful vehicle, and I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t be proud to park it in their driveway. It needs nothing because how do you improve on something that appears perfect? It has already attracted eighteen bids with time remaining on the auction, and although values have softened slightly in the past year, I still believe the action will need to push beyond $65,000 if someone seriously wishes to give it a new home. Have you ever owned a ’64 Corvette, and was the experience enjoyable enough to tempt you into a repeat performance?
nice
I had one back in the 80s when no one wanted a 64. Mine had some plain Jane 350 in it. I realized by looking at the tach and oil pressure gauge it was a 365 hp one, along with 4:56 gears. Also noted on the door jamb some oil changes from a place on Woodward Ave. So that’s where it lost it’s original engine most likely. Purchased piece by piece heads oil pan, everything I could get, plus a nos shortblock 327/365 hp block from Chevy, one of the last available. There is nothing like the sound of a solid lifter engine, had the body restored back to original color, would that thing fly. Had it over 10 years.
As Fred said, no one wanted 64s years ago, now they sell for almost as much as the coveted 67s. 64 is an odd year as it fell between the landmark 63 SWC and the 65, which offered the first big block, side exhaust and of course, four wheel disc brakes. This beauty looks NCRS to me and is my favorite color combo. Today’s ugly Corvettes have like, what 2 interior colors, and then only the seat covers are whatever, the rest of the car is black. YUCK. This over a C8 any day of the week.