1964 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 'Fuelie' (C2)

Highlights

Exceptionally rare 'Fuelie' model - 1 of just 771 built between 1964 and 1965
Comprehensive history file detailing all expenditure since 1978
Over £11,000 spent on upkeep and improvements
Full respray in 2021 in the original Silver Blue
Interior re-trimmed in leather with replacement carpets
Winner of 4 Best in Shows and multiple Best American categories
Comes with factory Hardtop worth £5000

The Appeal

Of all of the Corvettes, the C2 Stingray is undoubtedly the most desirable. It wasn't only a styling victory - though it was certainly a remarkably handsome car - but a remarkable sports car, perhaps the best out there when it hit the market in 1963. Already muscular and powerful, there was only one further option for the particularly power-obsessed individual - the Rochester Fuel-Injected V8, often dubbed the 'Fuelie'. It's an incredibly rare find, as just 771 'Fuelie' cars were built for one year only, between 1964 and 1965.
Over 10,000 1963 Split rear window coupes were built, which itself is considered a rarity - making this infinitely more exclusive,

Like so many others at the time, the Corvette ‘Fuelie’ suffered from unreliability, as the Mechanical Injection System would ‘percolate’ the fuel under hot conditions. This led to around 80% of owners opting to fit a carburettor, which is exactly what's been done to this fine example. Given that this made the car reliable and with no loss of performance, it was a popular solution.

The vendor notes that if the buyer wishes to restore the vehicle to its original specs, original Rochester Fuel Injection Systems are available to retrofit. It's arguable that the British climate will present far fewer challenges than the C2's popular American stomping grounds.

Picked out in a fine Silver Blue with navy blue seats and white hood, with the sought after 4 speed Muncie manual gearbox, leather trim, electric windows and factory hard top, the monicker ‘best of breed’ is a fair way to describe this marvellous example of a lesser-spotted C2. This reflected in the many awards the car has won, including best in show at Lytham, Leighton Hall, Castle Howard and at Stoneyhurst.

The huge history file goes back to 1978, and the MOTS / invoices / records of expenditure all line up to provide evidence of a very well-cared-for car. The current owner has spent in excess of £11,000 on improvements and mechanical replacements over the last five years.

Put simply? Once in a lifetime opportunity - don't let it pass you by.

History and Paperwork

Built in 1964
First arrived in the UK in 1978
The DVLA records 5 previous UK keepers
In current ownership since 2019, when the car indicated 72,000 miles
Dry stored since purchase with over £11,000 spent on upkeep and improvements
The car is MOT exempt but has a huge history file detailing all expenditure since 1978
This reportedly includes MOTs, invoices, records of expenditure and more
Currently indicates 80,052 miles

The Condition

The bodywork looks in very good order with just one or two small blemishes
The chassis is in fine fettle and benefits from rust proofing
The vendor informs us that it is in almost flawless condition
Subject to a full respray in 2021 in the factory original colour of Silver Blue
The colour combination and originality have won 4 Best in Shows and many Best American categories
The front grille - though very smart - is missing a couple of attachment fittings
Pop-up lights are lifting correctly
Colour-matched wheels in fine order
Soft top looks in fine order
The reverse lights are not working
Comes with factory Hardtop worth £5000

A quick tour around the Stingray's signature lines is always going to be breathtaking. But this example is a step beyond - the Silver Blue paintwork, the gleaming chrome and a white soft top all create a truly luxuriant number. The colour matched wheels are resplendent, the pop-up lights are lifting correctly, and we can't spot any significant dents or dings.

There are a few small blemishes scattered here and there, but they're few and far between. It's a car that's defying its years with determination - and guaranteed to garner plenty of admiring glances. Those subtle curves mingle with straight, determined angles to create a simply remarkable motor.

Interior re-trimmed in leather with replacement carpets around 2012; bills included
Seats are free of any significant rips or tears
Dashboard is nicely presented
Refurbished original clock
The vendor says the speedo needle - though accurate - has become a little bouncy
The original radio works, but the aerial is not lifting
The cigarette lighter no longer works
The washer reservoir is original but has a leak
The passenger seat back rest adjusters need attention.

The cabin of this Fuelie is every bit as remarkable as you'd hope for such a nicely-presented car. While there's a couple of minor technical issues, the leather is all in excellent order. No rips, no tears, no burns - and with beautifully presented door cards and a very nicely-kept Dashboard to boot.

The wood-trimmed steering wheel is in good order, the instruments are all clear and legible, and the carpets are still excellent twelve years after replacement. It's obvious the cabin has been very well looked after and driven very carefully. Once those minor little things are corrected, you'll have a C2 as good as new.

The Mechanics

327cu in (5.4-Litre) L84 Small-Block V8 powerplant
Original 'Fuelie', converted to a Carburettor - Rochester Fuel Injection systems are available to buy
Manual transmission with 4 gears
The engine and drivetrain are in very good condition, maintaining factory oil pressure and water temperature
Drives well and pulls right through the rev range
It has a high ratio Positraction, providing very rapid acceleration

Main costs have covered:

New rear main leaf spring
Trailing arm bushes
New drop links and sway bar bushes
New alternator
New fanbelt
New starter motor
New coil
Electronic ignition
New plugs
New plug leads
New fuel pump
Front suspension rebuild including bushes, ball joints, track rods, drop links, and sway bar bushes
New front and rear brake shoes
New handbrake cable
Engine dressed with chrome rocker covers and air filter (original rocker covers remain if buyer prefers)
New steering column bushes and bearings
Electric fan

Built as a rare fuel-injected L84-driven car, this C2 underwent a change to a carburettor. This was adopted by the vast majority, as the often sunny climes favoured by the car's wealthy audience made the Rochester system unreliable. Thankfully, this is an easy retro-fit, and the Rochester injection system is available to buy online pretty easily.

The engine has been dressed beautifully, but should the new owner wish to take it back to stock condition, the original rocker covers are included. The car retains its original Harrison header tank.

Fast, capable and incredibly characterful, this American classic is a truly rare groove - and not to be missed.

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