If you see this shape on the highway, stay out of the fast lane. Chris Porter's classic '64 is even faster than it looks, with big power and a loud side-pipe exhaust note.
I prefer my car because...
Chris Porter: It's a mid-year. Honestly, mid-years are our favorite-the looks, the lines. They are just second to none. Not to mention, I was born in 1965 so that has to be good for something.
Carol Bernhardt: It is classier and exactly what I wanted.
When I consider this generation of Corvette, my initial impressions are...
Chris Porter: Man, I wish my 6-foot, 4-inch frame could sit comfortably behind the wheel. The trunk sure would be nice on a road trip.
Carol Bernhardt: I remember when the '63s first came out and my first reaction was, wow, real space-age styling, sleek, smooth, and aerodynamic. The mid-year style is a classic.
A heavily modified 350ci engine that cranks out 440-plus horsepower powers the '64. The engine is backed by a reworked 700-R4 transmission that gives Chris great performance and terrific fuel mileage through highway gearing.
Will my next Corvette be more like this car or my own?
Chris Porter: Our next mid-year will either be a Grand Sport replica or a Pro Street coupe, but it will have updated suspension and a manual transmission.
Carol Bernhardt: As far as I'm concerned, this will always be my Corvette. My husband and I are about to embark on another project car for him: a '59 that we intend to customize the way he wants. So I guess, in a roundabout way, this answers the question. Now that Chris has replaced the Powerglide with a 700-R4, my husband is thinking of maybe putting one in his '59 project car.
If you were to drive this car a long distance, what necessities would you take?
Chris Porter: A shoehorn to get me in and a chainsaw to get me out. Did I mention it would be nice to have a trunk?
While the engine may not be original, the interior is stock and sports all the classic components. Chris Porter spends a lot of time there running between events.
Carol Bernhardt: Well, since it doesn't have a trunk like a "real" Corvette, a trailer might be a necessity. Also, with those side pipes, earplugs might come in handy, particularly on long trips.
From past personal comments you made to friends and family about this "other" generation of Corvettes, have you changed your opinion based on this Corvette swap?
Chris Porter: I've always liked C1s, but I am the type of Corvette owner that really likes to drive my Corvette, and it would be hard for me to be comfortable in a C1 on a long road trip because of my height. My brother-in-law said something that will stick with me forever: "I wouldn't have a trailer queen." I'm in total agreement with him. Our family believes classic cars are meant to be enjoyed and driven. That's what we try to do. I believe the Bernhardts are of the same mindset, as we always see them at shows, at numerous local events, and even at Corvettes at Carlisle [which is where this feature was created.
Carol Bernhardt: No, I'm quite satisfied with my "CAROLS62" Corvette.