327ci OHV V8 Engine
Rochester Fuel Injection
Approximately 375bhp at 6,200 rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
F40 Suspension with 3.55 Positraction Rear Axle
Heavy Duty Vented and Finned Metallic Brakes

*Ultimately rare 'Big Tank' version of the iconic Sting Ray (one of 38 built)
*In original race correct configuration and livery
*Placed in many prestigious races in 1964 and 1965
*Raced by NASCAR champions, G.C. Spencer and Cale Yarborough

THE STING RAY CORVETTE

The second-generation Corvette, or C2, was introduced in 1963 under the charismatic moniker of 'Sting Ray', so called for its aerodynamic, sweeping yet menacing profile.

This was the first of the Corvettes to be developed using avant-garde wind-tunnel technology. The Sting Ray comprised of almost twice the steel support utilized in the former first-generation model, but to compensate for the added weight the fiber glass panels were reduced in thickness, actually resulting in a lighter but more rigid structure than its predecessor. As if to underline the racing heritage of the new Sting Ray, the dashboard featured oversized speedometer and tachometer dials, while traction was increased through improved weight distribution with lighter steering and enhanced maneuverability.

In 1964 further upgrades were orchestrated, both structurally and cosmetically. Most noticeably, the split rear window was switched out for a single glass wrap around, and the two simulated air intakes on the hood were removed. The wheel covers were simplified and the insignia redesigned to include the now iconic concentric circles with crossed flags. The suspension was enhanced, and most significantly the fuel injected engine was upgraded to produce 15 more horsepower, capable of 375 in total.

The C2 Sting Ray was so popular it remained in production for five years, until it was remodeled in 1968 with the introduction of the third generation C3, which retained dominance in the sports car arena for another nine years, until 1976. Although the Sting Ray designation was dropped in 1977, in an effort to reinvigorate the Corvette brand Chevrolet reintroduced the powerful Sting Ray title in 2014 with the launch of the seventh generation Corvette, the C7 – a nostalgic nod to the supremacy of Corvette in the Sixties and Seventies.

Of all the Corvettes, the 64 Sting Ray was a resounding hit, both with the motoring media and motoring public, selling upwards of 22,000 units. But of the thousands of Sting Rays produced, only 38 were built with the rare and highly prized 36-gallon fuel tank – in place of the standard 20-gallon capacity – specifically designed to facilitate endurance racing at celebrated tracks such as Daytona. This 1964 Corvette Sting Ray is one of the 38 'Big Tank' cars – built for the track.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This rare 'Big Tank' coupe was purchased new by John D. Lewis in January of 1964, from Clay Motors in Manchester, Kentucky. The radio-delete version of the Sting Ray was special ordered with the 36-gallon fuel tank – one of only 38 built – as well as other race specific options, such as the F40 heavy duty suspension, 3:55 Positraction differential and robust vented and finned metallic brakes. Lewis immediately had the car prepared for SCCA competition with modifications to the suspension, also adding a roll bar and side lights to illuminate the numbers on the door panels.

The Sting Ray Big Tank debuted in Riverside Red livery with a white over red interior and door decals denoting the number 4. Meticulous research has determined that this Corvette was campaigned by Lewis with significant success in many events on Florida and Alabama race circuits, and specifically with AP wins in SCCA races at Osceola Park in June and October 1964. Lewis also attained 3rd in AP in the Paul Whiteman Trophy race at Daytona in September, 1964 and May 1965. Several other wins and placements are believed to have been recorded, although the exact track and date details are unavailable. In an effort to capitalize on the car's supremacy, Lewis teamed up with several experienced drivers such as NASCAR greats G. C. Spencer and Cale Yarborough, the four-time NASCAR champion. Yarborough was en route to first place in the Daytona American Challenge Cup on February 15th, 1964, when ironically the Big Tank ran out of fuel on the last lap and limped over the line in 8th place. Undeterred, Yarborough and Spencer raced again the following day and finished 29th in the Daytona Continental 2000 Kilometers with transmission problems. Florida ace racer Art Tattinger also raced the Sting Ray in several Daytona events.

Photographs of the trophies garnered by the Sting Ray are available with the car and many of these precious accolades are still on display at the Florida home of John Lewis.

After two years of racing, Lewis sold the car to a Floridian Corvette aficionado who stored it but, as far as we know, never raced or showed the car. In the 1970s it was sold again and refurbished as a street car, with much of the race modification equipment removed. The interior was changed although the car retained its red exterior paint and was exhibited at several local concours events. Although largely undocumented it is believed the Sting Ray passed through the hands of some dedicated Corvette specialists, including Bob Jorjorian and Rusty Booth, renowned Big Tank collector. In 2011, the current owner acquired the car from John Rose of Massachusetts, with the singular intent to return the Sting Ray to its original race configuration.

It took two years of intense research to ascertain the racing history of this extraordinary Corvette with information garnered from various reliable resources, including the NCRS Shipping Data Report Service, the Racing Sports Cars website, Bill Gould's Auto Ancestry and Terry Michaelis, one of the industry's leading Corvette authorities. Eventually, in 2013, the 1964 Sting Ray Big Tank underwent full restoration and although John Lewis had retained very few records of his racing history other than trophies, a few photographs and slides that still existed were studied and used to exact the most accurate restoration possible.

Invoices from 2013 through 2016 from Corvette restoration specialists The Bowtie Shop in Billerica, Massachusetts, show that every aspect of this Corvette was addressed – to the tune of over $100,000. All suspension components were replaced or restored to original racing configuration, including bearings, ball-joints, bushings, springs and shocks. New fuel lines, brake lines and rubber hoses were installed and the frame and suspension were sandblasted, primed and sprayed with epoxy paint. Although the '64 Sting Ray was heavily campaigned for two years on the professional circuit, it emerged surprisingly undamaged, as restoration photographs of the body stripped back to the bare fiber glass attest. The Corvette was repainted in its original and correct Riverside Red.

John Lewis was so enamored with the original L84 327 cubic inch, 375 horsepower V-8 engine, he had it removed in 1966 and installed in a Scorpion race car he campaigned in a Southeast Region SCCA events. The '64 Sting Ray Big Tank now sports a fully rebuilt period-correct fuel injected 327 V-8 engine. During restoration the fuel injection unit, transmission and rear end were all rebuilt and the interior was refurbished to its original white-on-red splendor.

In addition to photographs of many of its racing trophies this Sting Ray comes with the NCRS Shipping Data Report, vintage racing photographs and fully documented restoration paperwork.

Ultimately rare for its 36-gallon fuel tank, its racing history with NASCAR champions and superb restoration to race correct configuration complete with number 4 decals, the 1964 Sting Ray Big Tank offered here today presents an exceptional opportunity to grace a private collection with a Corvette celebrity, presented in all its former glory.