It is always sad to find a classic whose restoration stalled many years ago, and the car has languished in a barn, largely forgotten. That is the story of this 1964 Corvette Convertible. However, the vehicle is virtually complete, and the seller includes its numbers-matching mechanical components. It is begging for someone to take matters into their own hands and return this neglected beast to its former glory. The Corvette is listed here on eBay in North Augusta, South Carolina. Bidding sits below the reserve at $16,350 with a week remaining on the auction.
The story of this Corvette is unknown, but the photos provide clues as to why someone commenced its restoration. The body sports damage on the front left corner, courtesy of a minor fender bender. The damage is superficial, with the frame undamaged. There are no replacement parts for the fiberglass, missing headlight assembly, or front bumpers. Therefore, those will be the first items to find their way onto what will undoubtedly be a long shopping list. There is barely a trace of the car’s original Daytona Blue paint, with much of the exterior coated in Gray primer. The new owner will almost certainly dismantle the vehicle entirely as part of a high-end restoration, providing the ideal opportunity to whip the body into shape. The seller uses the word “solid” when describing the car’s overall condition, suggesting the frame and birdcage are structurally sound. However, the photos indicate there will be heavy surface corrosion requiring attention to prevent further deterioration. The top frame is intact, and the glass might be okay.
The first owner focused on giving this Corvette a performance edge, combining the L75 version of the 327ci V8 with a four-speed manual transmission. This placed 300hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal and proved a popular choice. While over 85% of buyers decided to power their new purchase with one of the optional powerplants, a staggering 47% spent $53.80 for the L75. The good news for potential buyers is that this ‘Vette retains its numbers-matching mechanical components. Their condition and accumulated surface corrosion suggest that many decades have passed since they saw active service, and whether the engine turns is unclear. I am an optimist, but I believe factoring rebuild costs into the restoration budget would be wise.
Potential buyers hoping to find this Corvette’s interior intact will be disappointed by the supplied photos. The previous owner has dismantled it, and while some parts are visible in the image gallery, there are no signs of the seat frames. The gauge cluster and most dash components are present, but the winning bidder must brace for a retrim once they have located any missing items. However, reinstating the Blue vinyl trim and carpet will allow this classic to turn heads for the right reasons.
Some restoration projects require a brave owner because the tasks involved in recapturing a car’s former glory will be complex and expensive. That appears to be the case with this 1964 Corvette Convertible, although the twelve bids submitted suggest people are willing to try. The financial viability of the build hinges on the final sale price for this auction because the process promises to be relatively expensive. A high-end restoration should yield a potential value above $60,000, while perfection could place $80,000 within reach. Values have softened during the past year, and it is unclear when that situation might change. However, history suggests it will eventually, although patience might be key if anyone is considering the car’s long-term investment potential. Is that a chance you would willingly take?
“A high-end restoration should yield a potential value above $60,000, while perfection could place $80,000 within reach.”
And you would only be $45,000 underwater after you got done with an undesirable Corvette model year stuck between the 1963 icon and the more desirable 1965 with 4-wheel disc brakes.
$16,000 Large ? Really? $6,000 maybe $10,000 Looks to me as though its been sitting in that field next to maybe a barn. Not in a very dry area by the looks of that engine.
That’s what I was thinking, $8k tops.
I agree…it’s a shell for 16k…you’d spend 80k on body shop prices for vettes at 45.dollars per hour of work.guessing 25k….20k to paint it a decent color..with today’s prices..and another motor tranny..15 k easy with a 5500k 350 crate motor..2500 tranny..all inside another 7500$..drive train.brakes.wheels tires..accessories. another 15k…..I’m up to 85 k here and did.not buy the car ..with the 16k bid…..thats101k…for a shell 64 low ball value vette..that after its over you mite get 50k for it..you lost 55k on this deal..how bad you want one….I wonder if it will drive after all that money
$600.00
This thing is a mess! I wouldn’t touch it with anyone’s wallet!
Though the prices of ’64’s are rising dramatically, along with every other “classic” car. You’d still be using a straw to draw air when you finished this one.
I love how the tie down strap goes from side- to side over the doors of the car. Clearly, a guy who really cares about the machine….
I feel sorry for this car, and hope someone adopts it at some point….
bt
Maybe I’m in the minority, but this Corvette doesn’t look bad to me. Other than the nose damage, the rest of the body looks pretty nice (and it’s in bare fiberglass with all the bonding seems showing, not primer as the author stated). It may need to be restored, but from the pictures most of the parts seem to be there. If you’re going to properly restore a car, you’re going to tear it apart anyway, so what’s so terrible about starting with one someone else has already done some of that work for you?
I think this Corvette is easily worth $25K, and maybe more. As far as a “potential value” of $60K to $80K restored, I think that’s low. Nicely restored 64 convertibles are more like $75K-$100K these days. And while the 64 has traditionally been the least desirable of the mid-years, that undesirability doesn’t seem to be effecting the prices of them much anymore. Also, please find me any car you can buy today that you’re not going to be upside down in by restoring. With paint jobs running $10-$20K you can expect to be upside down before doing any other work or buying any parts.
Thank You for a very knowledgeable answer ,,,,,,,,,,, finally someone who knows what they are talking about. I’ve missed your input.
Yes, strapping over the doors is a really bad idea. If it drives far over bumpy roads it’s liable to do some damage.
A Resto Mod candidate?
not with matching #’s
$18,500 now with 6 days left. It needs too much IMO to be worth that But I do hope someone will put it back on the road. Corvettes from 1964 are usually lower priced due to having drum brakes, but as a former 64 Sting Ray owner I can say from experience that they stop very well. Sure, I’d prefer four wheel disks but if you are going it use it like most 64 Corvettes get used the drums are fine, assuming that your brake system is in good condition. Just my opinion, but if you find a nice 64 Sting Ray for a good price don’t let the fact that it has drums keep you from buying it.
Good advice sir.
My 64 solid lifter coupe came from right here on Barn Finds August 2022.
gbvette62 you are right its not a bad project at that price hopefully a hands on guy will bring it back to live
I agree with GB. When you are working on a steel car and the rust is snickering while you replace all of the eaten panels, it is nice to know that the body on your Vette will be there ; ) My Nova has had me busy with the rust repairs, so this Corvette doesn’t strike me as a total mess. Re: the comment about being upside down on a car. What do you call a car payment or a trip to the grocery store? Life in some ways is an upside down proposition, but we still toil to pay for it. I would strongly suggest that guys with that concern just move along, because they are missing the point about passion for the hobby and sometimes the car guy heart wants what it wants. My .02 …..
16k????!!!! It’s completely gone. Give it a burial and accept you blew it by neglecting it.
Just remember the rule of the 4’s when it came to Vettes.
Least value of all.
Billy 81
I’m not getting your comment. Educate me/ us please. Thanks