The second-generation Corvette debuted for the 1963 model year as the culmination of more than half a decade of research on and off the track. Rechristened the Sting Ray, it was an instant sensation. The revolutionary exterior design only heightened its appeal, particularly on the all-new coupe body with its raised “spine” running the length of the roof and bisecting the rear window. Complaints of obstructed rear visibility soon saw the iconic split-window design replaced with a more conventional one for 1964, ensuring that the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray Coupe would become one of the most sought-after American collector cars of all time.

This particular “split-window” ventures beyond typical Corvette mystique into the realm of mystery. With a chassis number ending in “666” and a production date of 30 October 1962—the day before Halloween—how could it not? Whether its original Tuxedo Black exterior and fiery red interior were deliberate choices or unholy happenstance, we may never know. A window sticker on file lists Dailey’s Chevrolet in—appropriately enough—Erie, Pennsylvania as dealer that sold the car new (note that a Shipping Data Report from the National Corvette Restorers Society cites Luby Chevrolet of Forest Hills, New York as the original receiving dealer). Also noted were the options of red vinyl trim, a four-speed manual transmission, signal-seeking radio, Positraction limited-slip rear differential, and 327-cubic-inch L76 V-8—making it one of 6,978 Corvettes built for the 1963 model year with the 340-horsepower engine.

Little else is known of its early history, but by the early 1990s, it was with an owner in Lebanon, Pennsylvania who would sell it to a Corvette specialist out of Ozark, Missouri in 2008. The car was given a comprehensive body-off restoration to concours standards with the help of numerous other marque specialists throughout the country, photos and invoices for which are on file. A Bloomington Gold Certification, two NCRS Top Flight Awards, and a Gold Spinner Certificate from the Houston Chevy/Vettefest Nationals testify to the quality of workmanship and attention to detail.

After passing briefly to a subsequent owner in New Jersey, the Corvette entered the Dare to Dream Collection in 2013, where it has been well cared-for. This sinister Sting Ray coupe has since remained enshrined and well-preserved within the collection, awaiting the opportunity to beguile its next caretaker.