OK, remember that old admonition about not judging a book by its cover. It’s easy to get tripped up on that little rule of life when first spying this ’64 Chevrolet Corvette. Admittedly, it’s a bit ratty-looking. But let’s check under its skin and see what’s really there. This ‘Vette is located in Babylon, New York, and is available, here on Facebook Marketplace or here on Barn Finds Classifieds for $49,000. Thanks to Ryan L for this tip!
In its second year of C2 production, the 1964 Corvette didn’t differ much from its ’63 predecessor except for the removal of that iconic split rear window. It was a small physical design change that had a huge impact on ultimate desirability and valuation. This example’s biggest demerit is its flaking finish, concentrated mostly on its roof and rear deck. The hood presents well but it’s not the original piece as it’s wearing a 1967 vintage, big-block scoop. From what’s revealed by the numerous listing images, the fiberglass body panels show pretty well and there is no glaring evidence of seam separation or panel buckling. That said, a closer inspection is probably warranted.
The trim pieces appear to all be where they belong and look to be in fair shape, they’re just a bit dull as are the bumpers. A purist may hate that later model, incorrect hood but it’s a fairly common swap and as long as this Corvette wears its Roadkill vibe, it probably doesn’t matter. As the seller states, this car has character, and “Everyone and their blah Bloomington gold cars say what they want. I guarantee you’ll get more attention driving this than grandpa does wearing his new balances driving the ‘show car’….” Okay… there you have it.
There are three images of the interior included but they’re not that revealing. The black vinyl bucket seats look OK if a bit flat, same with the driver’s door panel and the carpet. There does appear to be a Delco, vertically mounted radio in place and that’s always a nice find on a C2. Also, the seller states that the gauges all work but specifically excludes reference to the mechanically driven tachometer. The one good image of the storage space behind the seats shows carpet that’s in great shape, no word if it’s original.
The seller claims that the motor is a number matching 300 HP, 327 CI V8 engine that has been equipped with a later, OEM “Winters” aluminum intake manifold and was rebuilt in 2013. The seller adds, “This is a running, driving, stopping, panty-dropping 64 Stingray“. Okay… there you have it again. A four-speed manual transmission is positioned behind that number matching engine.
Here’s a quick video the seller provided us of the car running. The exhaust note sure sounds menacing!
All in all, this Corvette sounds better than it looks, the checked finish is a bit frightening but it “sounds” as if it has good bones, and the seller claims, “Frame is in excellent condition, no stress cracks in fiberglass, all brake, and fuel lines were redone, upgraded to power booster, shoes and cylinders replaced, car stops great“. In spite of this ‘Vette’s self-proclaimed qualities, I’m struggling with the asking price, but then again where will you find another one like it! How about you, what’s your thought?
This is a running, driving, stopping, panty-dropping 64 Stingray“. I like the seller already.
I don’t.
Well…..it’s in better shape than the building behind it. I’ll give it that.
It actually looks quite restorable if the bird cage is good. It seems to be all in one piece. Always have to wonder why someone would let such a car deteriorate so far though.
While I love these cars I just coudn’t bring myself to reach out to a seller that writes an add like this. Just get an instant bad vibe.
Otherwise you were a buyer??
Beware of ad/cars like these more to it than you currently see , if it wasn’t there would be more pictures and better wording . No information and or bad pictures usually means lots of hidden surprises and lots of cost . It may be a matching numbers car but it’s only worth what condition it is in at the time of sale even if it’s a SB numbers matching not worth 49k , unknown miles ? . Parked in the country ghetto . Seller wants 49k and can’t spend a hours time to present it better and have more info /pictures and drive it out of the ghetto .
how much more pictures would you like i posted over 20+ on facebook and craigslist with good info and my contact number if anyone would like more info…. cars stored in a climate controlled warehouse. The pictures were taking at a cool local location that complimented the cars looks. I just dont understand the negative comment….
Because that is exactly what many do here.
I like the car. Just like it is. Drivable, and very cool.
Lots of negativity on BF Ryan. It’s a great car. You can drive it without worrying about getting a bug splat or stone chip.
I’d drive it like it is, numbers match rebuilt engine is a big plus. If you “restore it” you’d be afraid to drive it and there are already way too many cars out there that weren’t enjoyed by their buyers / owners
kudos to the gentleman for picking a barn find environment to showcase this corvette, I get it!. would be nice to see undercarriage!!! GLWTS.
Yeah… not sure if the ole “photo shoot at the graffiti warehouse” was the right idea for this car. I think the target buyer likes his Bloomington Gold and also wants it buffed out regularly by someone else. He wants to write checks and not be involved in projects any more. Better to say it’s a solid numbers matching car that needs paint. Post good pics of the underbelly and guts so we know what we’re dealing with without the unnecessary sales pitch.
Like the car, hate the wheels/tires. IMO clean it up, paint it and enjoy it.
This car is bada$$. I would prefer this over a restored car. I think the seller knows who he’s appealing to.
Can I borrow fifty large. ?
To me, this is apex Corvette.
It is a nice car. I think being a coupe, they are very hot inside, and I know it won’t work well here in AZ. A good way to loose a cam, is let it idle at 400 RPM….still nice.
Sort of a Mulholland Charley vibe. I dig it but I’m not a customer.
cool car but priced 25k too high. You can buy a very nice driver for 65k. This needs lots of work and 30k to get it there. Priced a nice paint job lately?? 18-25k ! most paint shops will take big deposit, take it apart and youll wait 2 years to get it back in pieces, they will lose 20% of your parts!
idol that cam up-your killing the lobes on it—why do people think idoling the car real low makes it sound mean—–its ready to die–idol it up and see what the cam really sounds like
“ryan” love it just as it sits.
I’m guilty of lowering the idle on my two barrel cars to make them sound like they’re something hot….
If your stock, no big deal. HP cam shafts with high spring pressure. and you end up with a broom handle. If you notice at the strip when they first start them up, it is always at 1200-1500 for a minute or two,,,,you need the oil pressure.