1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window Sting Ray

Numbers Matching, Beautiful Daytona Blue; a True American Iconic Sports Car

Very Original; Extremely Clean

• 327 cu. in. Small-Block V8

• 4-speed, Manual-Transmission

• Code 916 Daytona Blue Paint

• 932 Miles Shown

Current owner previously owned an Exotic Sports Car Service Business, so he understands how to treat and maintain a classic car of this caliber.

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Touted by many as the American Sports Car, Corvettes have had a cult following for well over six decades. The excitement continues to this day with the recent introduction of the new, mid-engine Stingray for 2020. This new Stingray will cement the Corvette as a Legend once again, but the C2 Sting Ray of 1963 will remain one of, if not the most, iconic collectible Corvettes in history. The ‘63 was the beginning of the Sting Ray and the only year to feature the unique, split rear window design. The striking design changes paired with the new chassis engineering made 1963's car a justified obsession for design aficionados and thrill seekers alike.

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The legend of Corvette began at GM's Motorama - an event held in New York at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in 1953. Here, the original Corvette concept was shown as a “dream car.” The nickname remains true today. The first production car rolled off the line later that year in Flint, Michigan. Many were responsible for the creation of Corvette, but none more than Harley Earl, the head of GM's Art and Color studio. Earl loved sports cars, especially the Jaguar XK-120. Both admirable performance cars and design icons, the Jag and the Corvette share their two seat configuration, extra long hood, and minimal rear deck. These design elements are iconic and prolific; they remain an important part of Corvette's design today.

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1963 brought the C2 Corvette “Sting Ray”, a complete redesign of the body and chassis. The car you're viewing here is an example of this debut year of the Sting Ray. The design was revolutionary at the time - a beautiful evolution of the first-generation car. Headline features unique to the ‘63 are the hood vents (non-functional) and, of course, the split rear window. Bill Mitchell led the styling on the ‘63, the split window was his creation. However, the Chief Engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov petitioned against the design element, stating that it hindered rear vision. Duntov won out in 1964, making the hood vents and the split window unique to the 1963 model year. A 327 cu. in. small-block V8 provided 300 HP in the configuration shown here. This power combined with the new independent rear suspension made this Sting Ray a comfortable driver and a track presence not to be underestimated.

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The speed and handling of the Corvette never went unnoticed. One man, Alan Shepard, helped to popularize the car among a certain, elite group of Americans - the Astronauts. Shepard holds the unique distinction of being the first American in space, and he showed up for his training in none other than a ‘57 Corvette. Upon his return, GM gifted him with a ‘62 Corvette to thank him for his extraordinary bravery. It is said that six of the Mercury astronauts ended up with Corvettes, and at least three of the Apollo 12 men ordered custom Sting Rays as well. A dealership near the space port and some “special” lease terms didn't hurt the popularity of the car with this group - nor did the long, straight, and empty roads in the surrounding area.

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Anyone can enjoy a Corvette; from the first American in space to the everyman. These cars have remained an excellent value for a performance and design icon through the years. Don't miss out on your chance to own one of the most coveted model years of “America's Sports Car.” This example is fitted in gorgeous Daytona Blue with dark blue leather interior and it's a must-see. Call us today!

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More about the car:

Myself and an associate of mine, Pat, have been asked by a good friend to assist him in selling this stunning, 1963 split-window Corvette. It is dressed in Daytona Blue, one of the top color choices for a ‘63 Split Window Corvette. The current owner, Peter, has owned the car for several years and being the previous owner of a classic car service/restoration shop he knows how to maintain and service high-end performance/classic cars. This is one of his personal collection and has been cared for as such. This car isn't concours but as you can see in the photographs it is truly a beautiful driver/show car that has been well cared for throughout its life - very original, clean and a true iconic American sports car.

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I've been collecting and restoring classic Jaguars for 45 years, including competing in concours shows at a national level. With that said, I feel very confident that my descriptions of this vehicle below will give you an accurate accounting of the condition of the car. My personal website will show you the caliber of my collection; some of them are national concours winners. Following is the link to my website:

https://seepictures.wixsite.com/genesgarage

If you aren't automatically directed to my website when you click on the link just copy and paste it into your computer address bar. Call us if you have problems connecting to it; we can always email the link to you.

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Vehicle Condition:

Paint - Some small imperfections from normal driving, overall excellent shape for a driver.

Body - Body is straight and all panels fit well, photos reflect overall quality.

Interior - Very minimal wear and tear from normal driving; no holes or cracks in seats although there is one small blemish on the dash top panel. Although much of the interior seems to be ORIGINAL, and in excellent shape for its age, it's most likely the seats were redone at one time as they seem much too nice to be original. Very collectible factory original floor mats are included as well as a brand-new set.

Engine/Engine Bay - Runs well and encourages drivers to test that fact! Engine bay is truly beautiful and screams with American styling. It is extremely clean and well detailed.

Trunk - Luggage storage area behind seats in lieu of a traditional trunk looks to be original and is in excellent condition for its age.

Wheels/Tires - Original wheels and wheel covers as well as the pictured set on the car are included. All are in excellent condition.

Exhaust - Stainless steel performance exhaust, also in great shape.

Glass - Windshield and glass in excellent condition; no chips/cracks.

Electrical - All components functioning normally, no warning lights. One episode was noted of flickering headlights - has not re-occurred. To be safe an additional headlight switch was purchased and will be included with the sale.

Brakes - Firm pedal feedback. Brakes stick minimally from little use; nothing a good brake bedding shouldn't fix (good 1-200 mile drive).

How does it drive/run?

This is a running/driving car with no strange vibrations or noises, the 327 purrs and the classic dash makes it feel like you're piloting a 1960's fighter. An absolute joy to drive!

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The Value:

The current Hagerty Book Value for a 1963 Corvette Sting Ray Coupe is as follows:

Concours - $163,000

Excellent - $121,000

This car meets the definition of an Excellent level car - #2

See the following Hagerty website page for current Market Value details regarding a 1963 Corvette Sting Ray:

https://www.hagerty.com/apps/valuationtools/1963-Chevrolet-Corvette?id=68055

 

This Sting Ray is an excellent buy and will allow someone to affordably purchase a highly desirable Corvette that they can enjoy every single day! It also represents an EXCELLENT INVESTMENT in a market where the 1963 is king. Unlike the stock market, this you can enjoy at a moment's notice with friends and family.

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Any questions about this car can be addressed through e-mail, or you can call us directly. We prefer calls so that I can more clearly answer any questions you may have, rather than sending numerous emails. We can be reached at 952-454-6618. We will do our best to answer any questions you may have. If you would rather e-mail your contact info, we would be happy to call you as well.

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The car is sitting in a western suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota and is available for viewing prior to the end of the auction. If you contact us, we will show it to you. Another option is a professional appraiser. One that has representatives nationwide, including Minnesota, is Classic Car Appraisal Service out of Atlanta Georgia; their contact information in Minneapolis is 612-804-9406.

Also keep in mind that we have the car advertised elsewhere --- so it may sell sooner rather than later. Don't hesitate to call us if your mind is set on purchasing this car!