Why This Car Is Special

The 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray represents the second year of what many collectors consider the best-looking generation the nameplate ever produced. Chevrolet introduced the C2 Sting Ray body in 1963, and by 1964 the engineers had already sorted out several of the first-year quirks — most notably, the controversial split rear window was gone, replaced by a clean single-pane backlight on the coupe. The convertible, like this one, carried its own distinct appeal: an open cockpit, a black soft top, and a profile that still looks purposeful six decades later.

Chevrolet built 13,925 Corvette convertibles for 1964, out of a total Corvette production run of 22,229 units. That makes this body style the more common of the two that year, but the combination of options on this particular car — the 327 Turbo-Fire with a 4-speed manual, knock-off aluminum wheels, the stinger hood, and an AM/FM radio — reflects the kind of thoughtful build that a buyer in 1964 put real money into. The Corvette was not an inexpensive car. Its base price in 1964 was approximately $4,037, which was substantial money at the time.

The VIN on this car decodes to confirm it is a 1964 Corvette convertible (body style code "67"), assembled at the St. Louis, Missouri plant, with sequential unit number 14798 — placing its production well into the model year run. That mid-production build timing is generally associated with stable assembly quality, as early teething issues had been resolved.

Daytona Blue is one of the more distinctive colors from the 1964 Corvette palette. It reads dark and rich — almost approaching navy in certain light — which pairs directly with the black interior and black soft top. The combination is purposeful and conservative without being boring.

Features List

• 327ci Turbo-Fire V8 engine
• 4-Speed manual transmission
• Daytona Blue exterior
• Black vinyl interior
• Black soft top
• Knock-off aluminum wheels
• Whitewall tires
• Stinger hood
• Dual exhaust with chrome side exhaust tips
• Chrome bumpers
• Outside rear view mirror
• Dashboard-mounted tachometer
• Dashboard clock
• AM/FM radio (Delco)
• Heater and defroster
• Center console
• Bucket seats
• Seat belts
• Wood-rimmed steering wheel
• Independent rear suspension
• Four-wheel drum brakes
• Fiberglass body

Mechanical

The 327ci Turbo-Fire V8 is the entry-level 327 in the 1964 Corvette lineup, rated at 250 horsepower in base configuration. While it does not carry the horsepower numbers of the fuel-injected or high-compression 327 variants also offered that year, it is the right engine for a driver who wants a usable, reliable, and historically correct Corvette. The small-block 327 is well-supported by the aftermarket, parts are plentiful, and the engine responds well to routine maintenance. Under the hood, the red-painted block and valve covers with the "Chevrolet 327 Turbo-Fire" identification script are present and correct — matching what you see in period factory documentation.

The 4-speed manual transmission is the gearbox serious Corvette buyers selected in 1964. Chevrolet offered two 4-speed options that year: a wide-ratio unit and a close-ratio unit intended for more aggressive use. Either way, the rowing-your-own configuration is the right pairing for this car, and the chrome ball shifter rising from the center console puts it right where it belongs. The gear indicator plate is visible on the console, legible and original in appearance.

The independent rear suspension was a major technical achievement when Chevrolet introduced it on the C2 in 1963. Prior to that, every Corvette used a live rear axle. The new IRS used a U-jointed half-shaft arrangement that allowed each rear wheel to move independently, dramatically improving cornering behavior and ride quality. The underside photos of this car show the rear suspension in detail — the half-shafts, control arms, and differential are clearly visible, painted in the correct Chevrolet orange. The undercarriage generally shows honest road wear consistent with a used but not abused car. There is no evidence of significant structural damage or repair, and the frame rails appear straight.

The dual exhaust system exits through chrome side exhaust tips, a feature that was visually distinctive on 1964 Corvettes and contributed to the aggressive sound profile of the car at idle and under load. Four-wheel drum brakes were standard on the 1964 Corvette — four-wheel disc brakes were optional that year (RPO J56) but were only ordered by a small percentage of buyers.

Interior

The black vinyl interior on this 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray is complete and presents well. The bucket seats show age-appropriate wear — the vinyl has the patina of a car that has actually been driven rather than a fresh re-trim that hides the car's true history. The ribbed seat pattern is correct for the year, and both seats appear structurally sound with no visible tears or damage to the bolsters.

The dashboard is one of the defining features of the C2 Corvette interior. The gauge cluster is laid out in a large arc directly in front of the driver, with a 160-mph speedometer on the left and a 7,000-rpm tachometer on the right. The tachometer was an optional add-on in 1964, and this car has it. Four smaller gauges flank the two main dials: fuel, battery, water temperature, and oil pressure. The odometer shows 72,118 miles, which is visible in the photos. Whether that represents the car's actual lifetime mileage or a figure that reflects a rollover is worth confirming with the seller.

The center console holds the shifter and runs the full length between the seats. Mounted in the console is the AM/FM Delco radio — the vertical-dial FM unit is clearly visible in the photos, with its push-button tuning and correct period-correct appearance. Above it, flanked by the heater and defroster controls, is the dashboard clock — a round analog unit with an orange sweep hand, also correct for the year.

The wood-rimmed steering wheel is a factory option on the 1964 Corvette and one of the most desirable interior features on these cars. It has three cast aluminum spokes and a Corvette crossflags center cap, and the wood rim itself has the warm brown tone that makes the otherwise black cabin feel less austere. The steering column, instrument binnacle, and surrounding trim all appear correct and in good order.

Door panels are black vinyl with chrome trim pieces and correct red lens interior door buttons. The carpet is a dark color — appearing to be the correct black or very dark charcoal — and while it shows some wear, it is complete and in place. Seat belts are present on both sides.

Exterior

The Daytona Blue fiberglass body on this 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray shows well in photographs, with a finish that has depth and consistency across the major panels. The color is a rich dark blue that reads differently depending on the lighting — in direct sun it shows its blue character clearly, while in shade it can appear almost black. It is a visually serious color choice that suits the car's proportions.

The stinger hood is a factory option on the 1964 Corvette, identifiable by the raised center spine that runs rearward from the leading edge of the hood. It was a performance-influenced styling detail tied to the high-performance engine options but was available independently as an appearance feature. Its presence here adds to the car's presence without making claims the drivetrain doesn't back up.

Chrome bumpers front and rear are in good condition based on the photos. The rear of the car is particularly well-documented in the photos available — the twin chrome exhaust bezels integrated into the rear fascia are correct and show no visible pitting or damage. The chrome side exhaust tips exit cleanly along the rocker panel area, another detail that is true to the period and correct for the year.

Knock-off aluminum wheels are fitted at all four corners. These are the five-spoke aluminum knock-off wheels that were a popular Corvette option in the mid-1960s. They wear whitewall tires — American Classic branded units visible in the undercarriage photos — which are appropriate for the period presentation of the car. The combination of the dark body color, whitewalls, and aluminum wheels gives this Corvette a look that is very much of its era.

The black soft top is in place and appears functional. The outside rear view mirror is mounted on the driver's door in the correct location for the year.

Conclusion

The 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray convertible sits at an interesting point in the C2 generation's short production run. It was the second year — with the refinements the first year lacked — but still before Chevrolet began making the small changes that would gradually soften the design through 1967. This particular 1964 Corvette Sting Ray is an honest driver: a correctly optioned car with a documented option list that includes desirable features like the 4-speed transmission, stinger hood, knock-off wheels, wood steering wheel, AM/FM radio, and tachometer, finished in a color combination that suits the car's character. The undercarriage shows a car that has been used and maintained, not a trailer queen, but also not a car that shows signs of hard abuse or significant structural issues.

For the buyer who wants a genuine C2 Corvette to drive, show, and enjoy without the premium of a full concours restoration, this 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray represents a straightforward opportunity.

To learn more or schedule a time to see this 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray in person, contact Skyway Classics in Sarasota, Florida at 941-254-6608.

Disclaimer

Information found on the website is presented as given to us by the owner of the car, whether on consignment or from the owner we bought it from. Some Photos, materials for videos, descriptions and other information are provided by the consignor/seller and is deemed reliable, but Skyway Classics does not warranty or guarantee this information. Skyway Classics is not responsible for information that may incorrect or a publishing error. The decision to purchase should be based solely on the buyers personal inspection of the vehicle or by a professional inspection service prior to offer or purchase being made.