Vehicle Description
As the '50s drew to a close, Chevy debuted its Sting Ray Racer
concept car at shows across the country to an overwhelmingly
positive response, which was perfectly understandable. It was a
decidedly futuristic-looking car, but at the same time it was very
appealing and most importantly, attainable. Chevy would prove it so
only a few years later when they used it as the foundation for the
second generation of Corvettes, ably represented by this 1963
Chevrolet Corvette convertible, a strong running classic that's
ready to provide its next owner with future chapters of road-bound
excitement.
Clad in Riverside red, a very fitting match for its shapely form,
this Corvette demonstrates at first glance just how serious Chevy
was in taking their revered model to a new level. Its flowing shape
is noticeably more aerodynamic than its predecessors - no real
surprise since its generation marked the first time Chevy used
extensive wind tunnel testing to aid their design efforts. Not only
did it cut through the air markedly better than any 'Vette that
came before it but, equipped with substantially more steel for
support, it was far more durable and resistant to the forces of
time and the elements. It's an improvement that pays serious
dividends in this drop top which, despite 55 years of service,
remains impressively straight and well aligned, with even gaps
between its body panels. That able-bodied, fresh look is amplified
by very clean front and rear bumpers both fore and aft, as well as
the blemish-free chrome plating of its mirrors and door handles.
Unlike so many of its more harshly treated compatriots, its flip up
headlights work just as intended and, should you find yourself in
inclement weather, the black vinyl convertible top raises into
place for protection and seals well.
As far as interiors were concerned, Corvette was really hitting its
stride by the early '60s, blending ever increasing comfort into
their performance-centric environments. The black vinyl example in
this '63 has been allowed to remain in its original configuration
and shows far less of time's toll than you'd expect. The low-backed
bucket seats sport a shape that borrows heavily from the rally cars
of the era and still remain very comfortable. They bracket an
inspired center console that features chrome accenting and puts the
low-profile shifter within easy reach. On both sides, the door
panels are in nice shape, sporting supple surfaces and still
clinging tightly to their steel frames. An expanse of fresh black
carpeting runs beneath the seating. The dash area had to have
appeared futuristic for the time when it was introduced, with its
dual arched design harboring a full assortment of gauges in the
instrument cluster that is accompanied by an analog clock in the
center.
The engine is an "HO" code 1965 block rated at 300HP. Honestly,
anything with two seats and 300 horsepower is guaranteed to be a
party anyway, and with a four-barrel carburetor, it's about as
reliable as an anvil out on the road and if you're driving your
hardware this is what you want for motive power. It's very nicely
detailed with correct finned valve covers, chrome air cleaner lid,
factory correct orange paint and ram's horn exhaust manifolds. A
four speed pushes power back to the rear end making this a very
entertaining car to drive and the exhaust system growls with
authority. Knock-off wheels always look right on any Mid-Year
Corvette, with these wearing Michelin tires that handle well and
fit the '60s vibe.
Believe me, any mid-year Corvette roadster is an A-list celebrity,
and you'll have more fun with this awesome red roadster than the
guy who just dropped six figures on a trailer queen. Call
today!