Parked In ’88: 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Racer

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Parked since 1988, this 1964 Chevrolet Corvette in Lake Elsinore, California illustrates how a sporty used ‘Vette became a weekend track car back before every old Corvette was considered an untouchable masterpiece. Sporting then-common modifications like flared fiberglass fenders and six tail lights instead of the original four, this C2 (2nd generation Corvette) needs an overhaul front to rear regardless of its new destiny. That decision rests with whoever coughs up $49,900, or an acceptable counter-offer. Check out the listing here on Craigslist for more pictures and details. Thanks to reader T.J. for spotting this long-parked weekend warrior.

The automatic transmission and stock-appearing brake master cylinder and booster suggest trips to the track were more for kicks than pushing the C2 to 10/10ths. The flex fan certainly recalls the ’80s when this ‘Vette began its long hiatus.

Wide flared fenders, side pipes, and a big block hood give this ’64 a rowdy period look that will probably be reversed in the direction of stock appearance by the next owner. Still, wouldn’t it be interesting to fix the mechanical bits and drive it like this for a while first? That would draw more attention than another (yawn) perfectly-restored trailer queen.

The “all-original” interior looks great and may clean up nicely. Any buyer who would consider paying the $49,900 asking price would surely pay $50,500 if the seller hired a neighborhood kid to spend a few hours cleaning this classic to prepare it for sale. In truth, unless this car belonged to someone who spent time in space, the price seems like a fishing expedition, but hopefully a deal gets done that puts this classic back on the road before another 30+ years passes by. Would you take this ’80s-style ‘Vette back to stock?

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. Oldog4tz Oldog4tz

    Todd – couple of great rabbit holes in that write-up. Makes for a good read about a car I have no interest in.

    Like 11
    • Todd FitchAuthor

      Thanks, Oldog4tz, and everyone. I expected to take a beating from the “Every Corvette was perfect when it left the factory and must be returned to that glorious state” crowd. Glad there are some fans of this modified ‘Vette’s style out there! I’d love to see something like this (maybe painted though) on the road, rough edges and all.

      Like 10
      • Daryl Roe Daryl

        I own a vintage SCCA race car. Modified looks great. Ignore the haters

        Like 7
      • Frank D

        Great find Todd! I say get it running and throw some primer on it. A work in progress vette. The vette will bring just as much attention as a shiny one.

        Like 4
  2. Todd J. Todd J.Member

    Back to stock? Heck no. Make it operational and drive as-is. Guys that drive cars like this get the good-looking women, comprendes?

    Like 28
  3. JACKinNWPA JACKinNWPAMember

    Back to stock? Heck no. Pearl white with candy ribbon flames 70’s style. Oh ya also a 5 speed manual.

    Like 18
  4. Claudio

    Wether its rowdy as is or restored to pristine condition , you cant use these things without getting a lot of attention !
    I often used my restomodded topless 67 firebird and couldn’t take it anymore and left it parked until i sold it
    In montreal canada , there are not many old cars , so the attention is huge
    So, i will pass this one and hope the buyer does what HE wants with it
    YOLO

    Like 5
  5. Melton Mooney

    It’s gone already!

    Like 4
  6. Daryl Roe Daryl

    looks like a pretty complete car. Would be a fairly easy car to get back on the road. I find cars that look like this fascinating as they tell a story. I hope whoever buys this drives it hard and loud!

    Like 7
  7. Al camino

    Go to a car show and see the same stock cars lined up in a row in different colors,you walk past them to see a modified one and that’s where everyone is at looking at something different

    Like 4
  8. moosie moosie

    I like this Corvette a lot, the flared fenders are o.k. as are the six tail lights, about the only qualms I have with any modified C2 is the need for people to add that ugly “Duck Tail” spoiler, why people do that is beyond me, but its their car so I suppose they can do it. That and the changing the location of the headlights to the grill area on some cars just doesn’t put wind in my sails.

    Like 1
  9. Danny V. Johnson

    I’m not a hater. I just want to know why the lead-in for this says “Racer?” I don’t see anything about that car that would lead me to believe it was ever a race car. Also, the Craigs listing has been removed by the seller.

    Like 2
  10. John M Stecz

    Put a big block in it and have fun

    Like 1
  11. George Mattar

    I am an OEM guy all the way, but this is what 60s Corvettes looked like 50 years ago. Look at 64 prices on recent BAT auctions. Bringing stupid money.

    Like 1
  12. Gary

    Wow, 50k for that turd? Crazy. We did a 65 convertible back in 78, just an old Vette, nothing special. We put in two more taillights, flares, big block hood, the front bumper deleted. Pretty much the twin to this one. It had soooo much paint on it! I striped off white, red, tan, white, red, tan, white and the original red. It looked moulded before we touched it. Painted it candy red and it was beautiful. Ten years ago found the body hanging in a warehouse, frame in it’s side along the wall. The owner had a guy redo it and they painted it s metallic dark green, looked fantastic. There are enough 1000 point originals out there, the world needs hotrods.

    Like 3
  13. dogwater

    Sorry Gary y are the turd, if you could buy this car and get running it would have a great car yes its a 30k go back and watch your cartoons

    Like 1
    • Claudio

      Gary has experience and his own opinion and who are you to decide his is no good?

      You are the one looking like a turd , you can disagree with his views and voice them politely or simply read snd not comment
      If you choose to comment , try to act more like an adult if at all possible

      Like 5
  14. PRA4SNW

    Most Corvette shows everything is straight stock and people are proud of that.

    But, it is great to see a custom that hasn’t been returned to stock mixed in with the bunch. Here’s one that I saw at a show a few summers ago. It was showing its age, but it was nicely done.

    Like 1
  15. PRA4SNW

    Pic 2

    Like 0
  16. PRA4SNW

    Pic 3

    Like 0
  17. PRA4SNW

    Pic 4

    Like 0
  18. Claudio

    I agreed with you with the first 3 pictures but the 4 th one threw me overboard!
    That’s some kind of fish mouth and its scary !

    Like 3

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