Idled 40 years ago, this 1964 Chevrolet Corvette needs a new owner to get it back in the wind. Decode the stream-of-consciousness listing here on craigslist.org and one possible interpretation is that this ’64 retains its original 365 HP 327 cid (5.4L) V8 and manual transmission. According to vettefacts.com only the “RF” code 375 HP version made more power in ’64. A complete restoration is assured, including structural frame repair. A disassembled 1973 Corvette accompanies the sale, also with numbers-matching engine and transmission. The pair in Englewood, Florida can be yours for $25,000. There’s nothing like dropping 25 grand on two project Corvettes to establish yourself as a hands-on collector. Thanks to reader Patrick S. for spotting this Sunshine State project pair.
Though mostly unsullied by details, the listing describes the fiberglass body is described as “straight” which presumably means not cracked. An unplanned drop in the garage resulted in some damage to the nose.
The once-fearsome 327 “needs to be freed up,” and any buyer would be wise to research and validate as much as possible before handing over a Ritz cracker box full of cash. Interestingly Chevy offered no fewer than fourteen engine choices in the 1964 Corvette, all displacing 327 cubic inches. Wow! This one wears some aftermarket equipment but the exhaust manifolds appear to be original. Imagine the stories this high-powered ‘Vette could tell.
Nothing looks like a space-age Corvette instrument cluster! This one looks far cleaner and clearer than many we have featured. The knobs under the dash probably operate air vents but it’s more fun to imagine them with labels like “Oil Slick,” and “Ejection Seat.”
The ’73 Stingray is even less well-described but its “perfect” frame is separate from the body and may have found its way under the ’64. Replacement C2 frame options abound, but that decision now belongs to the buyer.
Returning the ’73 Corvette to running condition and selling it may release some garage space and cash for properly finishing the ’64. How would you deal with this pair of long-sidelined sports cars?
Mr. I WOULD PREFER IT ORIGINAL….now you want ejector seats?….your full of it….and you have no knowledge of cars…im keeping my modern sound system….
Please don’t ever refer to the ICONIC 327 as a 5.4 liter ever again.
On the other hand, a “Ritz cracker box full of cash” is pure gold.
Amen, amen and amen !
Done as an often-requested courtesy to our many readers in other countries. Muscle-cars are loved around the globe, but not everyone thinks in cubic inches.
I have lived in NE my whole life. I couldn’t tell you what the engine size on a series 1 xke in cubic inches idls. Always referred to it as a 3.8 litre. A C2 Vette engine size should be referred to in cubic inches only!
Hey TJ. 231 CI = 3.8 liter
Hey, Corvettes! You don’t see those at car shows. Wait…yes you do. YAWN…
Really only 4 engine choices. The suffixes merely change to denote application and options. You got a 250, 300, 365 or 375 . . ..
Hey, combine them, put a modern drive train in….or maybe even electric – better yet – and sell it to a millennial by telling them it is a Corvette 2.5 !!
JohnD is absolutely right, there were only 4 engine choices in 64 (327/250, 327/300, 327/365 & 327/375), not 14. There were 14 different suffix codes, to identify the various engine/transmission combinations, and whether or not the car had air conditioning, but there were still only 4 engines options.
From what I see, as long as the birdcage is relatively solid, $25,000 doesn’t sound too bad. And if it does still have the original engine, then $25K might be a steal. The 73 frame isn’t an exact match for the 64 frame, but it’s close enough that it can be made to work, without to much effort.
Personally whether planning on doing the C2 or C3 or both, there are frames like: http://www.streetshopinc.com available that you can drop a body on and will take more modern drivetrain and suspension. Most far exceed any modified frame in options and handling and can be gotten for all types of things not available in their day. The frames are not cheap but what is now days?
Neither can be taken back to ‘as delivered’ so why not have fun with them? Restomod anyone?
Might the rare, 1963 split windows be grafted onto this? Has it been done?
Back when the ’64s hit the streets some ’63 owners liked the look and had their split windows converted to the ’64 look. I wonder how many , if still alive & still own it, are kicking themselves in the ass ?
Pretty sure I have seen the spine for sale, can’t recall the catalog.
Corvettes have come down so much as like other cars that I would spend about 50k more and get a nicer one to drive. Believe me it is not worth the restoration headaches you will get. It’s not.