There’s no doubt that some project cars will generate more interest than others when they are listed for sale, and this 1964 Corvette Coupe certainly demonstrates that fact. The listing for this classic has not only received 31 bids, but there are also currently 238 people who are watching the auction. Those are pretty impressive numbers in anyone’s book. This is a project where it appears that all of the “heavy lifting” has already been completed, meaning that the next owner will be left with the satisfying job of just tying up the loose ends on the restoration. The Corvette is located in Temecula, California, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding on this classic has reached $29,601, and with the reserve now met, it would seem that someone is about to score themselves a great project.
The Riverside Red Corvette had been sitting in storage for around 30-years before the current owner commenced its restoration approximately 3-years-ago. It is obvious that the paint hasn’t stood the test of time that well, and a repaint will definitely be on the cards. The exterior photos aren’t the greatest, but the fiberglass itself appears to be free of any obvious cracks or fatigue issues. What the owner does provide is some reasonable photos of the vehicle’s underside, and it does look to be very clean and solid. Essentially, the frame has been cleaned and epoxy-coated, while the vast majority of the remaining metal components under the car have been thoroughly cleaned and powder-coated. The original wheels have received the same treatment, and have also been fitted with a fresh set of tires. The tinted glass all looks to be in good condition, and while it would appear as though all of the original trim is present, some items will probably need a trip to the plater to return them to their best.
The Corvette isn’t a numbers-matching car, because the 327ci V8 that occupies the engine bay is of 1962 vintage. However, it has been treated to a rebuild. It is backed by the original 4-speed manual transmission, while the vehicle has received an upgrade to power brakes with a dual master cylinder. The owner would seem to have splashed the cash on the mechanical components of the Corvette, leaving the next owner with little to do. As well as the upgraded booster and master cylinder the brakes have been completely rebuilt, with new wheel cylinders and drums. The steering box, steering column, and the front end have all been rebuilt using new parts. The 4-speed transmission has been fully rebuilt, as has the rear end and rear suspension. When you also throw a new exhaust into the equation, that would seem to represent a fairly thorough mechanical refresh. It is no real surprise to learn that the Corvette now runs and drives very well.
The good news continues when we take a look inside the Corvette. The dash has been removed and sent off for a rebuild, while the entire interior has been replaced. The owner still has the original interior, so that will go with the car. The only real flaw that I can spot is a couple of small cracks in the rim of the steering wheel, but the rest of the interior needs little more than a light clean to have it really sparkling. The Corvette features an AM/FM radio, along with air conditioning. However, the owner indicates that a new compressor for the A/C will need to go onto the shopping list to have the system working once again.
When you look at this Corvette, it really seems that it will need little more than an external refresh to have it really turning heads once again. I know that it isn’t a completely original, numbers-matching car, but the price as it currently stands probably reflects that fact. If past trends are any indication, even Corvettes of this vintage that have received an engine transplant will continue to increase in value. If you are a person seeking a Corvette that is completely original, then this wouldn’t be the car for you. However, if you are the type of person who is looking for a Corvette project where the end result would be a car that you can simply drive and enjoy once completed, then I would say that this is a car that is worth a serious look.
Refreshing after some of the other Corvette “projects” that have surfaced for ridiculous amounts of money. Red car needing only paint at a good price… what’s not to like?
I wonder what that original lacquer paint would look like if you took a buffer to it?
It seems that 90% of the true “beater” vettes have the distributor shielding missing. I like it as it cleans up the motor a bit.
Does the radio work properly with the shielding gone?
Radio? I get it with the shielding to suppress the ignition “noise”, but the only noise I want to hear when driving a muscle car is a healthy AMERICAN V-8!
Unless one has the engine switched off when one could hear the radio, then the lack of shielding wouldn’t make any difference. Just my two cents.
All it needs is “light bodywork and paint.” Spoken like someone who has never painted a Corvette correctly. . . .
So true JohnD, so true.
If this one is bought right, and even after an expensive but correctly executed paint job, look what you would be left with; one very nice Vette.
It appears to be a nice car. Certainly a driver (wrong motor, added pbrakes, seats from a ’66?, epoxy this, powder coat that). And I would drive it as is. By the time you buy it and put on a $10-15k paint job it won’t be fun anymore.
Yes, freak, the radio works without shielding, just a little static.
While this appears to be a nice project car, it’s not an L79 motor, and it has drum brakes all around. If you could live with those features, then good. For me, I would buy a 65′ coupe. It just seems to be the better car. That’s just my opinion.
You never drive my ’64 silver blue / white interior 300 hp 4 speed coupe. Best road car I ever owned. Optional 308 economy rear.
Given the $10K premium that factory A/C adds to a C2 this car is still a bargain.
I have rebuilt corvettes that needed a lot more work this would be a nice project for someone ( that wanted to do some of the work them self’s for the most part) fix it and have fun .PS the 63 64 had 3 inch drum brakes that stop the car just fine)