1963 Chevrolet Corvette

1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Convertible — Comprehensive Mechanical Restoration, 327 V8, 4-Speed

The 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray was not an evolution of what came before — it was a clean break. When Chevrolet unveiled the second-generation Corvette for the 1963 model year, it introduced an entirely new chassis, a new body designed by Larry Shinoda under Bill Mitchell, and the first independent rear suspension ever fitted to a production Corvette. The car was narrower, lower, and significantly more refined than the C1 it replaced, yet it weighed less and handled far better. Motor Trend named it Car of the Year for 1963. Road and Track called it one of the finest sports cars in the world. The automotive press rarely agreed on anything in that era, but they agreed on the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray.

Chevrolet built 10,919 Corvette convertibles for the 1963 model year. This particular car is finished in Ermine White over a red vinyl interior — one of the most visually direct color combinations the factory offered, and one that photographs exactly the way it looks in person. The VIN confirms this is a St. Louis-built convertible, which is how all 1963 Corvettes were assembled. Under the hood sits the 327 cubic inch Turbo-Fire V8 in L30 specification, backed by a close-ratio 4-speed manual transmission.

What separates this 1963 Corvette from the typical driver-quality example on the market is the scope of mechanical work that has been completed. This is not a cosmetically refreshed car with deferred mechanical issues waiting for the next owner. The engine has been removed, resealed, and repainted. The transmission has been rebuilt and resealed. The entire suspension has been rebuilt with new components. Every brake component has been replaced. Every fluid system — cooling, fuel, electrical — has been renewed. The chassis and suspension have been cleaned and painted. The result is a car that drives the way a 1963 Corvette Sting Ray should, not the way a neglected 60-year-old car typically does.

Key details
Exterior: Ermine White
Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
VIN / chassis: 30867S113087

Offered by Skyway Classics, 10420 Portal Crossing, Bradenton, FL 34212. Taxes, title and fees not included.

Photos courtesy of Skyway Classics.