What's a 64 worth?

[Baldie88]

I've got an 88 so I'm usually not on the C3 forum but I've got a question.

A friend just called and is considering a 1964 convertible. He is going to look at it tomorrow so right now all he has is a description from the owner.

It's suppose to be an all original with both tops. White in color. 327/300 with a 4 speed. 66XXX original miles. Asking $20K. Suppose to have all documentation. To me the price seems low unless it needs some serious restoration. I've seen what some of you have gone through and admire some of your beautiful restorations. If it's in fair to medium condition is $20K about right? Like my friend said, most Vette owners know what they have so I don't think someone would part with a pristine 64 for only $20K. For $20K it might be a nice driver. The guy isn't really looking for a perfect NCRS car but doesn't want anything that's been too modified either.

So give me some advice. If my friend gets serious I told him I could possible get a guy from the club who is restoring a 64 to assist with numbers verification, etc.

Appreciate the help.

Ron
"Baldie88"

 

[stearnman]

You should post this in the C2 forums.

My 2cents...I'm with you on this. 20K does seem quite low, but a fair price if it needs some work (not excessive work though).

 

[BarryK]

for some oddball reason (not sure of why myself) the '64's typically have a lower resale value than other C2's but 20K seems low if it's in good driver condition.
Is it original numbers matching motor and trans?

Overall the value is going to be determined by whether or it's it's numbers matching or NOM and what the condition is.

He needs to go look at the car in person and determine what work needs to be done on it and what the story is on all the numbers. If your friend isn't knowledgeable on C2's to know what to look for than I'd STRONGLY suggest he takes a C2 knowledgable friend with him to help evaluate the car.
At the very least have him go see it and take lots of pics of everything and write down all the motor numbers and trim tag #'s he can and post back on here for us to help you.

 

[Baldie88]

Yes I'm stupid! :ugh I should have known to post this in the C2 section. Thanks to however moved this to the correct forum. I've got to learn to engage the brain before clicking the mouse!!

 

[Subfixer]

That price seems little low, but then again, he may be getting a great deal. Check the frame just forward of the rear kickups, the frame end caps and the kickups themselves. This is where they rust through most of the time. Especially the left side. Otherwise, check the "normal" stuff... engine, trans, rear, electrical, suspension, rubber parts, weatherstripping, etc..... just to get a feel of what it would take to make it whole again if necessary.

If I had the room and it wasn't a basket case, I'd pick it up in a heartbeat at that price.

BTW, I paid 24,500 for mine 4 years ago and didn't notice the frame was rusted through until 2 years ago. Still think I did ok, even though I've about put that much again into it.

 

[allcoupedup]

Whever you do, get someone who knows these cars to look at it. I thought I knew what I was doing and I missed the frame rust too. Paid 23,900 3 years ago for a '65 and I will eventually need to repair the frame and birdcage B-pillars and drip rails. Big $$$$$$$$$$$$$.

Your friend could be lucky or he could be just about to step into a money pit. Be careful.

Brian

 

[ctjackster]

I think alot of the "what's a 64 worth?" question here depends on whether the motor is original or not, and then whether the body has been molested or not (two things that have serious price impact.) I can see a NOM 64 (the 64 being the red-headed stepchild of the C2 era, sorry Paul) in fair to good shape, but perhaps with fender flairs, or maybe glassed over headlights, going for the low 20's. If, on the other hand, the car has its original engine, and the body is not too molested (and all of this assumes no fatal frame rust) the $20k number would be a screaming deal - but you are still going to open up your wallet for things like paint, etc. WHo knows, there are still deals to be found - privately.

 

[Subfixer]

the 64 being the red-headed stepchild of the C2 era, sorry Paul

Jack, don't be sorry. I'm not. It was the least expensive C2 ticket to get into the club. Sometimes the least desireable car becomes the best deal. I wouldn't trade it for practically anything...... OK, maybe a 67 427 with A/C.......

 

[BarryK]

I wouldn't trade it for practically anything...... OK, maybe a 67 427 with A/C.......

that's just how I feel about mine...... I plan on dying with this car but if a '67 BB w/ A/C turned up that I could afford..........

 

[Baldie88]

Appreciate all the replies. My friend talked with the owner on Friday. The guy is the original owner and is 78 years old. Said he never uses it and is just too old to get in and out of it. Everything is totally original and he has all the paperwork on it. He said he got hit in the right rear quarter panel after having it for a year and that repair paint is now cracking a little. He also said the throwout bearing is about shot but it is driveable. Other than that it's all original.

The guy's really not sure he wants to sell it so he's going to think about it for a few days. Oh yea, he wants $25K for it, not $20. I think that's still a good price if it's as original as he says it is.

I've warned my friend about checking the frame and other undercarriage items. I told him a good repaint would be probably at least $5k. I've also got the president of our local club lined up to look at it since he's in the process of restoring a 64 vert himself. So I think the car will be fairly well checked out before any deal is made on it.

So maybe in a few days when the owner decides what he wants to do we might have another member of CAC.

Thanks again for all your help.

Ron
"Baldie88"

 

[MarkM]

64 worth?

Baldie88,

Check last couple issues of Corvette Enthusiast. One has a report on average selling prices of vettes of varying conditions. Prices seem a little low, but source of material is credible. I even sent a note to the author saying that his prices seemed low. His response was that actual selling price (for an educated buyer) is usually lower that what we see in Hemmings, eBay, etc.

I wouldn't want to get in the way of your friend's interest in the car, but if he decides to hold off, or not buy, I would appreciate you letting me know - I live in St. Louis. I'd be interested in a serious look at the car as 64 verts are on the top of my list because of price. I'm interested in a driver,not looking for a Gold or NCRS car, that I can make a few adjustments too. (Front disc for example).

Respond on the forum, or email at markgmoyer@aol.com

Good luck to your friend.

 

[firstgear]

I am not far from your area.....if your friend decides to not purchase the car...I owuld be interested....I have one of those "red headed step children" already in the form of a coupe and would like to get a vert to go with it.....so if he decides that he wants to look at something else...please let me know...I will be on the west side of Chicago on Saturday, August 20th picking up a few things and could easily drive a little more to see the car if he passes....let me know....thanks!!

 

[Baldie88]

So far the guy selling the 64 isn't in a hurry. Maybe he realized what he's got. I don't know. He was suppose to call my friend back within a day or two if he wanted to sell and so far it's been a week with no call. My friend is going to give him another week and then call again. I imagine it's hard to give up a car like this especially since you are the original owner.

Will let you know if anything happens.

Ron
"Baldie88"