An outstanding, highly-optioned example, including factory air

300 bhp, 327 cu. in. OHV V-8 engine, two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, independent rear suspension with transverse leaf spring, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 98 in.

The second generation Corvette benefitted from a fresh aerodynamic design by Bill Mitchell and Larry Shinoda, with the coupe version being immediately recognizable with its split rear window. Hide-away headlamps, vents and louvers, taut lines, and a muscular fender treatment provided clues to what lurked under the hood. All that power available in the three varieties of 327 CID engine offerings was harnessed and maneuvered on the back roads with Zora Arkus-Duntov’s redesigned chassis, notably benefitting for the first time from independent rear suspension. Commenting on their ’63 fuel-injected Corvette, Motor Trend’s editors remarked, “We thought the old model cornered darn well, but there’s no comparing it to this new one.” Simply put, the Corvette had matured tremendously and was capable of competing with, if not surpassing, Europe’s most formidable sports cars.

Offered here is a largely original example finished in Daytona Blue with dark blue vinyl interior and carpeting. It is one of only 1,505 examples powered by the 300 brake horsepower version of the 327 V-8 mated to the Powerglide automatic transmission, and it is even more desirable as it is one of only 274 produced with factory air conditioning. Other creature comforts found in this more civilized version of the Corvette include power steering, power brakes, seat belts, tinted glass, and an AM radio; it is also equipped with the very rare and desirable Kelsey-Hayes “turbine” cast aluminum wheels with two-eared knock-offs.

The preservation of this Corvette includes such details like the original spare tire, which is still unused in the trunk. The engine bay has been detailed and is in very nice condition, while the underside remains largely as it would have been from the factory. The odometer indicates 27,025 miles, possibly original given its outstanding overall condition. This factory air-conditioning equipped Daytona Blue Corvette is one that deserves close examination and inspection; it is a fantastic car through and through, and the value of such untouched time warp examples continues to increase annually.