Finding cars that are in a mid-stream project status is pretty commonplace these days. There are myriad reasons for why that happens but the reasons aren’t as important as the subject itself. And this subject, a 1964 Chevrolet Corvette, is a well-described project car with some mix and match options, so let’s take a closer look. This ‘Vette is located in Harpursville, New York and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $20,100, reserve not yet met.

Many project cars that turn up on these web pages are about as disorganized as you can get. There are parts here, parts there, and you never know with any certainty if your acquisition will net you enough of the entire vehicle to effect completion. The seller in this case has a pretty good grip on what’s here and what’s missing so let’s start under the hood.

The original 327 CI V8 engine is gone. It could have been one of four, with horsepower ranges spanning from 250 all the way to a fuel-injected 375 top option (though the seller makes no claim to that originality). A later model 350 CI V8 is now in residence but if the next owner would like, this ‘Vette can go engine delete for a $1,500 credit. And if a 327 is your thing, the seller states that he has two that can be made available. The seller advises that the engine starts and charges but it is connected to a new wiring harness that is not fully hooked up. A four-speed manual transmission is in place and the front brakes have been converted to slotted disc components. Other mechanical improvements include the addition of an aluminum radiator, a new fuel tank, and the replacement of what were probably, some very tired, 57-year-old front suspension bushings.

Outside, the most obvious minus is the detached bumpers. The seller has them, plus the brackets except for the two that protrude through the grille. The headlight doors and bezels are present but the actuating motors are inoperative. The seller adds, “All bonding strips are there front and back . It should not take much to get it ready for paint“. The convertible top bow is in bad shape but an extra is included and the top frame will need to be recovered. The seller claims that the birdcage and frame are without rust.

Moving indoors is an orderly space that is in reasonably complete condition. The door cards are gone and the red vinyl upholstery is a bit worn looking but still presents pretty well. The carpet looks like a replacement set while the instrument panel shows as original and untouched – the gauges are a little dim and dusty but not too obscured. Under the passenger side of the dash, there are auxiliary gauges that have been added which makes one think that the originals are non-functioning. Their placement is not too convenient for viewing and could prove to be a real shin scrapper for the passenger. Good to see is the original, vertically mounted Delco radio. Of concern is that new hunk of coiled wire hanging down from under the dash on the driver’s side – what’s it for, I wonder?

The bidding on this Corvette project (47 bids) tells me that its current state is not too objectionable and there are those that aren’t afraid to take on another’s started project. This example does appear to be orderly but I’m sure it’s not without its risks. What do you think, knowing its existing status, is it worth the challenge?