Seeing a desirable classic battered and bruised can break any enthusiast’s heart. But sometimes we must look beneath the surface to gauge a car’s true worth. This 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible shows this: while its body carries many scars, it is a structurally sound project candidate that reportedly features the L76 version of the company’s 327ci V8 under the hood. Barn Finder Curvette deserves full credit for spotting this classic listed here on eBay in Dallas, Texas, for $37,500 OBO.
After a successful 1963 launch, Chevrolet made only minor cosmetic changes to the C2 Corvette in 1964. The most significant change was eliminating the Split Window on the Coupe variant, as its reception had been mixed. Our featured ’64 Convertible is a sad sight, with widespread panel damage that will require someone with plenty of fiberglass-repair experience. Some issues may go beyond simple repairs and require wholesale panel replacement. It has undergone a color change at some point, with no visible evidence of its original Code 912 Silver Blue. The silver lining amidst these dark clouds is that the Corvette has spent its time in favorable climates, and the seller says it is structurally sound. The factory hardtop is in good condition, and the seller appears to have included any removed trim pieces.
One of this Corvette’s strongest selling points is its mechanical specifications, so the lack of engine bay images is almost unforgivable. The seller claims it features the L76 version of Chevrolet’s 327ci V8, teamed with a four-speed manual transmission. The L76 was only slightly less potent than the “Fuelie,” producing 365hp and 350 ft/lbs of torque. The pair differed little in outright performance, but a gaping chasm separated them when cost was a factor. The L76 added $107.60 to the sticker price, while the “Fuelie” added $538.00. It is little wonder that while 7,171 buyers selected the L76, only 1,325 ticked the box for the “Fuelie.” The seller confirms that the ‘Vette isn’t numbers-matching, but the motor is period-correct. However, I am unconvinced, because the block pad seems to provide conflicting information. This isn’t a cheap project candidate, so an in-person inspection is crucial to determine whether this classic is all that is claimed.
The Corvette’s interior also raises more questions for potential buyers. The seller describes it as Black leather, but the Trim Tag confirms that the first owner ordered the car trimmed in Black vinyl. It is a mixed bag, because while some components are okay, there’s enough deterioration to warrant a complete interior retrim. The good news is there are no missing components, and items like the AM/FM radio are intact. It isn’t pretty now, but the foundation is there for a factory-fresh restoration.
I always recommend an in-person inspection before committing funds to a classic, and this 1964 Corvette Convertible is no exception. I see nothing to suggest the car isn’t structurally sound, but I would want to confirm the engine is as described, because it will affect the car’s potential future value. If it checks out, the BIN figure would potentially be justified. Interestingly, there is already one active offer, suggesting people may need to either fight for the right to own this Convertible, or hit the BIN button to guarantee it. Would you do that, or are there too many questions needing answers?
Too much for too little.