Restoring Father's 1964 Special conv

M

M2Guy

Member
Hello fellow enthusiast, I am currently in the middle of a frame off restoration of my Father's first new car that he special ordered. It is a 1964 Special convertible with the 300cid 250hp engine, 4 speed and position rear end. I would like to find out approx how many were built like this. Any suggestions on were or how to find this info would be appreciated. Planning on having her completed this Spring (2023). Can't wait to see Dad behind the wheel again after all these years!
 
Don't know how or where you can find the info your seeking.
I'm sure Dad will be appreciative.
Sounds like a FUN project especially being Dad is still around.

Tom T.
 
I'm sure the info is out there, just need to know where to look. Someone knows lol.
Dad bought the car when he was 22. My parents road off from their wedding in it. I learned to drive a standard transmission in that car. There are a lot of memories in that car. It was driven almost 100k miles before being parked. Originally I was going to restore the car as a surprise for Dad but given his age wanted him to be included in the restoration. This project like all projects has had its ups and downs, but it sure has been some FUN father and son time.
 
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Bob, thanks for the info. I reached out to Sloan today and waiting to hear back from them. In looking thru their info, looks like their records for this info may start at 1970 but I've got my fingers crossed lol. Rick
 
The library has a section on automotive. I have seen full sets of Chilton books for domestic and import in groups of years. Also, you may come across titles that focus on restoration, paint, blueprinting an engine, etc. I wouldn't limit yourself to neighborhood library, the colleges will let you in their library as a guest. Some of the colleges post pandemic began to offer 24hour online virtual search and viewing of books, articles, and other publications with live virtual assistance. Otherwise, if the book hasn't been scanned for upload online, there is plenty of reference automotive books at the library, they are just there collecting dust. In respect to your question, you will find the information, I have stumbled on it so many times, I don't look at the numbers anymore. If you can't make it to the happiest place on earth, old car book values paperback will have it.
 
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It's been two years and time for an update lol. Everyone needs to know the Sloan Museum has a wealth of information and a research department that can research their archive for information relating to your vehicle at a VERY affordable rate. I received a stack of information along with documentation the car is a one of one with just the drivetrain and exhaust not to mention numerous other unique options.

While watching and listening to the engine on the dyno at the speed shop, producing north of 300hp, Dad was overcome with emotion. With tears in his eyes he said, "wow that brings back a lot of good memories". That was our last outing together on this project. A short time later this summer Dad passed at the age of 82.

The complete drivetrain is installed and Monday the car was dropped off at the paint shop. Completion this Spring is looking very promising.
 
Deepest sympathies to you and your family. It's a shame that he didn't make it to see his car completed. That's the problem with projects, they move at geologic time when we wish they were done yesterday.
 
Thank you. As for Dad seeing it completed, yes, I wanted him to not only see it completed but to drive it. Dad said he was more excited for me to see it restored to its original condition because he had vivid memories and knew exactly how good she was going to look when completed. As for how long these projects take, way to long is the answer lol. This one was started in the late Fall of 2016.
 
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