I’m sure that virtually every enthusiast dreams of the day when they open the door of a shed or barn to discover a desirable classic sitting in the darkness, awaiting the moment when someone releases it from captivity. Such is the story behind this 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible. It has hibernated for two decades, but the seller has dragged it blinking into the sunshine. It doesn’t run or drive, but the Corvette is a numbers-matching survivor that would represent an excellent revival or restoration candidate. The seller has listed the Convertible here on eBay in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada. The bidding sits at US$11,200, and that figure is below the reserve.
After its successful 1963 launch, Chevrolet made only minor changes to the C2 Corvette for the 1964 model year. To say that it hit a sweet spot would be a fair call, with the Corvette setting a new sales record of 22,229 vehicles during its second year. The Convertible remained the most popular, accounting for almost 63% of the production tally. The first owner ordered this Corvette in Saddle Tan with a matching soft-top. The seller states that there is no known accident history, allowing the fiberglass to remain in good shape. The soft-top looks acceptable for a survivor-grade car, although the back window looks cloudy. There’s no disguising that the paint is very tired, which will probably prompt at least a cosmetic refresh. Of course, some people may view the car as a preservation candidate, but that would depend on whether the frame and birdcage are structurally sound. There is evidence of surface corrosion in several areas, suggesting that a nut-and-bolt restoration might be the best approach. The buyer could take the opportunity to send some bright trim to the platers, though they shouldn’t need to touch the glass.
One look at this Corvette’s mechanical specifications suggests that the first owner focused on a relaxed motoring experience. They ordered the car with a 327ci V8, a two-speed Powerglide transmission, power steering, and power brakes. I am unsure which version of the 327 this is, but I believe it is the entry-level powerplant, delivering a factory-quoted 250hp and 350 ft/lbs of torque. The seller claims that the Convertible has 72,000 miles on the clock without mentioning any verification evidence. Potential buyers will welcome the news that it is numbers-matching, and while the motor doesn’t run, it turns freely. The seller recently installed new front brakes, a water pump, thermostat, fuel pump, horn relay, and front shocks. Included in the deal are new rear brake drums and wheel cylinders, rear shocks, a Pertronix Ignitor II ignition with coil, oil pump, gasket set, and a voltage regulator. Although two decades may seem a long period for any classic to hibernate, the suggestion is that breathing new life into the V8 may not be difficult.
The seller doesn’t supply any images providing a clear overview of this Corvette’s interior, but by piecing together the supplied photos, the news seems fairly positive. They emphasize the originality, and the initial impression is that the Saddle Tan upholstered surfaces and the carpet are begging for a deep clean. The dash looks okay for a survivor-grade vehicle of this vintage, and the wheel is crack-free. I can’t spot any aftermarket additions to an interior featuring power windows and a factory radio.
Almost every classic has strengths and weaknesses, and this 1964 Corvette Convertible is no exception. Its originality and a few of its factory options increase its desirability, while some potential buyers will be less accepting of its Powerglide transmission. It has already attracted seven bids, and the other listing statistics are very impressive. We can only speculate on the seller’s reserve for this ‘Vette, but what do you believe would be a fair price?
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