Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 30837S105966
Tales of the creation of the 1963 Corvette are both legion and
legend. Seductive aerodynamic design by Bill Mitchell and Larry
Shinoda, incorporating innovative rotating headlights, was mounted
upon a thoroughly redesigned chassis, featuring Corvette's
inaugural four-wheel independent suspension, developed by the
talented Zora Arkus Duntov, and powerful 327 cu-in V8 engines in
multiple states of performance tune. The result was a Corvette that
really was truly new, and which was engineered from top to bottom
to become the world-beating sports car that Arkus Duntov, later
renowned as the "Father of the Corvette," had always known it could
be.
This was the first production Corvette sold as a coupe, an idea
that had been explored since the model's earliest days but had
never been fully realized; now it was, and to many eyes, the coupe
was every bit as rakish as the roadster counterpart. In a stylistic
victory, Mitchell successfully argued for the spine splitting the
rear window. A design flourish of considerable beauty, the "split
window" would last only one year but made the original Sting Ray
coupe both unique and unforgettable for future generations.
The Sting Ray in the Gateway Automobile Museum is equipped with the
300 horsepower version of the 327 cu-in V8, as well as four-speed
manual transmission, power steering, 5,500-rpm redline tachometer,
AM radio, clock, power windows, and seatbelts. The subject of a
body-off restoration, every nut and bolt was finished to a high
standard and it is equipped with all the correct pieces that one
looks for in a car such as this, including proper ignition shields,
hose clamps, and radiator hoses. Inspection shows that it retains
its riveted trim tag, showing the correct paint code 932A for
Saddle Tan Metallic and trim code 490E for Saddle interior, as well
as proper hardware, trim, and finishes throughout. The chrome and
polished stainless trim of the bodywork are in beautiful condition,
and the wheels feature correct spinner hubcaps and are shod in
radial tires. Accompanying are an owner's manual and radio
operation booklet. At the time of cataloging, the car had recorded
40,530 miles.
This is a lovely example of a classic American design, one that
continues to influence Corvette design right to the present day,
and which is instantly recognizable to most all who view it on a
show field or highway. It is certain to delight its new owner on
both.
Collection Guarantee Disclosure
Please note that as part of a larger collection to be offered at
live and online auctions, the Consignor of the Gateway Collection
has been guaranteed a minimum price for certain cars, including
this Lot, by Broad Arrow. Depending on the final Hammer Price
obtained for those Lots, Broad Arrow may benefit financially.
