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.