Vehicle Description
1963 Chevrolet Corvette
My tenure here at Classic Auto Mall has been nearly 5 years, over
the course I've had the pleasure to write over 4,000 descriptions,
and nearly 400 Corvettes! Over the course of this history, NOT ONCE
have I had a 63 Split Window Corvette. These are hens teeth to say
the least, and due to complaints of poor rear vision only produced
1 year. Much to Zora's chagrin it went to a full glass the very
next year, and as they say the rest is history!
For consignment, a non rodded or ratted, non blinged or zinged, non
dropped or chopped all nicely restored original looking and
existing 1963 Corvette Split Window. Requesting a car to stay fully
intact for nearly 60 years is a big ask. This formerly California
car now resides in PA, within our Hallowed Halls, fully restored,
snappy red interior, and it drives like a dream. Who would have
thought that a vertical bar down the center of a rear window would
cause such a stir?
Exterior
At the front of this Chevy's solid, 1963 body, familiar split
"razor blade" bumpers reflect a straight stainless grille and
bullet-style parking lamps. On the tip of the stinger, badging in
the form of V flags wave and they are fronted by a pinched body
that has the hidden headlights on either edge. The long hood
continues the ever widening hood stinger, and has stainless vents
on either side. As the front quarters move back, they take a trip
upward then downward toward the doors, and have squared off tops
for the wheel wells. They also have 2 horizontal insets which are
the beginnings of what will become the iconic "gills" however these
are closed off at this point. A wonderfully shiny trim frames a
clean front glass, and the roofline begins its trip over the
passengers, and to the rear deck where it is interrupted with the
bar in the center of the curved rear glass that eventually leads to
the rear and more pinching styling. Doors are reminiscent of the
aircraft industry and these wrap around the roofline for a more
aero look. This is all bathed in Riverside Red paint which looks in
very nice condition with only a few minor inclusions. Ribbed
stainless rocker coverings are near perfection with just a bit of
overspray behind them. The rear deck and roll pan are very thin and
more dual split bumpers emanate from the license plate with
vertical bars framing it. 2 round tail lamps on either side are
floating just above, and on the bottom chromed bezeled openings
house dual shiny exhaust on either side. Starburst shiny wheel
coverings are wrapped by thin whitewalls on all 4 corners.
Interior
A swing of the doors, (and I expected a whoosh of air pressure with
the wraparound door tops, but alas...), reveals vertical ribbed red
leather with a chrome trimming as delineation to a smooth lower
also in red. A few round red lights are on the doors along with the
actuator, (a ball and stalk), and cranks. Below is red carpeting
which is also the foundation for the interior. In it float red
leather covered low back bomber style buckets that have tuck and
roll inserts and smooth bolsters. These show ever so slight wear
but it adds character. A center console races through the buckets,
and has a red padded armrest then some aluminum trimming for the
shift lever. The dual eyebrow dash, in red, dives down from either
side, and forms a central post to meet the aluminum. Here resides a
newer, (but looks original), vertical mounted radio which has
AM/FM/Ipod capabilities. Also a few shiny pulls reside along with a
large round clock on top. In front of the driver's eyebrow is a
black panel that makes residence for round gauges and some pulls.
The original red steering wheel fronts this and reaches for the
driver. On the passenger side is a half moon styled glovebox with
black edging, and an aluminum Corvette badged door . Carpeting in
the back floods the storage area and shows no fading.
Drivetrain
Under the forward flipping hood is the numbers matching raw 327ci
beast, with original red/orange black and valve coverings. A review
of all casting dates shows the block, manifold, carburetor (4bbl)
and Muncie M20 4 speed manual trans are all matching. This also
holds true for the 3.36 posi rear axle. This all resides in a
clean, not overdone black engine bay with supple hoses and no
corrosion seen on the bolt ons.
Undercarriage
Stamped steel, solid framing and suspension finery are all
underneath and all rust free. As expected, since its restoration
this car has been well cared for, but definitely driven and
enjoyed. Drum brakes are all around, and independent coil spring
front suspension is noted. On the back is a full independent rear
suspension with a frame anchored differential. The position of each
wheel is established by 3 links: tubular axle drive shafts,
transverse strut rods, and torque control arms. We also see
transverse leaf springs. Very innovative for its time. A stock
exhaust is on and is rust free as well.
Drive-Ability
My partner in crime and I clamored to get into this first of its
kind to show up example, and were not disappointed. Great
acceleration, smooth shifting, and bias free braking, along with
rail- like handling were the norm as well as turning heads as we
drive through town. Even a trip to the McDonald's drive through
which is only reserved for very special drives was had. Hold the
pickles!
Plenty of awesomeness because of its rarity to our environment. In
my mind the holy grail of Corvettes with its sting ray styling, and
of course that split rear glass. Always wanted to write about one,
let alone drive one. My crack decoder and I have an awesome job,
that should make you Riverside red with envy...
30837S119813
3-1963
08-Corvette
37-Coupe
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
119813-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
K3-July 3rd Week Build
STYLE 63 837-1963 Corvette Coupe
BODY 9911-St. Louis Body #
TRIM 490L-Red Leather
PAINT 923A-Riverside Red
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.