To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Arizona
event, 17 - 18 January 2019.
Estimate:
$100,000 - $125,000
- Thought to be largely original with just 62,000 miles from
new
- Highly optioned, including power steering, brakes, and
windows
- Reportedly one of only 278 examples for '63 with factory air
conditioning
- Equipped with AM-FM radio and wood-rimmed steering wheel
Penned by GM stylist Larry Shinoda under the guise of Bill
Mitchell, the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray introduced all-new wind
tunnel-influenced aerodynamic styling and superb engineering,
immediately elevating the status of the car. Underneath that
gorgeous body was a serious car
mechanically and the first Corvette to bear the Sting Ray. The
fiberglass body rode on a four-in. shorter wheelbase than previous
(from 102 in. to 98 in.), but overall length was nearly the same.
For '63, the Sting Ray featured aggressive, yet handsome hidden
headlights. A new ladder-type frame replaced the X-type frame,
which lowered the center of gravity while also improving
handling.
A coupe was available for the first time offering a body that was
90 percent stiffer than the previous year's roadster. Known for its
distinctive split rear window, unique to 1963, this was the first
Corvette with an independent rear suspension. For that year 10,594
coupes were produced out of a total of 21,513 units.
This numbers-matching example is finished in Ermine White over a
red interior. It is equipped with the Powerglide automatic
transmission and is reportedly one of only 278 1963 Corvettes to
feature factory air conditioning, a new option that year. This rare
feature is noted by the Chevy bowtie sticker on the rear window
proudly proclaiming, "Air Conditioned." Power is supplied by a
250-hp Turbo-Fire 327-cu. in. V-8. It is optioned with power
steering, power brakes, power windows, AM-FM radio, and a
wood-rimmed steering wheel.
According to the consignor, the Corvette is thought to be largely
original, including the interior and the paintwork from the cowl
rearward. He describes it as "a nice, honest car," and it presents
very clean underneath, too, showing little evidence of use in
inclement weather. The odometer reads little more than 62,000 miles
from new, also thought to be correct.To view this car and others
currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az19.
