Vehicle Description
The legendary 1963 Corvette Split-Window coupe is one of those rare
exceptions to the rule that if the top goes down, the price goes
up. There aren't many guys with a pulse who aren't secretly wishing
for a split window coupe in the Christmas stocking this year, and
this gorgeous Riverside Red coupe is just the thing to make even a
grown man dance in the streets on Christmas morning. Featuring a
numbers-matching 327/250HP V8, a rare automatic transmission, and a
frame-off restoration that attended to every single nut-and-bolt on
this C2, this is an incredibly special, blue-chip classic.
Yeah, the Sting Ray is an absolute slam-dunk, 50 years of Corvette
fans have pretty much proven that. Imagine you're walking down the
street in late 1962, and this thing is idling at a red light, twin
pipes burbling, and that astounding shape making you stop in your
tracks and just stare until it disappears over the horizon. That's
what the split-window coupe is all about. And if you have one, you
need to do it right, because there's just too much history here to
do half-hearted. Code 941 Sebring Silver was this 'Vette's factory
color, but this beauty was faithfully changed to Code 923 Riverside
Red - an upgrade in anyone's book. Seriously, who doesn't love a
'Lil Red Corvette. The paint change went on a few years back and it
still looks great today, with no remnants of the original color
anywhere to be found. In fact, the finish look fantastic from every
angle, with only very minor imperfections to speak of here and
there, but certainly nothing that would get in the way of showing
this Splittie off with great pride. The fiberglass is in top-notch
condition with crisp details, sharp lines, and no signs of body
stress in the usual locations. All the chrome was shined up at the
time of the restoration, the stainless was polished too, and the
result is a high-quality piece that's ready to be drive and enjoyed
without worry. And that's a good thing, because if I had a
Split-Window Corvette, I'd want the whole world to see me driving
it. Out back, the 'Sting Ray' badge debuted, ushering in a new era
of American motoring that made these cars legends. And yes, that's
'Sting Ray' with a space, they weren't called 'Stingrays' until
1969 through 1976.
The '63 Corvette interior was every bit as ground-breaking as the
bodywork, although it tends to get a bit lost in the commotion.
Handsome black seat covers have been fitted to the original
buckets, and the twin-cockpit design is something that's still
echoing in today's C7. A full array of crisp gauges keep a
comprehensive eye on the engine, and their bright stainless faces
and slender needles are miniature works of art. Although that
8-ball topped shifter might look like it manages a 4-speed, it
actually controls a rather rare, Powerglide automatic below. Just
inches away is what's likely the original 3-spoke steering wheel
that's very familiar in its design, with a large-diameter rim that
works perfectly with the power steering system under the hood. A
vertical Delco AM/FM/Cassette radio is a welcome addition and looks
cool with its inverted orientation, although it will need service
before it pumps tunes into the cabin again. Simple and stylistic,
the black interior is exactly what belongs in a red Corvette, and
the very nice set-up inside this cabin is a perfect complement for
this bright red Splittie.
Power comes from the original, numbers-matching SC-code 327/250
horsepower 4-barrel carbureted engine, which was the most common
engine found in the 1963 Corvette. Chevrolet Orange engine enamel
on the block and matching valve covers looks 100% stock, further
complemented by the original dual-snorkel, chrome-topped air
cleaner that gives the engine bay its authentic look. The ram's
horn exhaust manifolds are in great order, and they feed into a
mellow yet throaty 'off-road' dual exhaust system that gives the
potent small block a nice bark. The rear end offers
highway-friendly gears and the C2 all-independent suspension
definitely lives up to the billing of improved handling and a great
ride, further improved by the power brake and power steering
systems that make this Splittie a joy to drive. The car carries
knock-off wheels, and while experts will note that they were not
available from the factory in 1963, you can't argue with how right
they look (they practically defined the GM mid-year era),
especially wrapped in 205/75/15 whitewall radials.
Hard-to-find, numbers matching, and exceptionally pretty, don't let
this blue-chip investment split-window Corvette become the ghost of
Christmas Past. Call today!
