I don’t know any enthusiasts who don’t dream of opening the doors of a barn or garage to discover a desirable classic waiting for love. That is the story behind this 1964 Corvette Convertible. Its previous owner drove it into a garage in 1971, and it remained untouched until being recently rescued by the seller. It requires a total restoration, which will be a frame-off process. However, the reward at the end should make it worth the effort. The Corvette is listed here on eBay in Cleveland, Ohio. The seller set a BIN of $39,500 but will consider offers.

It is unclear why the previous owner parked this classic more than five decades ago, but it manages to present quite nicely after a wash. The seller indicates the current paint color isn’t original, with the first owner ordering it in Ermine White. It is safe to assume the color change occurred before the car entered storage, and the fact that it still presents well suggests the painter completed their work to a high standard. The panels are free from stress cracks or other problems, and the White soft-top may prove serviceable following a thorough clean. However, it isn’t all sweetness and light with this classic. The seller indicates there are issues with the outer rails, suggesting the buyer may face a frame-off process to ensure the Convertible remains structurally sound. The trim looks acceptable for a driver-grade restoration, and there are no visible glass issues.

Although it isn’t perfect, this Corvette’s Saddle vinyl interior looks serviceable if the buyer wishes to cultivate the “survivor” look. There are no rips or tears, and I believe a deep clean would reap rewards. If the buyer plans a high-end restoration, they may elect to replace a few interior trim and upholstery pieces. Otherwise, I would thoroughly clean everything before compiling a shopping list. The carpet is slightly faded, but the lack of visible wear means that replacement is not essential. The dash looks good, although the gauge lenses are becoming cloudy. The original owner splashed $176.50 on an AM/FM radio and $421.80 on factory air conditioning. The system is intact, and a bonus is the original A/C sticker on the passenger-side window is intact.

When assessing the potential value of any classic project, drivetrain originality can be crucial. The buyer strikes gold with this Corvette, with it remaining a numbers-matching vehicle. The original owner ordered the car with the L75 version of the 327ci V8. That small-block sent 300hp to the road via the rear wheels and a four-speed manual transmission. Although the company produced faster Corvettes in 1964, this car’s ability to storm the ¼-mile in 14.6 seconds before winding its way to 129mph would have commanded respect. Unsurprisingly, the seller says this ‘Vette doesn’t run or drive. It appears it hasn’t fired a shot since the previous owner stored it. These V8s are robust, and if it turns freely, revival with minimal effort may be possible. However, after five decades of inactivity, budgeting for a complete mechanical refurbishment would be wise.

If it weren’t for the frame rail issues, the new owner could potentially treat this ’64 Corvette to a thorough clean and a mechanical refurbishment before hitting the road in a genuine barn find. However, a frame-off restoration is the best option for treating it with the respect it deserves. If the buyer completes their work to a high standard, the reward would be a stunning classic that would draw crowds, and they’d be the proud owner of a car with a value of $70,000. After sitting for five decades, it deserves that type of attention. Do you agree?