Corvette sales remained strong in 1964, a year after the first major redesign saw an increased demand for the sports car by 50%. The convertible (the removable hardtop was optional) continued to dominate at nearly two-thirds of production. This 1964 drop-top was found in a basement garage and has had an engine, paint color, and interior change over the years. The seller got it running, but it needs more work. Located in Danbury, Connecticut, this interesting project is available here on craigslist for $31,000. Another fine tip brought to us by Mitchell G.!
After more than a decade on the market, the Corvette remained the only American-built production sports car. The 1964 edition had several variations of a 327 cubic inch V8 available, producing a minimum of 250 hp. The seller’s car has an automatic transmission which is likely the 2-speed Powerglide if it’s still there. The 327 is gone in favor of a Pontiac engine that the seller only tells us is from a “mid-70s Firebird” (probably a 350). The odometer read less than 54,000 miles when this change occurred, for reasons unknown.
The seller found this car squirreled away in the dark from as far back as 1991. Though a restoration was planned, getting it running is all the seller has managed. After a test drive, he/she discovered that it’s too much car for its size for that driver and has chosen to move on to something else. Besides coaxing the mystery engine to run, the brakes were locked up and needed a refresh all the way to the master cylinder. As a result, the vehicle starts, drives, and stops as it should.
When new, this ‘Vette was finished in Tuxedo Black. But an earlier owner opted to change it to bronze which has worn with time. So, this would be the right time to go back to the original color, though there is some rust underneath to be dealt with (but not the “sheet metal” because it’s fiberglass).
The interior has been changed or at least the bucket seats which were donated by a C3 Corvette (with headrests, so probably after 1969). The seller doesn’t know the condition of the canvas top which is still stowed away. A period-correct engine block also comes with the car, so perhaps that’s another step to go back to stock with a 327.
Could be a fun project. For the right price. Given missing seats, and almost everything else will need to be rebuilt or replaced, this car is over-priced.
That covers condition and price…..
To me, a bigger worry is the trim-tag and VIN have clearly been tampered with. They may not belong to this car. The 1964 VIN tags were spot-welded, Not riveted. Yes, some did become detached, and were often re-attached with rivets. The trim-tags were attached with rivets, and there is usually no reason to re-rivet them, as this one obviously was. That makes me even more suspicious of the VIN.
Anyone considering this car (at any price), should take steps to ensure the VIN is legit. This will involve locating the VIN on the frame to verify the number. With the body on the car, this will be a challenge.
Over the years, lots of these were stolen, retagged, and changed hands through unknowing buyers multiple times. Some were not stolen, but VINs switched to avoid repos etc, or just assembled from wrecks. Usually nobody checks until someone who knows these cars examines it, typically during a pre-purchase inspection, frame-off restoration, or insurance claim. Lots of people still get burned on this, so always check the VIN carefully.
Where are the pictures with the Vin tag in them?
Click on the Craigslist link Mark.
Look on the Craigslist ad. There is a shot of the Trim Tag, that also shows the left edge of the VIN tag attached by a rivet. On C2s, the VIN is mounted beside the Trim Tag to a bar below the glove box.
I’m 99% positive that the VIN tag was attached with unique flower shaped rivets. I’d be very suspicious of any vette that didn’t have original rivets.
The VIN on the frame can be checked fairly easily if you know where to look. You will need floor jack, lug wrench, some steel wool or sand paper and dentist mirror.
A Corvette with a Pontiac motor—that’s a 1st.
Appears several mistakes were made during this Corvette’s lifetime.
I was working at a UPS facility in Northbrook, IL, in 1971 … at the service station across the street there was a ’53 Corvette with a Pontiac 370 for sale … I had just gotten married and the $1900 sale price was four months salary … old iron at cheap prices now but back then was unobtainium …
Only way to reduce the value any further is to install a Ford or Mopar engine into it!
Sounds like an upgrade to me! But then again, I’m a HUGE Pontiac fan, 70GTO and ’02 Trans Am WS6.
Looking at this car I’m trying not to use profanity but I find it impossible so I’ll shut up !!!!
suppose the engine is a 326 from a tempest?
Lemme see if I have this straight … owner took a classic 64 Vette, dropped a Pontiac motor into it … and changed the classic tuxedo black to bronze? I see. Okay then.
Period correct BLUE small block
spare engine is a 67, a one year only block.
Not worth 31k. Better to save your money for another car with not as many flaws or questions.
Offer 15K after inspection, again curse of the 4’s in play. I have seen one other with a Poncho engine and it actually ran well. Buyer beware.
Looks like a early model small block painted blue.
its not a 70’s engine because of the vent near distributor, for sure. Early to mid 60’s Pontiac engine.
Tom: the blue spare engine is a chevy small block year 1967, the Pontiac engine in car is not shown.
No 31k…no poncho..motor in 64 corvettes..no trim tag then its a salvage title car..if it’s reissue by state..very suspect…bout the value…motor kills its value….
Ghastly interior.
The price is right just drop a 350 in her and go for a drive
Strange that he states it is running and starts right up but no photos of it with the engine in it?
Looks like a real rust bucket. I’m confident that the “birdcage” (inner metal framework around the glass body and underneath the front window ledge) is heavily rusted not to mention the area above the rear frame dogleg. Nope, wouldn’t touch this rust bucket with a ten foot pole, at any price.
Would have to agree! The vin and trim tags have been removed and then reattached at some point. Possibly a swapped Vin situation!!! Buyer beware!! If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck guess what it’s a duck.