Nineteen sixty-three marked a major transformation for the Chevrolet Corvette. Ten years after the production model first arrived, the second generation was unleashed upon the world. The new Corvette Sting Ray boasted an independent rear suspension and incredibly modern, muscular styling, drastically different than any Corvette before it, on a chassis now equipped with independent rear suspension and available with power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning. For the first time ever, the Corvette was available as both coupe and convertible, with the coupe defined by a stylish divided rear window—a feature that would, as it turned out, be unique to the 1963 models.

The “split-window” coupe offered here was finished in Sebring Silver over a black vinyl interior and equipped with the venerable 327-cubic-inch V-8, capable of producing 300 horsepower and mated to a Powerglide automatic transmission. It was also fitted with an AM/FM radio and the highly desirable option of factory air conditioning, a feature installed on only 278 Corvettes this year, as well as metallic brakes and tinted glass—all as documented by the original Chevrolet invoice to dealer E.W. Ruppert, Inc., of Tremont, Pennsylvania, a copy of which is included in the file.

Like many optimally preserved Corvettes of this generation, this car was formerly owned for decades by the late Chip Miller, co-founder of Corvettes at Carlisle, who had a studied eye for extremely well-maintained original examples. It was sold from Mr. Miller’s estate in 2006, and subsequently acquired by the noted Texas collectors, Paul and Chris Andrews. Terence E. Adderley, in turn, purchased the Corvette from the Andrews Collection in 2015, and it has now remained in his own impressive stable for nearly a decade. It remains in excellent overall condition, with its original factory-applied paint, as proven by recent paint metering, and black vinyl interior, both showing only the light patina of age. The car also retains its numbers-matching engine and its original VIN and body tags under the hood, further marks of its quality. In addition to the aforementioned invoice copy, it is accompanied by a file including photographs, articles, an original brochure and owner’s manual, and various invoices from its Miller ownership, with notes indicating the level of originality Mr. Miller sought to preserve even during maintenance on the car, insisting that all original components be preserved whenever possible.

A wonderfully kept Corvette with a long-term history of ownership by the most studious and knowledgeable enthusiasts, this largely original “split-window” coupe is deserving of attention from its next generation of ownership.