The Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray was first introduced as the second generation Corvettes came out and they have been produced ever since. This article features the 1964 Corvette Stingray which was a second generation model. Second generation Chevrolet Corvettes were produced from 1963 through 1967. The Stingray was originally spelled as two words and later as one word.
The Chevrolet Corvette was rushed into production in late 1953 just months after it’s introduction as a concept car at the New York Auto Show. This demonstrates just how well the new design was accepted in New York. Of course many design changes were made since the car’s inception in 1953. As a result of the rushed production there were a lot of things that would be added and tweaked in the future models to come.
The 1964 Corvette Stingray
Performance and style is what the Chevy Corvette has always stood for. The unique all fiberglass body came with big flared fenders and stylish vent grilles, two traits that many classic Corvettes are known for.
The first Sting Ray in 1963 was a considerable change from the previous C1 or first generation Corvette. It was a fastback car with clean lines and distinctive “60′s” styling. Much different from the 1962 model. The production 1963 Corvette Sting Ray which was the first of the second generation models was designed by Larry Shinoda with styling direction from Bill Mitchell.
The second generation Corvettes of which the Sting Ray came out in was a bit smaller overall compared to first generation models. Another design change with the Sting Ray was it’s tapering rear deck, a significant change. Another change in 1964 was the elimination of the decorative hood vents. Another significant change for the 1964 model year was the elimination of the split rear window in favor of a full width window. This of course makes the 1963 model with those split windows rarer and generally more valuable. Many customers felt that the elimination of the split window helped with rear visibility.
The 1963 car produced 360 horsepower, upped to 375 hp in 1964. 1964 also saw the addition of two new Muncie 4-speed transmissions . Also, in 1964 the seat backs were more square and thicker at the top.
Total 1964 Chevrolet Corvette production was 22,229 vehicles. Out of this figure 13,925 were convertible models and 8,304 were coupes.
Zora Arkus-Duntov / Father of the Corvette
Zora Arkus-Duntov is many times referred to as the Father of the Corvette. He was both a race car driver and a talented engineer. Zora Arkus-Duntov was born in Belgium, grew up in Leningrad and received his education in Berlin.
Zora Arkus-Duntov joined General Motors in 1953 and changed the Corvette over the years with tweaks, alterations and design changes into one of the most popular sports cars in the world. He had a very good vision of what an American sports car should be.
The Corvette, at least in its early years, became the product of Duntov’s singular vision, not of a committee or a focus group. This immigrant who went through Ellis Island like so many before him not only experienced the American Dream but helped to invent it by immortalizing one of the foremost expressions of fun and freedom, the Chevrolet Corvette. Zora Arkus-Duntov died in 1996.
1964 Corvette Stingray Specifications
As mentioned above, engine power was increased from 1963 to 375 horsepower. Engine options in 1964 included the 327 cubic inch with a fuel injector that delivered 375 horsepower as mentioned above plus a 327 cubic inch with 300 horsepower and a 327 with 365 horsepower. Motor Trend magazine claimed that the 375 horsepower Vette could do zero-60 MPH in 5.6 seconds and the quarter mile in 14.2 seconds.
Transmissions available included a three speed manual, a four speed manual and a Powerglide automatic.
Suspension was independent front and rear with a Positraction rear axle.
Brakes were power as was the steering.
1964 Corvette Stingray dimensions include a wheelbase of 98.0 inches and an overall length of 175.1 inches. The width is 69.6 inches and the height 49,8 inches on the coupe. Curb weight is 3,125 lbs.
Seven exterior colors and four interior colors were available
The new car price for the coupe was $4,250 and for the convertible $4,035.
See the AutoMuseumOnline cars on the links below…
A Stunning 1954 Chevy Corvette
An excellent book for those wishing to explore the career of Zora Arkus-Duntov and the Chevrolet Corvette is…Zora Arkus-Duntov -The Legend Behind Corvette (Chevrolet) by author Jerry Burton.
1964 Corvette Stingray Collector Values
The second generation Chevy Corvettes are all popular collector cars. The 1963 models with the split rear windows are more rare and tend to, in general, have higher values attached to them.
1964 Corvettes in restored condition, as of this writing, are found generally in the $40,000 to $60,000 range. We have also seen 1964 fuel injected restorations approaching asking prices near $100,000. Asking prices will be influenced by the degree of restoration, body on or off, originality and convertible compared to coupe.
(Article and photos copyright 2014 AutoMuseumOnline)