Although it is by no means a hard-and-fast rule, bidding on eBay auctions can be pretty subdued until the end draws near. The action usually heats up in the final hours as the serious players make their moves. When a classic car attracts eleven bids within eight hours of hitting the market, you can be sure you’re dealing with something special. That is the case with this 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Convertible. It requires a total restoration, but it appears to be virtually complete. The seller listed it here on eBay in McKinney, Texas. Bidding has raced to $17,501 in a No Reserve auction.
The history of this Ermine White Corvette is unclear, but the photos tell the story of a car begging for TLC. Its paint is peeling and checked, meaning the only course of action for the new owner will be to strip it away entirely. Once they reach that point, they face a few fiberglass repairs to regain this classic’s lost youth. These include reversing the wheel arch modifications where someone has molded flares to cover the aftermarket wheels. The rest of the panels look respectable, as does the factory hardtop. The seller uses the words “very typical” when describing the frame. I’m unsure whether they mean it wears surface corrosion or if there is penetrating rust requiring attention. If the ‘Vette spent its life in its current location, the issue might not be significant. Potential buyers may need to roll the dice unless they can negotiate an in-person inspection. The trim looks restorable, and the glass should look respectable once cleaned.
The mysteries with this Corvette continue when we lift its hood. The engine bay houses a 327ci V8 backed by a four-speed manual transmission, but that’s all we know. The seller doesn’t indicate whether the drivetrain components are original or if the car received a transplant at some point. There are no indications regarding the engine specifications, but even the entry-level 327 placed 250hp under the driver’s right foot. That means a ¼-mile ET of 15.4 seconds was within their grasp, although the L75 version selected by more than 47% of buyers would slash the time to 14.6 seconds. Although it isn’t definitive, the 5,300rpm redline on the tachometer suggests it could be either the standard or L75, although an in-person inspection should provide confirmation. The seller indicates the Sting Ray doesn’t currently run, although it did around a year ago. The engine isn’t locked, meaning revival may not be difficult or expensive.
Opening the Corvette’s doors reveals its original Black vinyl interior that features no visible aftermarket additions beyond a different shifter for the four-speed. It is complete, but it needs some love. The seats require new foam and covers, although the state of the other upholstered surfaces is unclear. The dash and gauges look restorable, and there’s no appreciable wear on the wheel. A few broken small items require replacement, but I believe the new owner could probably perform most tasks in a home workshop. The seller indicates there are electrical issues, and there is a fair rat’s nest of wires under the hood. Whether the problems are confined to the engine bay is unclear, but the buyer may need to brace themselves and invest in a complete wiring harness to eliminate any potential future problems.
Considering the overall condition and desirability of this 1964 Corvette Convertible, I believe its new owner will probably tread the frame-off path with their restoration. That is what it deserves, and if they complete their work to a high standard, it is a car that would sell for $60,000 in the current market any day of the week. It requires work to get to that point, but the bidding history suggests a few people feel they are up to the challenge. Are you?
that is a 365 horse 327engine
Yes, this car was likely built in late Aug. 1963 or very early Sept., with that VIN. If the tachometer face is original, it was likely a base engine car. However, it is still a C2, and while not as desirable as a 65, 66, or 67 model, 64s are still one of the best looking cars ever made. It has period mods, like flares and aftermarket wheels. Simple fix if you have skills and money.
Could be pit back nice. I would check the frame and bird cage in person.
Wiring harnesses complete is around 1500 and a good weekend to install.
Redid my 63 Split and tossed every wire as I updated my fire trap 🙃
Nothing like driving your split to a paint shop Then pulling over to white smoke as you disconnect the battery and reach under the dash to yank a melting wire.
60 year old wires just break down … All good now
Interesting, I am not up to the challenge. And here is why? Many years ago when this Corvette market surfaced and was flooded. The auctions were especially loaded with Corvettes. I was totally in the dark. I couldn’t understand all the nuances of the cars and how to tell what was real and what was not. It seemed there were a lot of experts, who knew all about these cars. I thought with time ,I might start to understand it. Guess what I still don’t! For that reason, I am out. I think if I were to “USE” my knowledge and instinct, to buy a 63 to 67 Corvette ,my chances of getting the right car, wouldn’t even be 50/50.
Joe: And the seller makes it impossible to place any other than a low ball bid, due to the lack of any useful information / pictures.
Had one of the “under the table” 1964 corvette race cars. Got it down in Fla in “85. Had a Hurst shifter and linkage attached to an M-22 close ratio box from the factory. They were out there.
Intake and carb look like they came off a 68 or 69 Z/28, which is very good from a performance standpoint.
With a manual choke Holley 4 barrel and the HEI distributor, it’s definitely a few parts short of stock. One of the commenters already pointed out the later intake. Any purist will have their work cut out for them. I had a similar 64 that my dad bought in 68, but he gave the original block away! Ours was a 365 hp 327. We at least had power brakes!
I noticed the third picture from the bottom in the eBay ad. My eyes aren’t what they used to be, but it looks to me like it’s the frame kick up in front of the right rear wheel. I’m not sure exactly what’s going on there, but it looks really bad to me. I’d question the condition of the frame, and if the frame is a problem the birdcage likely isn’t any better. My guess is this one spent some time in the rust belt before it ended up in Texas.
Camaro Joe, that’s exactly what that is. You can see the trim in the top right of the photo. Tap that with a hammer and it will give way.
Both sides of my ’70 had to be replaced, along with the top half of the windshield frame.
Gotta hand it to the seller for showing it.
Bid now at $28,100. I’ve seen decent cars at $30k and better ones for $40k. This is nuts at $28k.
I almost hope it’s a bunch of shill bidders, because it’s over $30K with three days to go. I can’t believe anybody would pay half of that for a non running car with an unknown motor, rusted frame, nasty wiring, and everything else needs restored. Where are these people when I’m selling junk on eBay?
One word of warning: Do Not take PRA4SNW’s suggestion about tapping on the frame in front of the right rear wheel with a hammer. The right rear of the car might fall on you. I’d be afraid to try to winch it up onto a trailer, the frame might break.