1964 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray (C2)

Details

The Chevrolet Motor Car Company was founded in Detroit, USA in 1911. The company was merged into General Motors in 1917 and subsequently became a Division of that company. Chevrolet is an iconic American brand that is well known the world over.  The 1950’s and 1960’s were a time of great change in America and the automobile played a significant part in the American way of life at that time. Chevrolet is recognised as producing the great American family car, however, Chevys have also enjoyed much success in motor racing. The small block V8 is considered by many to be one of the greatest engines of all time and the Corvette is perhaps the company’s crowning achievement.

The Chevrolet Corvette is without doubt America’s most popular sports car. Born in 1953, the Corvette has gone through many iterations and is an ‘automotive icon’ recognised throughout the world. The first generation, or C1 series cars, were produced from 1953 to 1962 and are often referred to as the ‘straight axel’ cars because independent rear suspension was not introduced until 1963 on the second generation or C2 series cars. 1962 was an important year for the Corvette. Not only was it the last year of the C1 series cars as noted above, it was the first year of the legendary 327 cubic inch engine. The third generation of Corvette, the C3, was introduced in 1969 and production ran for an astonishing 14 years confirming the popularity of this model. Whilst the engine and chassis of the C3 cars were essentially the same as its predecessor, this car had completely new body styling and interior. Some 64 years after the first C1 Corvette rolled off the production line Chevrolet is still building the Corvette today (which is designated as C8).

The early Corvettes are becoming sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike and finding original and unmolested cars is becoming difficult.

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale a 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray (C2) coupe.

This car retains its original chassis plate and trim plate under the dash. The first six characters of the chassis number are 40837S, which deciphers as follows: 4 = model year 1964, 08 = Corvette, 37 = Coupe and S = assembly plant St Louis. This Corvette was built in September 1963. The trim tag deciphers as follows: A11 = September 11^th, Style 64 837 = 1964 coupe, Trim 490BA = blue vinyl, Body 183 = the 183rd body built for that year and Paint 916AA = daytona blue exterior paint. This car is fitted with the desirable 365hp 327 cubic inch engine and a manual gearbox.

This particular car was acquired in the USA and imported into Australia (Queensland) in 2001. There is an import approval on file dated 2^nd July 2001. At that time the car was white. It was soon sold and remained in the same family until acquired by the current owner, through Geezers Classic Garage, in 2007.

The car underwent a body off restoration which was completed in 2005.

Today this Corvette presents exceptionally well. The daytona blue paint over a blue interior is an absolutely perfect colour combination for this car.  The paint presents in excellent condition all round with only a few minor blemishes here and there. The colour looks almost black in the shade and then the most stunning dark blue in bright sunlight. All of the exterior trim, chrome and glass are in good condition. Inside the cabin everything presents as ‘freshly restored’. The upholstery and carpets are in excellent condition.  We just love the steering wheel on these early ‘60’s Corvettes, they are a real feature! This one is beautifully preserved. All of the instruments and controls, which are crisp and clean, are in working order, including the radio! Under the bonnet the car is also exceptionally clean and very well presented.

The real fun starts when you turn the key. The big V8 burst into life with a thunderous roar. Even from cold the engine idles smoothly and whilst if makes ‘one hell of a noise’, it is not lumpy.

Out on the open road the car performs as one would expect. You have loads of power on tap and the engine revs willingly when asked to do so, which is often! The gear change is smooth up and down the box and the car handles and stops well. The steering is slightly vague and has been improved significantly with an adjustment to the steering box.

In reality this car has travelled very few miles since being restored. It has just been fitted with a new fuel tank and a new set of Mastercraft WSW 205/75R15 tyres.

Today the odometer reads 66,532 miles.

The Chevrolet Corvette C2’s are cool and our pick of the Corvette series. This car is now ready for its new owner to enjoy.

Highlights:

• Desirable C2 Corvette finished in its stunning and original colour scheme.
• Fitted with the desirable 365hp 327 cubic inch engine and a manual gearbox.
• Whilst an older restoration, this car presents and drives beautifully.
• Ready to enjoy.

 

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