1964

1964 Interior

This month’s featured car got turned around a little. I first approached Joe. P. about doing a story on his 1956 convertible but he was very insistent that the deserving story needed to be on his pride and joy, his 1964 coupe.

This beautiful white ’64 with a saddle interior has a terrific back story. But first let’s talk about the car itself. Just imagine a car that is over 40 years old with 60,000 miles on it. My Durango is approaching 100,000 miles and it’s just 4 years old! Second, it still has the original paint, engine and power guide transmission! It really makes you wonder how can a car that is over forty years old can survive the times? Well this is the story.

Can you share any interesting stories behind finding this Vette? “I had been looking for several decades for a ‘56 or ’57 straight axle” says Joe. “In 1997 I purchased a new C5 but still had the desire for a Vintage Vette. I had made several trips around the country inspecting mid-years when I ran across this ’64 listing on EBay. After the car failed to bring the reserve I contacted the owner and put a purchase deal together.”

My journey began on a Amtrak train to LA to inspect the car. The car had been stored in a workshop for quite awhile but it was everything I had been looking for with full documentation from day one. So I made the purchase, loaded my overnight bag and tool box in the car removed the hub caps and hit 110 headed east. I drove the car to San Antonio, spent the night with my folks and then to Springfield. A trip that was 2100 miles on tires that had been on the car for twenty one years and took twelve quarts of oil to make that journey home.”   

What convinced you to buy this car once you found it? “The documentation and owner history sealed the deal” says Joe.  “I have the original sales order from John Bohls Chevrolet in North Hollywood, California dated December 27, 1963. The car was sold to Charles and Arlita Benger for $4507.57.

I also have the original application for registration. Mrs. Bengler was 45 years old at the time and kept the car until 1977 during which time had only driven the car 14,192 miles. She sold it to a neighbor who kept the car until 1999 and when he sold it to me it only had 55,000 miles on it. I have a letter, written on June 27tyh, 1992 from Mrs. Bengler to the second owner saying in part-“Hope the car is Ok? I sure miss it.  Send me a picture sometime.” Imagine being that in love with a car. She was 75 at the time and was still in love with her Corvette says Joe. I almost feel the car is still hers and she is letting me enjoy it for a while.”

Joe has since rebuilt the engine, transmission and brakes. Has touched up the paint but has no plans to repaint it at this time. “I don’t plan on any restoration, just normal upkeep” says Joe.  “This car is a very nice example of a car that should be preserved.”

A final note:

Joe did find the car that he had dreamed about since he was 15 a few years later. A beautiful ‘56!