1964 327/365 convertible question

[Mark P.]

Good Morning all, I came into possession of a 1964 327/365 convertible about a year ago from an elderly friend of mine. It is a 1 owner car that has about 80,000 miles. it is Riverside red with red interior and a white top. I also have the hardtop. The original engine was removed around 70,000 miles because it was starting to smoke a little. I have the numbers matching engine and the rest of the drivetrain is numbers matching as well. I replaced the radiator but have the original one. The man never got rid of anything so I also have the original water pump, alternator and actually the original spark plug wires are still on the original motor. The car currently has a newly rebuilt 327/300hp engine in it now. He had bought a totaled 67 427 car in 1970 and put that hood on this car along with the disc brake setup. I have the original hood along with the factory drum brakes. I have all the original paperwork with the car. I have everything to put this car back to it was the day it was built. The car was repainted once in the late 70's to a maroon color but it has never had any damage. My question is that I have too many projects to try and complete and I have someone that is interested in the car. What range of value would be a good price for this car? I can look at price guides such as Hagerty and others but I know there has to be some added value to the originality of the car and the fact that is is one owner for 50+ years. It has been off the road in a garage for around the last 35+ years. The gentleman interested in the car wants to put it back all original and has the means to restore this car the way it deserves to be done and that is important to me. Here are a couple pictures of the day I pulled it out of the garage to bring home.

[Joe R.]

Re: 1964 327/365 convertible question

Lets assume he gets one of the better restorers and it costs him 75 thousand plus parts. Parts will easily cost 25 thousand. If he pays 30 to 40 thousand for the 64 he will have 140 thousand in a 64 that is not worth 100 thousand.
Work from there and come up with a reasonable price.

JR

[Ed S.]

Re: 1964 327/365 convertible question

Joe is correct. I have a very nice numbers matching - restored '64 L76. 64s are the least desired of the C2s. I hate to say this but even without knowing the condition of the chassis, frame and engine compartment my guess is that this car is a better resto mod candidate than an original "restoration"

[Dino L.]

Re: 1964 327/365 convertible question

A few more pictures would help....who ever buys this car to restore for profit will lose money, so that scenario is off the table. If you buy this car as a hobbyist and are passionate about restoring to NCRS standards, this would be a great car to start with as described by you. All the parts there, no body damage, matching number drivetrain. I would think a reasonable price would be $20-25,000 (my humble opinion). It is optioned nicely, 2 tops, backup lights, radio, 365 HP...there are some things to deal with when removing/restoring that add up, wrong 2 exterior mirrors, Hood replacement if the hood mounts are intact, the trailer hitch and headers (cant' see the rear valance in the pics, another problem potentially) hopefully all of the above weren't to evasive installed, the fog lamp holes in the bumpers etc.....the 365 hp alternator, distributor and manifolds are a bit pricey and you need the originals. The wheels and wheel covers would set you back $1000 for nice set.....The deal breaker for me is the condition of the birdcage and the frame, as a hobbyist I would not start with those troublesome areas as a base for restoration. The 64's are the lowly of the lowly C2's but the fact is it is an excellent mid year and the 365hp small block is a great power plant.

[Mark P.]

Re: 1964 327/365 convertible question

I appreciate the replies. Just to add a couple things. The man interested in the car has been in the car restoration business for years and is going to retire soon. He is looking for a car for him and his wife to enjoy in retirement. He and his shop would do all of the work so it would be a little cheaper than having to farm it all out. The hood mounts are in great shape so no issue there. I do have the original alternator, distributor and carburetor. I do not have the exhaust manifolds. I don't have the original wheels but do have the wheel covers. One of the few things I know about these cars is concerning the bird cage. This car is perfect in that respect. It has spent it's whole life in a dry and somewhat heated (apartment above garage with the furnace in the garage) situation. I don't think he is interested in turning a profit on this car but I am sure he wouldn't want to lose hit hat either.

[Michael J.]

Re: 1964 327/365 convertible question

A few more pictures would help....who ever buys this car to restore for profit will lose money, so that scenario is off the table. If you buy this car as a hobbyist and are passionate about restoring to NCRS standards, this would be a great car to start with as described by you. All the parts there, no body damage, matching number drivetrain. I would think a reasonable price would be $20-25,000 (my humble opinion). It is optioned nicely, 2 tops, backup lights, radio, 365 HP...there are some things to deal with when removing/restoring that add up, wrong 2 exterior mirrors, Hood replacement if the hood mounts are intact, the trailer hitch and headers (cant' see the rear valance in the pics, another problem potentially) hopefully all of the above weren't to evasive installed, the fog lamp holes in the bumpers etc.....the 365 hp alternator, distributor and manifolds are a bit pricey and you need the originals. The wheels and wheel covers would set you back $1000 for nice set.....The deal breaker for me is the condition of the birdcage and the frame, as a hobbyist I would not start with those troublesome areas as a base for restoration. The 64's are the lowly of the lowly C2's but the fact is it is an excellent mid year and the 365hp small block is a great power plant.

+1, I agree with all this, and will add that as a proud owner of two '64s (L76 'vert and L84 coupe), I think they are the best bargains out there and thus the best C2 to have for most any reason.