In 1963, the Corvette celebrated its 10th anniversary, prompting the creation of something special. Designed by GM stylist Larry Shinoda under the guidance of Bill Mitchell, the ’63 Sting Ray marked the beginning of the C2 era, showcasing innovative aerodynamic styling and exceptional mechanical engineering. Beneath its aerodynamically tuned body was a high-performance car, earning the distinction of being the first Corvette to carry the revered Sting Ray name. A total of 10,594 coupes were produced in 1963.
The remarkably rigid fiberglass body rode on a four-inch-shorter wheelbase compared to previous models, while maintaining nearly the same overall length. The ’63 Sting Ray introduced stylish hidden headlights and adopted a new ladder-type frame, replacing the X-type frame. This change not only lowered the center of gravity but also enhanced handling by providing greater stiffness to the car. The iconic split window at the rear set the 1963 models apart from all subsequent Sting Rays, making it a highly coveted and significant feature. These attributes combined to create a classic that was highly desirable both during its time and continues to be sought after today.
This particular 1963 Chevrolet Corvette split-window coupe, constructed on May 31, 1963, is equipped with a replacement fuel-injected 327ci V8 paired with a four-speed manual transmission, a 3.55:1 Positraction rear axle, and is presented in red with red upholstery. Features include 15″ steel wheels with spinner-style covers, Firestone Deluxe Champion whitewall tires, flip-up headlamps, unassisted four-wheel drum brakes, and a Delco AM/FM radio.
Photo Source: Bring A Trailer
