Vehicle Description
1964 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
1964 was the second year of the second generation (C2) Corvette.
Gone was the split window and the fake hood vents although the
recessed area where the vents were remained. This generation also
introduced independent rear suspension, which would remain on the
car even to this day. The sting ray name also appeared with this
generation and this particular model made use of the hood "stinger"
as it has come known to be. The love affair continues to this day
with the Corvette, straight from the mind of ZORA ARKUS-DUNTOV.
From Zora Arkus-Duntov's mind to your eyes, we offer up this C2
second year 1964 Stingray coupe. This car comes to us via its
second owner who had it since 1965. A few stints in the military,
and a 2004 restoration, it is a mere 2 owner car! A hardtop and
aircraft style top wrap around door surrounds which mold neatly
into the roofline. With the coupe design it leaves the pointed
fastback behind, (literally) and offers up a bit of a classy look
with its thin V shaped front and rear lines and the split bumpers
with hidden headlights. "When the sting ray bites..." oh
wait...!
Exterior
Fiberglass molded to an art form of rolling sculpture with its thin
V shaped hidden headlight split bumper front end and thin V rear
complete with the dual round inset taillights, and more split
bumpers below. The Sting ray began to come into its own during
these C2 years. Up front the ventless "stinger" style hood is
flanked by the hidden headlights. This works its way back to the
passenger compartment which is framed up front with a curved
windshield for that panoramic field of view. In lieu of the side
pipes, a black and stainless ribbed rocker cover is present on
either side. Dual Corvette coves are behind the front wheel well on
the quarter panel. A beautifully curved rear glass and the previous
years "pointy bump up" now rolls gracefully down to the taillights.
Knockoff style wheels are wrapped in the white rubber, and the
aircraft styled doors mold gracefully into the roofline. Silver
paint is very nicely applied and is miles deep with very few
inclusions, namely prior repairs to the nose are becoming evident
(courtesy of a slight accident that occured in 1970) and some small
dimpling in the paint on the rear deck of the car. The same can be
said for all badging.
Interior
For the interior, beautifully aged red vinyl, (code 490AA), low
back buckets are flanking a center armrest which becomes a chrome
edged center console. This houses the chrome ball topped shift
lever and then climbs straight up to house a side mounted radio,
various knobs and pulls and large chrome bezel black faced clock.
Both sides split gracefully to their respective corners of the
dash, but first take an opportunity to form 2 graceful cowls, one
for the glovebox, and the other for the gauge cluster. In front of
the driver there is a black faux leather textured vinyl background
which is very clean, for the passenger glove box we see an aluminum
paneled door. The original wood rimmed steering wheel with tri
machined metal inserts and a center crossed flag badge fronts the
dash. Factory looking red carpet floods all the floors and does not
have a mark on it, just some fading and wear. Door panels make use
of tuck and roll red leather on top of the panels and after jumps
across a delineating chrome strip, then the leather changes to
smooth material. Nice chromed knobs handles and vents are embedded
within the door panels. Just a hint of red carpet is on the bottom
of each pristine door. A shout out to the rear cargo compartment
where the carpeting is complete but does show some sun fading.
Drivetrain
A flip of the forward facing hinged hood, and we are met with a
simply beautifully restored engine bay. If you thought the exterior
and interior were the stars, those were only the first two opening
acts. A perfect orange/red painted block and valve covers with
corrosion free attachments, supple black shiny hoses and just a
hint of rust on the exhaust manifolds. This is a mighty 327ci V8
numbers matching (3782870 ca.1962-1965 L30) that puts out 300
horses and is topped underneath that chromed air cleaner housing
with a 4-barrel carburetor (#3851761) which is correctly numbered
along with the factory correct intake (#3844459-L143) On back is an
M20 4-speed manual transmission which is also numbers matching. Way
back is a 3.36 rear axle with a CA stamping code.
Undercarriage
Very gracefully aged straight, with slight surface rust showing oil
the ladder frame, and no rust on the flat floorboards. All this has
obviously been well cared for over the years. Dual exhaust snake
rearward from the block through the frame and rearward through
mufflers and trimmed holes in the bottom rear cowling. Independent
front suspension and transverse leaf springs on the rear with 4
wheel power drum brakes are noted sitting within this excellent
environment.
Drive-Ability
These early 1960's C2 "Vettes are just a blast to drive and it made
me feel like an artist driving my handiwork with its sculpted
fiberglass body, and snappy interior. It lit right up, and the test
track beckoned. Performance is the buzzword for this car, as it has
nearly limitless acceleration, fine rail like handling, and solid
braking. The transmission shifts smoothly, and all controls were in
operating condition save for the front driver's door glass which I
could hear the motor whirring but the glass did not move. A fun
drive for sure!
A great example from 1964 in Sting Ray form, she's a fun driver,
and can be used as such, or even to show, it is nice enough and
preserved enough to do so with respect. A great color combo, power
steering, power brakes, chambered exhaust along with optional
backup lights and an all season driver. A classy sculpted profile
sports car made in America and definitely iconic in its reputation
and looks for this year. Thanks Mr. Duntov, and be careful on that
"stinger", it will put your eye out as they say! This car has been
recognized as a Medallion Level Collectible vehicle by American
Collectors Insurance, and restoration documentation from 2004 is
available for your viewing.
VIN DECODE
40837S107891
4-1964
08-Corvette
37-Coupe
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
107891-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
D27-December 27th 1963
ST 64 837-1964 Corvette Coupe
BDY 3283-# St Louis Body #
TR 490AA-Red Vinyl
PNT 940AA-Satin Silver
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.