There aren’t many sights sadder than seeing a classic car left to fend for itself, exposed to all that Mother Nature has to throw at it. This only intensifies when it is a vehicle like a 1964 Corvette “Fuelie.” However, all might not be lost because the environment where it sits does not tend to promote catastrophic rust problems. The owner has decided to part with the Corvette, which is located in McKinney, Texas. It has been listed for sale here on eBay, and the bidding has been frantic. It has pushed along to $22,700, and the reserve has been met.
When the Corvette was all shiny and new, it wore Silver Blue paint. That was a long time ago, and it appears that someone has made a partial attempt to recapture this car’s former glory. The owner only supplies two exterior photos, and these show evidence of surface preparation as though a repaint was planned. The buyer will probably need to start from scratch because there is some noticeable deterioration with this work. There are also some flaws in the fiberglass, which might require specialist attention. The car is fitted with a factory hardtop, but it isn’t clear whether there is also a soft-top. It’s probably wise to anticipate the worst on that, and if there is one, it will come as a pleasant surprise. The owner doesn’t provide any information on the frame’s state, so it will need to be inspected. Even if it is okay, this will probably represent a frame-off restoration if it is to be done justice. Someone wanted the Corvette to have some attitude, and that explains the aftermarket wheels and side exhaust. Most of the chrome will need to be refurbished or replaced, but the tinted glass looks okay.
For me, lifting the hood provides the most significant disappointment with this classic. The engine bay used to house the highly-prized 327ci fuel-injected V8. That represented a $538 option in 1964, which was a lot of money. Sure, it pumped out 375hp, but only 1,325 buyers stumped up the cash for one. That engine is now a distant memory, and I believe that the replacement is a 350ci V8. It isn’t clear what sort of state it is in or when it last fired a shot in anger. If it turns freely, getting it running is a possibility. However, the fuel system will almost certainly need a clean because it doesn’t look like there’s a fuel cap. The engine is fitted with headers, which would feed the spent gases to those enormous side exhausts. Beyond that, there’s not much that we know.
The Corvette’s interior appears to be complete, but it has its share of problems. There is an aftermarket Sun tach attached to the top of the steering column. That would suggest that the factory item doesn’t function. The needle on the speedometer is either badly bent or broken and when you combine those factors, the pair will need to be refurbished or replaced. There are plenty of little pieces that might also need replacing, but it will take an inspection to confirm what will be required.
If this 1964 Corvette is structurally sound, it could make a great restoration project. It will never be numbers-matching, and that’s a crying shame. However, it seems that there are a few enthusiasts who see the potential. That is why there have already been 61 bids. With what you now know, would you be tempted to join the party?
The serial numbers and tags will be worth something for another fake Corvette.
Such a shame to see any car in this condition, let alone a Corvette. Hope someone with the wallet and talent is able to bring this one back to it’s glory.
I thinks the price is a little high, but I’ve seen worse would like to see more pictures frame etc
Frame is the key!
All good commentary; I’d be willing to bet the frame is toast, texas or not. would love to know how this one is. As far as the price, guess its worth whatever someone will pay for it. Way too rich for my blood. Appears lots of possible low feedback fraud ( is that word ok, Steve R??). Go in and see for yourself, hit bid history. Stay safe, know what you are buying, and good luck.
Cheers
GPC
If you look at the reflection in the top of the right rear bumper … you can see that it has 6 tail lights! A pretty popular mod back in the day and if you’re not an NCRS purist, it just looks better IMHO. I’m just sayin’ …
“all the Jag could see were my six taillights…….”
Cheers
GPC
” … won’t come back from Deadman’s Curve …”
Jan & Dean memorialized those six taillights well in “Deadman’s Curve”
I saw this and got sick. This needs a 100,000 dollar make over at the very least. Everything has been destroyed and ruined by weather and shown no care in ownership. Needs to have tags removed and torched out of it’s misery.
I’m amazed at how many ‘yard find’ and ‘barn find’ Corvettes there are.
As am I, every time I see one like this. Which begs the next question;
How many more can there be?
If your goal is to end up with a correct 64 Corvette you should pass on this car. There are too many incorrect things that need to be changed. The lower fender louvers are from a 67, the wheel openings are flared, front bumpers are missing. The side pipes are some aftermarket add on. Lots of parts are missing and anyone that’s restored a Corvette will tell you the parts can get very expensive.
Adam, the Speedo needle came from the factory bent as it is on this car in 63 & 64.
It would be nice to see more photos so I could tell if it is really a hi horse car and the condition of the frame and suspension.
I suspect tbe tach may be good as well. The fuelie tach was a cable drive which the new distrubutor probably didnt have that
Probably not a bad buy providing the bid doesn’t go much higher, it’d be a good Corvette for someone with the ability to do their own work. Not every car, or Corvette for that matter, has to be restored to original, some enthusiasts like slightly modified cars they can drive and enjoy without worrying about mega bucks paint work, this could be one of them. Tach doesn’t work probably because of the HEI distributor. factory tachs in Corvettes are mechanical and run off the distributor . A solid frame would need to be present .
Probably not a bad buy providing the bid doesn’t go much higher, it’d be a good Corvette for someone with the ability to do their own work. Not every car, or Corvette for that matter, has to be restored to original, some enthusiasts like slightly modified cars they can drive and enjoy without worrying about mega bucks paint work, this could be one of them. Tach doesn’t work probably because of the HEI distributor. factory tachs in Corvettes are mechanical and run off the distributor . A solid frame would need to be present .
Front clip is not a 1964.
Extra taillights radiused fenders and a left door opening that is mighty suspicious. I would be allover that frame and windshield support.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see this turn up some day as a beautifully restored “numbers matching” survivor.
An original FI car…with the FI badges on ’67 fenders. Upgraded brakes are good. What else…hmmm
Did 64 come with split brake system? Rough looking Corvette for current $27k bid.
nope.
The door handles are nice.
The door handles are in good shape.
While I agree it would take a lot of $ and time to restore this one, it looks lie a prime candidate to do a full on hot rod.
No quadrajet in ’64 vettes.
It’s a shame to see cars left in the hands of brainless hoosiers .