1964 Chevrolet Corvette B-Production FI Roadster

Description

1964 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe B Production Racecar

VIN – 40867S104780
Exterior Color – Black
Interior Color – Red
Engine – 327 cu. in. 365 hp V8
Transmission – 4-Speed Manual
Current Miles – No Odometer (TMU)

With decades of ground-breaking racing victories in road races and at competition venues all over the world, the Chevrolet Corvette has today become one of the most sought-after race cars for vintage racing events. Known for their durability, great looks, and manageable track costs, the Sting Ray continues to be regarded as one of the most important sports cars of the 20th century. Though the first Corvette arrived in 1953, by the early 1960s, it had become a well-honed performance machine capable of besting European competitors in a variety of racing events. With Zora Duntov adding his unique racing touches and the newly penned Pete Brock/Larry Shinoda 1963 Stingray, the Corvette stepped up with independent rear suspension, disc brakes, and fuel-injection, capturing street race victories and checkered flags at racetracks around the world. Well balanced, beautifully styled, and powerfully equipped, mid-sixties Corvette race cars continue to capture the imagination of Corvette enthusiasts offering fantastic vintage racing opportunities for skilled drivers who enjoy leading the pack with confidence.

This Corvette was built November 11, 1963, finished in medium blue and trimmed with a standard black interior. Almost immediately after it was sold new, this Corvette was put into race duty as one of two cars sponsored by Joe Van Horn Chevrolet, Plymouth, WI and campaigned by MGN Racing, a three person team from Plymouth, WI. The MGN team, derived from Jeff Miller, Jeff Goelzer, and Mark Menchoff, ran the car with Miller as the primary driver wearing #5 in the 1969-1971 seasons where it was unbeaten in the SCCA Midwestern Regional competition, winning the 1970 and 1971 B/Production class at the Road America SCCA Nationals and at Michigan in 1970. In addition to these notable victories, this Corvette also finished second in the SCCA Nationals at Donnybrooke in 1970 and 1971, and second at Milwaukee in 1970. Newspaper articles and period promotional photos accompanying this Corvette document these early MGN years including photos of the car, team members, and promotional literature for MGN. By 1972, MGN sold the car to Bob Danuser who continued to race it, eventually restoring it in 1992 and registering it with the SVRA (Gold Medallion 6-0189). In 1998, the car was sold to Ken Searles who continued to race it in SVRA, VDCA, VSCDA and other events while maintaining as much of the original construction and details dating back to when it was first raced.

In 2005 the car was extensively upgraded under new ownership including a fresh 331 engine with fuel injection that was dyno tested at 485 bhp mated to an M22 close ratio 4-speed and other enhancements including Guldstrand/Herb Adams suspension with Koni shocks and J56 dual pin heavy duty disc brakes. In addition to these improvements, the frame was gusseted and over-welded for improved strength and rigidity. The car was sold to the current owner in 2007 who has, over the past 20 years, maintained and raced it extensively as part of a collection of vintage race cars.

Logbooks accompanying this car date back to 1972 covering races from the 1970s-2013 further supported by numerous race stat pages for each of the logged races, handwritten track notes, and extensive service and race prep records under current ownership with services provided by Peterson Motorsports outlining race preparation and trackside support performed by Randy Peterson. In 2023 the seatbelts were rewebbed, new brake pads installed, and a new battery was installed.

In 2021 the engine currently in the car was rebuilt by Randy Peterson and dyno tested running a four barrel carburetor in preparation for upcoming races including the 2023 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion where the current owner placed 1st in Group 10 1955-1967 SCCA Production – Large Displacement and won the 2023 “Spirit of Competition” Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion award. Additionally, the current owner/driver for this car also placed 5th in this Corvette at the 2019 Monterey Reunion in Group 5B (1963-1966 SCCA GT Cars over 2500cc) and 2nd place at the 2016 Monterey Reunion in Group 6B against a field of over 40 cars including Cobras and Mustangs. That same year, the owner won the Rolex Monterey Chairman’s Award driving another of his race cars.

Today the overall condition of this Corvette is representative of cosmetics consistent with a capable racecar that has enjoyed successful track outings and is ready for more continued racing fun. The condition overall has held up well, but the finish shows signs of age and track use in various locations. The black paint is glossy, and the body panels are well-aligned. The 1963 hood, installed very early in the history of this Corvette remains on the car today. Both doors open and shut without issue, via stock chrome plated door handles. The external chrome plated hinged fuel door is still in place and functional feeding an aluminum fuel cell. The aggressive side pipes deliver a menacing sound, accented by American Racing mag wheels and Goodyear racing tires.

Inside, the cockpit is sparse and functional with generally good cosmetics including the traditional Corvette twin-binnacle dashboard and a stock passenger seat. A roll bar and driver’s side racing seat are installed, and the roll bar contains numerous race event stickers documenting a handful of the more recent numerous races this car has participated in over the years. The convertible top cover opens and closes to reveal the battery storage and a differential cooler.

Under the hood, the 331 cu. in. engine is all business with components and features that remind us of how simple and effective the powerful and torquey Chevrolet V8 engine can be. The engine compartment is tidy and roomy, making for easy trackside adjustments or changes as needed. Underneath the car, the suspension, driveline components, performance equipment, and brakes all appear properly serviced and typical of a racecar with recent track time and ongoing professional service and inspections.

This Corvette is accompanied by numerous documents including historic articles, service records and race prep invoices, log books for races spanning 50 years, and period racing periodicals. Several spare parts are also included along with a car cover and the formerly installed Corvette fuel injection unit.

With over 50 years of documented history, recent professional preparation, and documented period victories, this Corvette Coupe B Production racecar is ready for another exciting chapter in its racing life. Ready to run at the front of the pack, this vintage Corvette is a wonderful and modest-cost entry into the exciting and dynamic world of contemporary vintage racing events.