Stored 42 Years: 1964 Chevrolet Corvette
The Chevy Corvette received its first major overhaul in 1963 (The Stingray) and buyers responded enthusiastically. As to not mess with success, Chevrolet made few changes to the car in 1964. Nearly two-thirds sold were convertibles like the seller’s machine, which has recently emerged from 42 years of slumber in a warehouse. It’s not perfect but looks like a solid survivor-quality car. Located in Miami, Florida, this ‘Vette is available here on eBay where the no reserve auction has attracted bids of $37,877. Thanks for another great tip, Larry D!
Demand for the Chevy Corvette nearly doubled with the debut of the C2 generation in 1963. Though the now-famous split-window coupe was a one-year wonder, 22,229 of the sports cars saw the light of day in 1964. Of that, 13,925 were convertibles. 3,909 Corvettes were painted Ermine White, the same color as the seller’s automobile. We’re not told which engine is in this ‘Vette, but the L75 327 cubic inch V8 at 300 hp was the most commonly ordered version at 10,471 copes.
As the story goes, this Corvette was parked in a warehouse in 1980 and left there by the same person who had purchased it in 1969. The car had but 40,000 miles, so no explanation is given as to why it sat dormant for more than four decades. Except that owner was getting older and wouldn’t let it go. The seller had been trying to buy the Chevy for 10 years with no luck until the owner went into a nursing home and the family decided it was time for the Chevy to move on.
Upon buying the car, the seller performed a variety of services, including doing a tune-up and cleaning out the fuel system. Then some parts were replaced, like the master cylinder, radiator, alternator, and battery. After all that, the car fired right up and is said to run well. Since it has newer tires on it now, perhaps it’s ready to hit the road.
Repainted just once, the finish cleaned up well and there are no apparent issues with the fiberglass body or frame. The interior is original and looks quite good, and the seller did install a new white convertible top. This is a well-optioned Corvette, including factory air conditioning which wasn’t terribly common on a convertible in the mid-1960s. Most everything works on the car, but not everything (those items that don’t aren’t listed). If you were looking for a nice C2 that hasn’t been restored, could this be the one?
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Comments
No question this would be the one. The Atomatic and A/C, just make it more desireable. I have historicaly have had an over weight right foot and I livre in Arizona and I love to drive my cars. This is perfect, the price isn’t out rageous ,except for the fact, that as usual I would have to rob Peter to pay Paul. Sell one to get one. Ilike this car and it just might be worth the exchange.
Go for it Joe!
Neat car! Love the color combo. No mention of matching engine numbers.
How many months (days?) in a nursing home will this buy? Not many I believe. 40 years ago when he parked it, I assume he didn’t need a NH then, so why did he park it? Should have kept driving it and enjoyed it. One must assume he thought of it as an investment, but for what? To give to the NH? Lesson to learn guys, enjoy life because you never know when it will dramatically change or even end. Now all his effort will be going for a place he probably does not even want to be at. Maybe if he had kept driving this beauty he would have stayed healthier and not needed the NH, just a random idea (prob wrong). Of course, anyone that puts a good condition reasonably modern Vette into storage, probably has too much money already and had other cars to drive. Maybe my biggest beef is that I bet many over the years offered to buy it and he, Mr Hoarder, wouldn’t let it go. Smugness or sentimentality?
Nice Vette, good color combo.