Lot 022: 1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE STING RAY CONVERTIBLE

For many the cream of the crop, the second generation or C2 Corvette was introduced in 1963. Styled by Larry Shinoda under the watchful eye of Bill Mitchell and christened the 'Sting Ray', its fibreglass bodywork was punctuated by numerous taut, flattening lines that gave onlookers due warning as to the latent power lurking under the 'hood'. Based around a new perimeter-frame chassis equipped with five crossmembers, independent rear suspension (a Corvette first) and large-diameter drum brakes, even the 'base model' 'Vette boasted 250bhp and 350lbft of torque from its small-block 327ci (5.3 litre) V8. Revised for 1964, the C2 cars gained a smoother ride and better insulation (not to mention the awesome L84 'fuelie' engine option). Finished in red with black vinyl upholstery, this particular left-hand drive example is described by the vendor as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its 5.3 litre engine, electrical equipment, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. Though, he rates the four-speed manual gearbox and interior trim as "all good" and "very good" respectively. Reportedly "imported from America about twenty years ago", 'BFW 550B' is further understood to have been used for a while before undergoing "an extensive 'body off' restoration". As well as a thorough cosmetic refurbishment, work apparently included an overhaul of the Corvette's "chassis, engine, gearbox and back axle". Consequently deemed by the seller to be in "good working order", this "top quality Sting Ray" is accompanied by MOT certificate valid until June 2008 and historic class (free) road tax valid until September 2008.