The Classic Car Appraisal Service has carefully examined this 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray ‘Resto-mod’ in order to make a determination of its current retail market value. 1963 was the first year for the second generation of the Corvette, and the coupes featured a very desirable one-year only split-rear-window styling. This Corvette features modern amenities such as a Rooster Shop chassis (serial #: 003925) with new suspension and power disc brakes, as well as other modern conveniences such as air conditioning, newer generation Corvette interior, and an upgraded performance drivetrain. The odometer on this 1963 Corvette with a black exterior over black interior shows 67 miles, which is the total mileage since the modifications were installed on the vehicle. Amenities include, but are not necessarily limited to the following: 500HP ‘Stage 4’ West Coast Engines 383ci Stroker V8 engine; automatic transmission; Classic Instruments speedometer, tachometer, temperature, amperage, oil pressure, and fuel gauges; air conditioning; power steering with tilt-steering wheel; side-pipe exhaust; Baer 6P power slotted disc brakes, flip-up headlights; and an aftermarket AM/FM radio.
MECHANICAL AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT: We started the vehicle and found that the carburetor needs to be tuned as it dies at idle on a cold start. The engine and engine compartment are in excellent condition, and are detailed to present nicely. The engine features custom ‘383 Stroker’ valve covers, a chrome dress up kit (chrome air cleaner, brake fluid reservoir cover, and alternator) and an Edelbrock performance manifold. The rubber belts, lines, and hoses appear like-new and are not cracked anywhere. The work performed appears to be professionally completed, as it is very tidy, aside from some extra red wires on the passenger side of the engine bay against the firewall. Paperwork is available and details the purchase of this engine for $8,625.
EXTERIOR: The exterior physical condition of this Corvette’s fiberglass is excellent with no cracks in it anywhere. The gaps around the vehicle are very good, aside from the replacement hood, which is lifted on both corners along the firewall edge of the hood. Some adjustments will be required to correct this issue. This Corvette was repainted from its original white color to a deep black, and is in very good condition, though it needs to be buffed as there are some buffeting marks in the paint from the last wax job that is especially evident around the driver’s side rear window. There are also swirl marks throughout the vehicle that could possibly be eliminated with a proper paint correction and ceramicoat. There are small chips in the paint along the driver’s door edge, and a very slight crack in the paint near the driver’s handle. The windshield and all other glass are in like-new condition, with no chips, scratches, delamination, or cracks noted. The front chrome bumpers are in excellent condition, but the rear bumpers have some scratches in them near the center by the license plate. The matched set of Pirelli Cinturato P7 P235/45R18 tires are in like-new condition with an excellent shine to them, and they are mounted on custom chrome mag wheels with Corvette center caps that are dull with a few scrapes. INTERIOR: The door panels (with tweeters), dashboard, headliner, steering wheel, center console, and gauge cluster are all in very good condition. The bucket seats have been replaced with a set of newer Corvette leather sports seats and are in very good condition, aside from some visible stitching popping out on the driver’s top edge. The rear trunk area has additional speakers installed, and the carpets are in excellent condition. We tested all of the vehicle's accessories and found them to be functioning very well, though we did not test the AC. CHASSIS: The undercarriage is structurally very clean and appears as if it were new. There are no leaks visible from the drivetrain of this vehicle. In 1963, Chevrolet produced 21,513 Corvette Stingrays, of which about half (10,594) were equipped as Coupes. The curb weight is 3,362lbs and the MSRP was $4,252. We have classified this modified 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe ‘Resto-mod’ to be in Class 2 – Very Good condition. We use the Old Cars Price Guide, Barrett-Jackson, Mecum, and RM auction results, and internet offerings including Hemmings website along with our 40-plus years of experience to form our opinion on value. We also consult with collectors, vintage car dealers and marque experts in making these evaluations. Our compensation for this report is not contingent upon the valuation of this vehicle. It is, then, the professional opinion of the Classic Car Appraisal Service that the current retail market value of this vehicle is $175,000 (one-hundred and seventy-five dollars).
