What have you done for me lately?
After all the hoopla over the stunning new 1963 Corvette Sting Ray, the next year’s model suffered from the sophomore jinx.
While the ’65 recaptured attention with new features like a 396 big-block option and four-wheel disc brakes, the ’64 was just more of the same – making it less attractive than other C2 years to some collectors now.
But take a look at this “sophomore C2” being offered by Corvette Mike on Bring a Trailer, and you’ll likely agree with his assessment that the ’64s were “a great car then” and remain “a great car now!”
The controversial split window – so popular for collectors today – had been eliminated for ’64, as were the simulated hood vents. You’ll also find new one-year-only gauge faces and a new seat design and ventilation system.
“Over the decades,” Corvette Mike explains, “while the ’63 was worshipped and the ’67 was fawned over, the ’64 got kind of lost in the shuffle. And as a result, it’s THE BEST VALUE OF ANY MID-YEAR BUILT!”
This convertible example remained with the original owner until 1987, when the next owner grabbed it and held on for almost 40 years – though he did make some changes over the decades. Originally, the car was Saddle Tan over Saddle interior, but he eventually decided on a more vibrant color combo, switching to red over black with a black soft top.
Another change? A replacement 327 V8 (rebuilt in 2010) was installed, mated with a four-speed manual transmission.
The car is said to have been well maintained over the years, most recently at Corvette Mike getting ready for the auction with the installation of a hard fuel line, rewiring of the ignition system, and replacement of the water pump, thermostat, and heater hoses. An aftermarket radio and alarm system were removed in October, and a previously installed starter under the driver’s floor mat was taken out, with the ignition wiring re-routed to the column and the ignition switch re-keyed.
Corvette Mike calls it “a great-looking ’64,” a car that’s “a lot of fun to spend time in,” and “a nice driver” only made better by the recent service.
The high bid has reached just $20,000, with two days left in the auction.
Source:
Bring a Trailer
Related:
[VIDEO] Corvette Mike Dives Into the History of the ‘Finest’ 1963 Corvette Split Window Ever Offered
Corvette Mike’s Decorated 1967 Corvette L89 Coupe Sells for $1.7 Million at Mecum Kissimmee
The One that Got Away: Corvette Mike Remembers ‘Life Altering’ First Corvette
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