Following two dismal sales years of “America’s First Sports Car,” GM seriously considered shelving the project, leaving the Corvette to be little more than a footnote in automotive history. If not for two important events, the sports car would have died. First was the introduction in 1955 of Chevrolet's first V-8 engine since 1919; second was the influence of a Soviet immigrant in GM's engineering department, Zora Arkus-Duntov. Duntov simply took the new V-8 and backed it with a three-speed manual transmission. That modification, helped turn the Corvette from a two-seat curiosity into a genuine performer. His efforts not only saved the Corvette, but allowed it to inspire generations of technological development and design.

1963 introduced the Sting Ray, a new version of America’s sports car. Entirely re-designed, it has become probably the most sought after of all Corvettes. The design was that of Bill Mitchell, and, for the first time, a coupe was available. A grand touring car in every sense of the word, the new Corvette was available with a wide range of engine and transmission options from a 250 horsepower V-8 with an automatic to the 360 horsepower fuel-injected variant with a manual four speed.

Displayed in Riverside Red with matching red upholstery, this roadster is a fine example of the new Stingray in all its glory. The small block V-8 is backed by a four-speed manual transmission. Other notable features include knock-off alloy wheels, wood-grained steering wheel and seldom seen power windows. Only 3,742 of the 21,513 Corvettes for the model year were optioned with power windows. Ready for open-air enjoyment this red Stingray is nicely detailed with features to be admired at any Corvette event.