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Retain or Restore? 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe

It is a question worth careful consideration. The seller describes this 1964 Corvette Coupe’s overall condition as acceptable for a driver-grade car. The new owner could revive this classic and enjoy it cosmetically untouched. However, the relentless value increases could make restoration to its original form irresistible. It is a tough call, but my instincts tell me many will view the second option as preferable. Regardless of your leanings, you may be tempted to pursue this beauty further. If so, you will find it listed here on eBay in Cincinnati, Ohio. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve to sit at $35,100.

The seller purchased the Corvette as a project car, planning to revive it after years in hibernation. They acknowledge they have too many projects, meaning this car must find a new home. It is structurally sound, with no rust in the frame or birdcage. Its panels are free from significant cracks and defects, and the paint shines nicely for a driver-grade vehicle. However, some purists will find the paint color a sticking point. The seller admits it isn’t original, with the information in the listing suggesting it started life wearing attractive Silver Blue. Returning the Coupe to that form would not be difficult and could be the best option if the winning bidder wishes to maximize their investment. The Corvette wears a big-block hood, but sourcing the correct one should not be challenging. Some trim pieces are missing, and the wheels aren’t right for this car. Therefore, this classic offers something for both purists and those unopposed to a custom appearance.

The seller states that this Corvette features a 327ci V8 and a four-speed manual transmission, but there are questions worth considering. They don’t reveal the engine’s specifications or whether the drivetrain is numbers-matching. The 327 bolted under the hood of the ’64 Corvette punched out at least 250hp, although that figure climbed considerably higher if buyers were willing to splash their cash. All delivered sub-16-second ¼-mile ETs, although the more potent versions could see that figure drop effortlessly into the low 14s. The seller indicates the car ran when parked, but many moons have passed since. It needs a new fuel tank, a carburetor rebuild, and other work before the new owner hits the key. However, none of the tasks look complicated, meaning the buyer could tackle most in a home workshop.

One aspect of this Corvette requiring nothing is its interior. I wouldn’t call it perfect, but the lack of wear and physical damage makes it ideal for a driver-grade vehicle. A perfectionist would replace the bright trim on the glove compartment door and possibly the wheel due to a crack. Otherwise, it needs nothing. Considering the panel and paint updates, it is surprising there are no aftermarket additions. Everything is as it left the factory, and although it isn’t highly optioned, the original AM/FM radio would be welcome on long journeys.

It can be difficult to gauge the popularity of a classic car, but this 1964 Corvette Coupe leaves no doubt. It has attracted an impressive thirty-eight bids in under two days, suggesting people like what they see. There is scope for the price to climb higher, although the panel and paint changes mean we can only speculate on where it might reach by the time the hammer falls. It would be fascinating to know how many people are considering reinstating the car to its original form and whether any would choose to preserve it as it stands. Into which camp do you fall?

Comments

  1. Avatar bobhess Member

    Bought right it could be a good buy and a good mild restoration candidate. One thing about the paint though, you don’t want to pile more paint on this car without removing the the two coats presently on it, especially on a fiberglass body. Down to bare glass and then primer and paint is a long process and “would not be difficult” does not apply. I like orange but not as a replacement for that beautiful blue original color.

    Like 14
    • Avatar Gary

      LS, six speed, Brembo brakes, black, red interior.

      Like 5
      • Avatar Robert Holt

        I’m with you, Gary! This car has restomod written all over it! I’m not against being a purist, but then I wouldn’t be buying a car like this with the plan of reselling it, no, this would be a weekend warrior, dropping jaws and black stripes all over the place… it’s probly a good thing I drive a Silverado and a fat boy, I would more than likely get into lots of trouble with a hot rod, but one can dream, can’t they?

        Like 6
      • Avatar Neal Jacobsen

        I would have it restored to that beautiful Silver/blue color. The dark spot on the rear left quarter panel you can see in the picture, I am assuming is for the radio antenna (?). Yes? No?
        Beautiful car. I think I would take the engine out and either 327 or 427 it. But could be later on. Make sure car is drivable and safe at first. Check for
        rust under car. I hope the new owner puts it back to original. No six speed trans. Find original wheels/after market ones that really enhance the car.

        Like 1
      • Avatar PRA4SNW

        Yes, that is the antenna mounting hole. Goes straight through to the underside. My ’70 antenna was taken off, but the antenna cable was so long that stations came in without it. I eventually replaced it and ran a new cable to the radio when I refurbished the car.

        Like 1
    • Avatar The Other Chris

      Yeah, the “would not be difficult” struck me, too. I’ve never heard that phrase in this context!

      Like 3
  2. Avatar FrankD Member

    It could be nice either way. The forgotten year 1964! The 63 took all the glory with a split window and the 65 took the rest with big block engines 396 and 427.

    But who were the idiots that took their 63 back to the dealer to have the split window cut out because they can’t see. Yes it really happened!

    Like 1
  3. Avatar Steve

    Personally, I would take it home and strip it and do the repaint. I prefer to enjoy the drive and whether perfect or not the car is for my enjoyment and pleasure. I have owned 3 C-2’s in my life and they are just home sweet home to me! I actually had the identical car when I was 18 back in 1977. Mine was the original blue.

    Like 2
  4. Avatar Steve Courchesne

    Wow! I just went on E-bay and the car has been treated to the same thing as the one I owned in 77, The headlight doors were also covered over. I had the same big block hood. What is missing curiously are the vents behind the side window. They may have been covered over but I am curious as to why they are not there now.

    Like 2
    • Avatar ruxvette

      Good catch. Certainly could have been eliminated but…probably not. I’m guessing a different body. I would like to see the VIN.

      Like 1
  5. Avatar Joe Ackeret

    I’d paint it white and put it back to original. Nothing better than a white mid-year .

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Big C

    This guy needs an electrician STAT. Or at least a ladder, to change the florescent bulbs in the garage.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Craig Baloga Member

    I would bid this one conservatively, and if won at a reasonable price, I would bring it to the next level, leave the paint (do some paint correction), detail, enjoy it immensely, then sell it patiently (not at an auction) in a face to face private sale.

    Very nice! 👍🤓

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Michael Hutt

    No headlight buckets, no front bumpers or braces? Hard to tell what else is missing or doesnt work! My opinion the current bid far excedes what the car is worth.

    Like 4
  9. Avatar Tmk

    First I would change all the fluids check inside the gas tank to see it condition and flush out radiator disconnect heater for now . then see if i could get road worthy for now . and then just enjoy it .

    Like 1
  10. Avatar Ed

    This just makes me really regret selling my 1964 black over red 365 HP roadster a few years back for $40k. It was a pretty nice driver.

    Like 0
    • Avatar ruxvette

      I sold my ’64 Daytona Blue 365hp roadster for $3200…in 1970.

      Like 1
    • Avatar Steve Courchesne

      You know Ed, I think any one of us who owned C-2’s will always suffer from the fact that we no longer own one. They are the best of the best, I owned 3 of them and it is the one place I feel totally at home when I sit behind that wheel and dash console. Nothing but wonderful memories.

      Like 0
      • Avatar PRA4SNW

        Steve, that is so true. When I bought my C3 in the 80’s, a lot of guys would tell me stories about how they once owned a C2 and they still missed it.

        Like 0
    • Avatar Steve Courchesne

      A daily driver now sets you at least $65 g’s in Cdn Money so $50 U.S. from what I can see. I have been looking. I owned my first one in 77 when I was just 20 years old, a 65 coupe, I then owned a 66 coupe BB and then a 64 Roadster. I also owned a 70 roadster but it just was not the same as the C-2’s.

      Like 0
  11. Avatar Cisco

    Make it safe and throw on a set of vintage style rim and drive the crap out of it!!

    Like 0

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