With revolutionary new styling for 1963, the iconic Sting Ray was born, which was, in effect, the production version of the stunning Mako Shark show car. The trademark covered headlamps served a very real aerodynamic purpose and cleaned up airflow over the front end. And while the split-window coupes look good, anyone who’s spent time driving one can attest to the difficulty in seeing out the back. For cool nights, however, the matching code C07 hardtop was available, as was ordered with this car. Sharply styled in its own right, one is included in this sale. The new interior was dominated by what became Corvette’s signature circular gauge cluster.

RPO L84 once again brought the top engine option, a smoking hot, high-compression, fuel-injected 327 good for 360 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and a useful 352 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. This car’s long options list includes the M20 four-speed manual transmission. Together, that yields a 5.9-second 0–60 time and 16.5 seconds to 100 mph. Furthermore, very few convertibles were offered in this combination.

As one of the most desirable combinations of body and powertrain combinations installed in any Corvette, documentation is important. In order to obtain NCRS National Top Flight certification, the National Corvette Restorers Society’s highest level of achievement, Corvette 30867S121099’s authenticity has been documented. Along with the new body style, 1963 was the first year for VIN tags that can be decoded to indicate color and trim. Engine block and fuel injection numbers are date-correct and verified, as is the transmission. In judging, it achieved an excellent score of 96, including a perfect result in the mechanical “Operations” section.

With a restoration completed in 2008, it still looks beautiful today, with the optional, but correct and stunning, Sebring Silver paint. Comfort and styling options for this car include a very helpful tinted windshield, power windows, a wood grain steering wheel, and an AM/FM radio, which are all correct. Most recently, the car has been meticulously freshened, and many hours have been spent detailing it to a concours finish today. The current owner went so far as to have a senior GM technician perform the final setup, to assure that this car is one of the finest examples and is ready to drive and show.

If one were to go back in time and order up the hottest, most collectible Corvette you could, this variation would, without a doubt, be a top contender. The Amelia Island Concours is celebrating Corvette this year, as 2013 is also the 50th anniversary of the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray. For purists, a four-speed, fuel-injected convertible is as good as it gets.