Few Corvettes have achieved such notoriety as the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray, which launched the second generation of America’s Sports Car with a sexy aerodynamic design by Bill Mitchell and Larry Shinoda, riding a thoroughly redesigned chassis with Corvette’s first four-wheel independent suspension, developed by Zora Arkus Duntov. Also new was the first-ever production Corvette Coupe, immediately recognized by its split rear window. While the basic design of the coupe would last until 1967, the “split-window” would not, and it is the signature-identifying feature of closed 1963 Corvettes today.
This particular Corvette is a matching numbers model and comes in an elegant Ermine White over a red interior. It is well optioned with the 327-cid, 340-hp V-8 engine, original radio, original clock and cluster, factory tinted glass, sport steering wheel, knock-off wheels, leather seats, and power windows. The car recently underwent a meticulous frame-on restoration, and the car presents beautifully. Included are documents from the National Corvette Restorers Society, which demonstrate the authenticity of the vehicle and are a true testament to the vehicles remarkable condition. Moreover, it is reported that this has been a California car its entire life originally being sold in Los Angeles July 7, 1963 as reported by the owner.
The all-new Corvette generated immediate acclaim, with Motor Trend testers remarking, “We thought the old model cornered darn well, but there’s no comparing it to this new one.” Road & Track stated that the 1963 Corvette “will know few peers.” The model has become something of a design classic, renowned for its combination of European-inspired high style and American brawn, and it remains coveted by Corvette collectors as a landmark in the history of what may be Chevrolet’s most important model.