Penned by GM stylist Larry Shinoda under the guise of Bill Mitchell, the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray introduced all-new wind tunnel-influenced aerodynamic styling and superb engineering, immediately elevating the status of the car. Underneath that gorgeous body was a serious car mechanically and the first Corvette to bear the Sting Ray. The fiberglass body rode on a four-inch shorter wheelbase than previous (from 102 to 98 inches), but overall length was nearly the same. For ’63, the Sting Ray featured aggressive, yet handsome hidden headlights. A new ladder-type frame replaced the X-type frame, which lowered the center of gravity while also improving handling.

A coupe was available for the first time offering a body that was 90 percent stiffer than the previous year’s roadster. Known for its distinctive split rear window, unique to 1963, this was the first Corvette with an independent rear suspension. For that year 10,594 coupes were produced out of a total of 21,513 units.

This numbers-matching example is finished in Ermine White over a red interior. It is equipped with the Powerglide automatic transmission and is reportedly one of only 278 1963 Corvettes to feature factory air conditioning, a new option that year. This rare feature is noted by the Chevy bowtie sticker on the rear window proudly proclaiming, “Air Conditioned.” Power is supplied by a 250-hp Turbo-Fire 327-cu. in. V-8. It is optioned with power steering, power brakes, power windows, AM-FM radio, and a wood-rimmed steering wheel.

According to the consignor, the Corvette is thought to be largely original, including the interior and the paintwork from the cowl rearward. He describes it as “a nice, honest car,” and it presents very clean underneath, too, showing little evidence of use in inclement weather. The odometer reads little more than 62,000 miles from new, also thought to be correct.