Nineteen sixty-three marked the Corvette’s 10th anniversary, and something special was needed to celebrate the occasion. Penned by GM stylist Larry Shinoda under the guidance of Bill Mitchell, the ’63 Sting Ray brought the C2 era to life and introduced all-new aerodynamic styling and superb mechanical engineering. Underneath that gorgeous wind-tunnel-tuned body was a serious performance car and the first Corvette to bear the vaunted Sting Ray moniker. Some 10,594 coupes were produced for 1963.

The ultra-stiff fiberglass body rode on a four-inch-shorter wheelbase than previous offerings, but overall length was nearly the same. For 1963 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 by stiffening the car. And, of course, the distinctive split window at the rear distinguished the 1963 models from all other Sting Rays thereafter, making it a highly important and desirable feature. All these features combined to make a highly desirable classic, both in the period and today.

The Sting Ray offered here, the 5,345th built for 1963, is a superb example for enjoyment on the open road. Powered by a period 327-cubic-inch V-8 fitted with fuel injection and a four-speed transmission, it has been repainted in its original shade of Sebring Silver. A newer interior from noted Corvette supplier Al Knoch remains in excellent condition. The car presents beautifully and is solid inside and out. Fitted with newer exhaust, power windows, the original AM/FM radio, original steel wheels with radial tires, and its original fiberglass headlight buckets, this Sting Ray will make an ideal addition to any sports car or Corvette collection and will be an excellent driving partner for countless more twists and turns.