March 03 2009
Lightweight: 1964 Chevrolet Corvette “Sting Ray”
In our opinion, this is the more European looking version of the famous Chevy Corvette. That’s why we quite like it and why it drew our attention skimming through the ebay advertisements. That and the price. Because it seems like a bit of a bargain to be had for someone …
The car has been stripped of everything unnecessary. A lightweight shell by Dale Edmonds Racecar Composites has been fitted on a 1971 chassis. The panels are bonded-in steel, with doors and inner wings in aluminium. It has all new joints, bearings and bushes and has been fitted with a Vansteel handling kit. Everything needed for braking has been rebuilt or fitted brand new. Steve Woolhouse from All American Spares has worked his magic on the transmission and engine. The tranny has been fitted with a Centre Force clutch. Shifting happens with a Hurst Indy shifter and the limited slip diff has been rebuilt.
The engine is a 283ci unit, with forged crank, forged pistons, power pack head, Crane solid lifter cam, Holley high rise, 4 barrel Holley and a ZR1 radiator. This would have been an original engine towards the end of the 50s. This V8 delivers around 220bhp standard. Don’t know if the owner had the car rolling road tested.
It still needs a couple of little things fixing like the rev counter needs connecting, speedo needs wiring up. The cooling system needs a bit of work. But this will be quite a bargain for someone. Not sure why the engine choice, maybe one of you can enlighten us? The car is for sale out of Hertfordshire, through an Ebay advertisement, not an auction. The seller wants GBP12000 for it.
Hi, I am the owner of the ’64 Corvette you have featured and would like to thank you for the kind words and fair description. I had the engine built by Steve for a racing project,(which never turned a wheel in anger), for a class limited to 5000cc hence the use of a 283. I have to say though that it works well in such a light car, although a tuned 350 might make more power, the steep power curve and its willingness to rev suit the manual transmission and limited slip diff, mind you it will not be towing any caravans ! Trust me this motor makes a lot more than 220hp……………………………….
Hi Nic
Thanks for leaving a comment. Hope it sells.