Lowrider

[Kevin]

I am considering purchasing a matching #'s 300hp/4-spd '64 coupe. It is a low option restored car, the owner having done much of the work (including the paint) himself. It is one of the most solid and cleanest drivers I have seen. Is the $25k asking price in the ball park? It seems to ride low in both front and back. Any ideas what might be causing this, and how to fix it? The engine pad reads: "4406042" (or 4106042) and "FLT23RD". Any decoding info. would be appreciated.

Thanks, Kevin

[Kevin]

Re: Lowrider

I would also be interested in opinions regarding why '64's do not seem to carry as much interest or value as other comparably equipped midyears.

Thanks again, Kevin

[Jerry Clark]

Re: Lowrider

Hello Kevin:

The "on line appraisal" it a beast that often bites. You use the term DRIVER, if you are using this to denote a car thats primary use is to be driven, as in , daily driver and not show quality it seems a steep price for a low optioned 64 coupe.

If , on the other hand you mean it drives well and is a show quality 64 coupe it seems that it may be at the higher region of acceptable.

The low ride height may be due to a smaller than original tire diameter of weak springs, all are easy to replace.

This is only one OPINION and not having seen the car should be taken as such.

Best of luck.

jerry

[Wayne M.]

Re: Lowrider

Kevin --- The motor codes seem to correspond to a Corvette with the VIN tag of 40837 S 106042 (under the glove box). The engine stamping is probable 4106042 FI023D or FII23RD (the digit 1 is printed as the letter I). This would meam a 300hp version with manual transmission, assembled on the 23rd of either October (I0) or November (II). Now, this car is 21 cars from the last Corvette produced in November of 1963, so you'd have to check the casting date of the block (rear of the block where it bolts to the bellhousing, about 4 inches to the passenger side of the rear center/top). If this date is (say) J 24 3 ( = Oct 24th 1963) then this would rule out October 23 as the assembly date.

Can't analyze your low-rider question, but as to why '64s don't pull the same prices as '63s or '65 thru '67s: life's not fair. The '64 is a much improved car over the '63, but of course it lacks the disc brakes and neater interior of the later C2 years. You'll probably get other opinions on this, as it's such a subjective area.

[Tom B.]

Re: Lowrider

Kevin,

This is just a single opinion but for the most part, I believe the 64's live in the shadow of the previous 63 split window coupes, and the later year models with disc brakes, and big blocks. There's also some options like side exhaust that weren't factory available earlier. None of this is to say that I don't appreciate all the mid-year cars. TBarr #24014

[Jim R.]

Re: Lowrider

Kevin:

I don't have any personal knowledge of Corvette values, but I just finished reading the April Issue of Vette Magazine with a new price guide in it.

They have 5 categories (they give more detailed descriptions than what I've shown below) with corresponding values as follows:

1964 Coupe / 327 - 4V / 4-spd, HP 300, RPO# L75

1=fully restored with no wear - $31K 2=fully restored with minor wear - $25.5K 3=partially restored or good original - $21K 4=unrestored or older restoration - $18K 5=unrestored with major wear - $16K

This issue of Vette goes off the store shelves on 4/17, so if you want to get a copy, better do it tomorrow.

Good luck.......Jim

[Kevin]

Re: Lowrider

I agree with those who responded to my post. The '64 is not my favorite, I prefer the '65-66's. I believe I will pass on this car and continue my search for a small block, 4-spd, '65-66; there's something about the '64's fake scoops and the interior!

I would like to thank all those who responded. I will be a newcomer to the ranks of the Vette owners, but I am learning. Many of the things learned with other makes of cars carries over to the Vette. I have found the Vette owners to be a close knit group and willing to help. Thanks again!

[Tom B.]

Re: Lowrider

Kevin,

Just one other additonal observation, I also believe the 64's and 66's to a point are a good value, probably under-rated dollar-wise when looking for purchasing a Corvette. Just watch out for someone that's trying to get 63, 65, or 67 prices for one. TBarr #24014