1963 Split Window Corvette Stingray

1963 Chevrolet Corvette

Exotic Sports Cars is extremely proud to present the first-ever production Corvette coupe, a futuristic fastback, sported an unusual styling element for its time period - a divided rear window. The rear window's basic shape had been originally conceived by Bob McLean for the Q-model. The rest of the Sting Ray design was equally stunning. Quad headlamps were retained but newly hidden - the first American car so equipped since the 1942 DeSoto. The lamps were mounted in rotating sections that matched the sharp-edged front end with the "eyes" closed. The Corvette continued to use hidden headlamps until the C6 model debuted in 2005. Coupe doors were cut into the roof, which made entry/exit easier in such a low-slung closed car. Faux vents were located in the hood and on the coupe's rear pillars; functional ones had been intended but were cancelled due to cost considerations.

The Sting Ray's interior carried a new interpretation of the twin-cowl Corvette dash motif used since 1958, It was also more practical, now incorporating a roomy glovebox, an improved heater, and the cowl-ventilation system. A full set of round gauges included a huge speedometer and tachometer. The control tower center console returned, somewhat slimmer but now containing the clock and a vertically situated radio. Luggage space was improved as well, though due to a lack of an external trunklid, cargo had to be loaded behind the seats. The spare tire was located at the rear in a drop-down fiberglass housing beneath the gas tank. The big, round deck emblem was newly hinged to double as a fuel-filler flap, replacing the previous left-flank door.

Though not as obvious as the car's radical styling, the new chassis was just as important to the Sting Ray's success. Maneuverability was improved thanks to the faster recirculating ball, or "Ball-Race", steering, and a shorter wheelbase. The latter might ordinarily imply a choppier ride, but the altered weight distribution partly compensated for it. Less weight on the front wheels also meant easier steering, and with some 80 additional pounds on the rear wheels, the Sting Ray offered improved traction. Stopping power improved, too. Four-wheel cast-iron 11-inch drum brakes remained standard but were now wider, for an increase in effective braking area. Sintered-metallic linings, segmented for cooling, were again optional. So were finned aluminum drums, which not only provided faster heat dissipation (and thus better fade resistance) but less unsprung weight. Power assist was available with both brake packages. Evolutionary engineering changes included positive crankcase ventilation, a smaller flywheel, and an aluminum clutch housing. A more efficient alternator replaced the old-fashioned generator.

Drivetrains were carried over from the previous generation, comprising four 327cuin (5,360cc) small block V8s, three transmissions, and six axle ratios. Carbureted engines came in 250hp (190kW), 300hp (220kW), and 340-horsepower (250-kilowatt) versions. As before, the base and optional units employed hydraulic lifters, a mild camshaft, forged-steel crankshaft, 10.5:1 compression, single-point distributor, and dual exhausts. The 300-bhp engine produced its extra power via a larger four-barrel carburetor, plus larger intake valves and exhaust manifold. Again topping the performance chart was a 360hp (270kW) fuel-injected V8, available for an extra $430.40. The car's standard transmission remained the familiar three-speed manual, though the preferred gearbox continued to be the Borg-Warner manual four-speed.

1800 miles since restoration.

Details Specific to this car include:

- 300 hp V8 Small Block Engine

- Frame off Restoration done in Late 2016

- AM/FM Radio

- Spare Tire

- Original wheels and Hub Caps

- Complete Engine rebuilt in 2016

- Power Steering

- Power Brakes

- Power Windows

- 4 Speed Manual

- Car Purchased at Mecum in 2015 for $125,000

- Total money in car $149,000

- Willing to take $?????

• Make: Chevrolet
• Model: Corvette
• SubModel: Split Window
• Type: Coupe
• Year: 1963
• Mileage: 1800
• VIN: 308375103363
• Color: Silver
• Engine size: 300HP Small V8
• Number of cylinders: 8
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: Manual
• Drive type: RWD
• Interior color: Black
• Drive side: Left-hand drive
• Vehicle Title: Clear
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