Long-Term Owner: 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

This 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible has been part of the same family for twenty-five years. We’ve seen classics at Barn Finds with longer ownership histories, but over two decades in the same hands suggests it is a treasured and cherished possession. The photos certainly convey that feeling, with impressive presentation and some desirable factory options. All good things must end, with this Convertible set to find a new home. The seller has listed the ‘Vette here on eBay in West Linn, Oregon. It has received a single bid of $45,000, which is below the reserve.

After a successful introduction in 1963, Chevrolet performed only minor changes to the C2 Corvette in 1964. The most profound was eliminating the Split Window from the Coupe variant, although both bodystyles received a few cosmetic tweaks. This Convertible rolled off the line in 1964, ordered by its first owner in Saddle Tan. The seller’s family has been its custodian for over twenty-five years, treating the car to a repaint in its factory shade approximately twenty years ago. It isn’t a garage queen, being driven and enjoyed as its creators intended. Therefore, close inspection will reveal a few minor imperfections. However, the presentation is comfortably acceptable for a high-end driver. Its beauty is more than skin deep, with the seller confirming that the frame and birdcage are rust-free. The buyer receives a White soft-top, and the color-matched factory hardtop will provide effective occupant protection on cold or wet days. The trim and glass are in good condition, but the side exhaust is an aftermarket addition.

Purists will welcome the news that this Corvette is numbers-matching. It features a 327ci V8 and a four-speed manual transmission. The 327 is the L75 version, delivering a factory-quoted 300hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque. The seller indicates that the brakes feature upgraded front discs, and the steering is now power-assisted. Otherwise, this Corvette remains factory faithful. The engine bay looks exceptionally clean for a classic of this vintage, with no evidence of fluid leaks or other warning signs. The listing confirms that the owners have appropriately maintained this gem, and that it is a turnkey proposition that runs and drives well.

If I were a betting man, I’d wager that the current owners have treated this Corvette’s interior to a retrim in its correct Saddle Tan leather. There is no wear anywhere, including on the carpet beneath the driver’s feet. The dash and pad are spotless, and the wheel is excellent. The first owner ordered the car with power windows, and the seller has added a Hurst shifter and an aftermarket stereo. I can’t say that I’m a fan of either, and would probably reverse those relatively minor modifications if this beauty found its way into my garage.

Finding anything about this 1964 Corvette Convertible deserving of criticism is almost impossible. It presents exceptionally well, and its numbers-matching status will appeal to purists. The seller has performed a few changes over the past twenty-five years, but reversing these to return the car to its factory form would be pretty straightforward. The listing statistics are surprisingly modest, but with over a week left on the auction, that could change. Whether it finds a new home will depend on the seller’s reserve, but what do you think that figure will be?