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, through our consignor's vision and
now to your eyes, we offer up this C2 second year 1964 Stingray
coupe. This car comes to us with an ownership history spanning the
last 45 years, copious amounts of receipts, and an engine rebuilt
by Carl Ruth Racing Engines 17 years ago. Approximately 4,000 miles
have been logged since that rebuild on this hardtop which has
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 a scooped "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. Side pipes grace both rocker panels
and give some pizazz to the wheel well openings with their added on
flared lips. Dual Corvette coves are behind the front wheel well on
the quarter panel. A beautifully curved rear glass and the previous
year's "pointy bump up" now rolls gracefully down to the
taillights. Chrome 5 spoke Cragar wheels with knockoff style hubs
are wrapped in staggered width blackwall rubber, and the aircraft
styled doors mold gracefully into the roofline. White paint, a
color change from the original Satin Silver, is very nicely applied
with very few inclusions and some notable repairs on the rear of
the car under the split chrome bumpers. The same can be said for
all badging which presents wonderfully as does the stainless
trimmings around the cabin.
Interior
For the interior, beautifully aged black vinyl high back buckets
are flanking a center armrest which becomes a chrome edged center
console. This houses the Hurst shifter and Tee-handle topped shift
lever and then climbs straight up a custom diamond pleated vinyl
overlay that houses 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 textured
background which is very clean, for the passenger glove box we see
an aluminum paneled door. The wood rimmed steering wheel with tri
machined metal inserts and a center crossed flag badge fronts the
dash. Nice black carpet floods all the floors and does not have a
mark on it, just some fading and wear. Door panels make use of
diamond pleated tuck and roll black vinyl on top of the panels and
after jumps across a delineating chrome strip, then the vinyl
changes to clean black carpeting material. Nice chromed knobs
handles and vents are embedded within the door panels. Peering up
we see a custom headliner in more black diamond pleated vinyl,
which matches the door panels nicely. A shout out to the rear cargo
compartment where the carpeting is complete but does show some sun
fading along with aftermarket speakers and an added AM/FM
stereo.
Drivetrain
A flip of the forward facing hinged hood, and we are met with a
simply beautiful engine bay. If you thought the exterior and
interior were the stars, those were only the first two opening
acts. A blue painted block is dressed to the nines with chrome
ribbed valve covers with corrosion free attachments, supple black
shiny hoses and just a hint of rust on the exhaust manifold covers.
This is a mighty 327ci V8 that is era correct but not the original
engine, which is topped with a ribbed and chromed air cleaner
housing with a 4-barrel carburetor. On back is an M20 4-speed
manual transmission which is also era correct but not numbers
matching. Way back is a 3.70 rear axle with Positraction.
Undercarriage
Very gracefully aged straight, with slight surface rust showing
along with patina on the ladder frame, and no rust on the flat
floorboards. All this has obviously been well cared for over the
years and only minor chipping of the floor paint is noted. Dual
exhaust snakes down from the engine then turn outward and become
the chambered muffler side pipes. Independent coil spring front
suspension and transverse leaf springs on the rear with 4-wheel
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 had
nearly limitless acceleration, fine rail like handling, and solid
braking. The transmission shifted smoothly, and all controls were
in operating condition, 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,
chambered exhaust along with side pipes 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 of that "stinger", it will put your eye out
as they say!
VIN DECODE
40837S109686
4-1964
08-Corvette
37-2 Door Coupe
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
109686-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
E23-January 23rd Build
STYLE 64 837-1964 Corvette Coupe
BODY S4052-St. Louis Body #
TRIM 409BA-Non Listed Trim Code
PAINT 940AA-Satin Silver
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.