Universally known as the “Jack Murray Tanker,” this exceedingly rare 1964 Corvette is one of only 38 Corvette Coupes produced with the N03 36-gallon fuel tank, and it is regarded by many as the finest surviving 1964 Big Tank “Fuelie” in existence. Ordered new by Ed Sullivan, a GM employee in the GM Marketing Department, it was specially commissioned through Luby Chevrolet in Denver, Colorado, in December 1963. At the time, Sullivan already owned a 1963 Z06-style competition Corvette and wanted its spiritual successor for 1964, but with the livery reversed to Tuxedo Black with a silver interior. Due to the specialized competition equipment specified, production stretched to nearly seven months, prompting Sullivan to receive a formal apology letter from the St. Louis Corvette assembly plant. Eventually, the car was completed on February 27, 1964, and delivered on March 6, 1964. Powered by the legendary fuel-injected 327/375 HP V-8 engine, paired with a close-ratio 4-speed manual transmission, this special Corvette’s many features include the aforementioned RPO N03 36-gallon “Big Tank” fuel system, knock-off aluminum wheels mounting Firestone Super Sport competition tires, heavy-duty competition suspension and steering, stabilizer bars and shocks, a 3.55 Positraction rear axle and original AM/FM radio. The car disappeared from view after September 1964, resurfacing in 1975 when it was discovered by racer and Corvette Authority Jack Murray with 12,657 miles on the odometer. Displayed by Murray at Bloomington Gold events from 1987 to 1995, this specimen was inducted into the Bloomington Gold Hall of Fame in 1999. Additionally, it was invited for public exhibition in 2000 at the National Corvette Museum as part of its Concours d’Performance exhibit. Notably, despite its special high-performance options, the Corvette was never raced. A body-off-frame restoration was performed in 2002 under the guidance of Corvette expert Gary Naber in Houston, Texas, with the original components restored wherever possible and the interior preserved and left unrestored. As offered, this two-time NCRS Top Flight award winner is accompanied by a letter from GM dated January 11, 1976, stating that this Corvette was ordered and specially built and is believed to be the last and only full competition model built. Other documents include the window sticker, owner’s manual and warranty booklet. One of the rarest and highest-optioned Corvettes from the landmark second generation, this example marks a highly compelling offering.
