One of the problems associated with buying a C2 Corvette Convertible “Fuelie” is that they are typically expensive. Very expensive. Six-figure sums aren’t unprecedented for pristine examples, placing them beyond the reach of mere mortals. That is where our feature car rides to the rescue. It isn’t the real deal, but is a beautifully executed tribute that presents superbly. The seller’s eye for detail is admirable, guaranteeing the winning bidder will turn heads with this classic.
Chevrolet continued an undoubtedly welcome trend in 1964, with the Corvette again setting a new sales record. The increase wasn’t significant compared to the previous year’s total, but hey, a record is a record. The seller has spared no expense to bring this Convertible to its current state. They performed a frame-off restoration, and the results justify the effort. Media-blasting and painting the frame guarantees it is rust-free, and although there are no underside shots, it appears the car hasn’t seen much active use in the three years since work ended. The Tuxedo Black paint shines like glass, cloaking fiberglass that looks flawless. The ‘Vette features an immaculate White soft-top and a color-matched hardtop. The chrome and glass are spotless, while the side exhaust and knock-off wheels further help this classic to draw crowds.
The seller describes this Corvette as an accurate Fuelie as built by them, not by Chevrolet. This 327ci V8 was built to the correct factory specifications and is topped by the beautiful Rochester fuel injection system and factory air cleaner. The motor should send 375hp and 350 ft/lbs of torque to the 4.11 rear end via a four-speed M21 manual transmission. With the ability to storm the ¼-mile in 14.1 seconds on the way to 144mph, these cars were undeniably fast. Only 1,325 buyers ordered the Fuelie V8, and the cost was undoubtedly a determining factor. It added a whopping $538 to the sticker price. The L76 proved significantly more popular and still placed 365hp and 350 ft/lbs at the driver’s disposal. Since the L76 only cost $107.60, it is easy to see why it was the preferred option for 7,171 buyers. The seller didn’t merely focus on the cosmetics during their build, replacing the fuel tank and fuel lines, along with the entire braking system and brake lines. The front end is fully rebuilt, making this Convertible a turnkey proposition with no mechanical needs.
The car’s refurbishment extended to the interior, with the seller performing a retrim in the correct Red vinyl as specified on the Trim Tag. Its condition won’t disappoint even the most discerning buyer, because there is no evidence of wear or obvious defects. Every surface is perfect, with the carpet protected by a set of genuine Chevrolet mats. There are no aftermarket additions, with a correct AM/FM radio the only creature comfort. That brings us to a point to ponder about how technology has evolved since this car rolled off the line. Modern cars typically feature quite sophisticated stereos as standard equipment. The radio in this car added $176.50 to the purchase price, which is an incredible 61% more than the L76 V8. How things have changed since 1964!
The seller listed this 1964 Corvette Convertible Fuelie tribute here on eBay in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at $60,100, but its recent viewing history and the fact that seventy-nine people have placed it on their “watch” list suggests the price will climb before proceedings end. How high will it go? That is a difficult question to answer, but I don’t believe it will come close to the six figures you would typically pay for a genuine example. Even if you aren’t in the market, watching the auction might be worthwhile because I have a feeling the action will intensify during its final hours.
That’s one awesome paint job! Actually, every aspect of the restoration! The only thing missing is my name on the title (and I do not have that kind of coin) GLWTA.
Anyone else watching Mecum from Monterey? This pretty much defines what hogwash those shows really are. I’m no Corvette expert, but a similar car, maybe a bit newer, had a big block, but a black roadster, red interior, sold for an alleged $2.1 mil. Just when I thought that foolishness was over, the very next car, a ’69 hemi Daytona sold for $3MIL.! I got the inside scoop on TV car auctions, and don’t you believe a word of it. They sell a lot of car wax.
I could easily see this car selling for this more plausible amount, and I know, Hollywood has always been about dramatics, “IT’S HOLLYWOOD, BABY”,,
Howard, that “similar car, maybe a bit newer, had a big block, but a black roadster, red interior, sold for an alleged $2.1 mil. actually sold for $2.3 mil. It also happened to be the first L88 Corvette built in 1967.
Comparing this ’64 to the latter ’67 is like comparing apples and kumquats…both fruit but that’s where the similarities end.
I used to own a 1960 Falcon wagon. I was fortunate enough to find an older guy who knew old cars- it was all that he worked on. He rebuilt my Dagenham 4 speed transmission for me. He was always so backed up with business, that I went to a younger guy who had grown up in and then took over his dad’s shop. I convinced him to concentrate on older cars. He did, and now he is swamped. Where he used to have a parking lot full of late model cars, he now has Galaxies, Mustangs, old trucks, etc. Why, he even knows how to rebuild carburetors! I took my 89 Econoline to him due to smog failure. He used an OBD 1 “break out box” (I had never heard of one- apparently, they are antiques) to solve the issue. The skilled folks are out there in independent shops- you just need to find them.
Color me impressed! This is a really nice clone. One quick note regarding a comment that was made. I assume by “side vents”, Jim meant “side pipes”. I had side exhaust on a “67, and the heat shields worked fairly well. I would imagine that this little jewel is going to make some lucky guy or gal a pretty happy camper. (Tuning that Rochester F.I. unit aint for the uninitiated, but it’s certainly not impossible.)
Beautiful car and priced right. Be curious what the original motor was (Original motor is bump up to similar specs as a FI motor). The tach is correct for a 365/375…was it replaced, too?
I have owned several Corvettes with ‘side pipes’, both ‘factory’ style and ‘side mount headers’ style. My wife can attest to the fact the ‘side mount headers’ style will melt a nylon to your leg in mere seconds, while ‘factory’ style remain much cooler.
If you have $60k and a Rochester FI person on retainer it would be a good buy…or $60k, pull the FI and sell for $10k, buy the correct Holley and manifold and pocket a chunk of change.
Bidding is now at $60,100 and still reserve is not met.
The factory covers do protect from the actual exhaust heat under neath them, still hot but not like touching those old chrome Hooker headers which left many a serious scar. I had 2 with those pipe and covers. There is always some old guy around that knows a bit about that fuel injection system. once set up you are good to go if it isn’t already. With a reserve at 60k, nice ride.
Color me impressed. This thing is extremely well done. While that Rochester injection unit is not for the uninitiated, they are not that hard to tune. Someone is going to get a ultra nifty car for a boatload less than an all original one. I’m envious.
I know nothing about the Corvette fuel injection system, but I suspect they aren’t impossible for someone with mechanical skills. I hear the same type of comments regarding my GTO Tri-power “they are hard to synch” I suspect though that my Tri Power is easier than the Vette FI…
Factory side exhausts from 65-67, or the one-year only 1969 models do not burn your legs. What DO burn your legs are side mount headers. Huge difference between the two.
Reserve not met at $65,100
I could’ve bought a factory fuel injected, black, 64 coupe for $5000, in 1977. Nice car. Unfortunately, I needed to borrow money from the old man to make that happen. Regrettably, he said “No, that fuel injection is a headache.” If I could’ve thought fast enough, and told him that we could take the fuel injection off and put a four barrel on it, I think he would’ve gone for it. I’ve never forgotten about this car. I’d like to think I would still have it today.