1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window

LMC is very proud to offer for sale this iconic ’63 Corvette Split Window Coupe

The name Corvette put America back on the sports car map and Corvette owners in a class by themselves. The Chevrolet Corvette, C2 for Second Generation and also known as the Corvette Sting Ray, is the American sports car legend produced for the 1963 to 1967 model years.

The newly designed ‘63 Corvette was flashy, muscular and powerful as this futuristic fiberglass sports car was a symbol of post WWII America that was craving for individual expression. The radical exterior styling of this Corvette generation was very purposeful, with peaked fenders, a long nose, and a short, bobbed tail that Chevrolet designers bragged about as ‘looks most stylists would be too timid to even suggest’. This first-ever production Corvette coupe had a futuristic fastback with the backbone divided rear window split that was an extremely unusual styling element for its time period. This ‘Split Window” with the glass flowing down the sides and body sweeping artistically into the point at the back of the car. The rear deck is adorned by the large round fuel-filler flap having the Corvette crossed-flags insignia. Quad headlamps were now hidden - the first American car so equipped since the 1942 De Soto and the 1936-37 Cords. The lamps were mounted in rotating sections that matched the sharp-edged front end with the "eyes" closed. The hood had two simulated air intakes within stylish indentations and the Coupe doors were cut into the roof like a true racing sports car, which made entry/exit easier in such a low-slung closed car.  The Sting Ray's interior carried a new interpretation of the twin-cowl Corvette dash motif used since 1958.  A full set of round gauges included a huge speedometer and tachometer. The control tower center was now somewhat slimmer containing the clock and a vertically situated radio.

The 1963 model year produced 21,513 units and was divided almost evenly between the convertible and the new coupe - 10,919 and 10,594, respectively. Interestingly, the coupe wouldn't sell as well in the future throughout the Sting Ray years. Equipment options for 1963 began reflecting the market's demand for more civility in sporting cars however few would pay for the extras such as the power brake option went into 15 percent of production, power steering into 12 percent, only 278 buyers specified the $421.80 air conditioning and leather upholstery was a mere $80.70 ordered on only about 400 cars. The AM-FM Radio option was a mid-63 addition at $174.35. All 1963 cars had 327cid engines, which made 250 hp standard, with optional variants that made 300 hp, 340 hp and 360 hp. The most powerful engine was the Rochester fuel injected 327cid V8, which made 360 hp.

This 1963 Corvette Sting Ray Sport Coupe was built on April 4th at the St. Louis plant then sent to Mahlon Maxton Chevrolet, a dealership located in Worthington, Ohio.

The ‘63 Corvette not only had a new design, but also new found handling prowess. The Sting Ray was a somewhat lighter Corvette, so acceleration improved despite unchanged horsepower. Under the lift-back style hood and nestled inside the engine bay is the L76 327/340HP 1x4 Hi-Lift Cam. This was an optional engine choice at $107.60 for only 6978 produced. It is matched up with the 4-Speed Manual Transmission and Posi-traction Axle 411R. Power is driven to the WSW Tires spinning the famous chrome Spinner Wheel Discs. The chrome discs have a wonderful design and great chrome that adds to the very impressive look of this Coupe.

Looking fearsome and ready to rumble in the beautiful Daytona Blue paint the distinctive stance of the Sting Ray Coupe is unmistakable. The factory correct Blue paint is in very good condition with an impressive shine and depth of reflection. The chrome gleams, stainless is very good, glass is excellent and the car is clean throughout with that showroom appeal.  The standard trim Dark Blue Vinyl interior, Code 490J, is captivating and offers the driver comfort while providing the sports car driving feel that only a Corvette of this era can. The restoration and the top quality care this car has received is easily noted.  

The Window Sheet reveals the total cost for this Corvette dream was $4,832.60 when ordered from the factory. Also the last Owner has provided the Owners’ Guide, the Protection Plan Booklet, the AM/FM Radio Instruction Booklet and a NCRS Letter of verification. There is restoration photo album. In addition there are the framed awards that attest to the high quality of the complete restoration performed on this Sting Ray – Bloomington Gold Certificate, NCRS Duntov Mark of Excellence Award, NCRS Foltz Award, NCRS Top Flight Awards and the Performance Verification will be passed along to the next owner.

Back in ’63 Chevrolet an advertisement was titled ‘Instant Celebrity’ with the caption ‘the car you drive reflects who you are to the world… the aura of individuality of the owner’. This 1963 Corvette provides stunning looks and awesome 327/340HP performance so no wonder this Daytona Blue Split-Window Sting Ray has been the car of your dreams.