1964 Chevrolet Corvette 327/365HP Roadster

327ci OHV V8 Engine
Single 4-Barrel Carburetor
365bhp at 6,200rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Captivating example in excellent Riverside Red over black
*Desirable 'mid-year' C2 Corvette in Roadster form
*Fitted with Teakwood steering wheel and 4-speed manual transmission
*Among the most iconic Corvette models made to date


The C2 'MID-YEAR' 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. Debuted in 1962, featuring sleek lines derived from Mitchell's racer and refined by Shinoda, the new Corvette Sting Ray was a serious sports car riding on a shorter wheelbase than before with independent rear suspension developed under Zora Arkus-Duntov.

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 1964 Sting Ray was a resounding hit, both with the motoring media and motoring public, selling upwards of 22,000 units.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This striking C2 Sting Ray Corvette was produces at GM's St. Louis-based Corvette manufacturing plant during February of 1964. According to the trim tag located underneath the dash, the new Roadster was completed in Satin Silver, over a black vinyl interior. Offered today from California ownership, the powerful Corvette sports period black and yellow California plates, and is finished in a color much like 'Riverside Red', a period Corvette C2 color option. Aluminum knock-off wheels are fitted, shod on fresh a fresh set of Radial T/A tires. The off-road exhaust exits through the rear valance as factory correct for the model.

Inside the Roadster cockpit a Teakwood steering wheel is fitted, and power is delivered to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission. The engine fitted is an un-stramped unit, labelled '365 HP' on the valve covers, and offers lots of power to propel the Corvette Roadster down the highway at great speeds. A gorgeous second-generation Corvette Roadster indeed, this would be a lovely car for weekend drives or local cars and coffee events.