1963 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster Convertible

In 1963, Corvette introduced its all new Corvette Coupe and Convertible models called the Sting Rays. The car incorporated a boat-tail taper that was common of sporting roadster of the 1930s. The back featured a Bugatti Atlantique and Bertone BAT inspired split rear-window. This styling was replaced in 1964 with a single piece because of drivers complaining about visibility problems. The headlights were concealed in the front and would "pop" out when in use.
New plants in St. Louis, Missouri were opened to keep pace with the vehicles popularity.
This was the very first time Corvette was available as a hardtop coupe model as well as the traditional convertible. The wheelbase was shortened by four inches to 98 inch. This, along with independent rear suspension, improved the handling and maneuverability. The steering ratio decreased from 3.4 to 2.9 turns-to-lock. Hydraulically assisted power steering was also offered for the first time. The drum brakes were still used. The optional sintered metallic linings and finned aluminum brake drums were offered and allowed greater fade resistance and better cooling.
The Corvette was completely redesigned for 1963 incorporating independent rear suspension and all new styling. The 1963 Sting Ray coupe featured a unique split rear window that is unique only to this year. In 1964 the center bar was removed from the window.
When the 1963 Corvette was introduced in late 1962, it featured an all new body style derived from a race car built by GM styling guru Bill Mitchell. The new styling was a big hit, its angular body, with a minimum of bright work and a distinctive split rear window on the coupe version. This was the first year that Corvette offered both convertible and coupe body forms, nonfunctional vents were featured on both the sides and the hood and it was the only year for the split window. There are fewer split window models today compared to how many were original produced because many owners, who found the look controversial, removed the split and installed a one-piece, 1964 rear window.a
The body was mounted on a new chassis with independent rear suspension. However, under the hood was the familiar 327 cid V-8 from the previous year. The standard engine produced a somewhat lackluster 250 horsepower, but the top fuel-injected model would produce up to 360 h.p.
The name Corvette, with the extended name "Corvette Sting Ray", would prove widely popular. Base price for the coupe was $4,257.00 while the convertible ran $4,037.00. The 1963 model year would produce 10,594 coupes and 10,919 convertibles.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster Convertible, Numbers Matching 327 300 HP
1963 was a great year for the Corvette, a beautiful new body style, the first Stingray, the first Corvette with independent rear suspension, the first year for the Z06 option, concealed headlights and the first and only year for the split window. This car has received a full frame off complete nut and bolt restoration to stock and has been driven just over 1100 miles since. Everything is new or rebuilt.
    Color: Saddle Tan with Saddle Tan auxiliary hardtop and tan convertible top    Saddle Tan Interior    327 cu. in V-8 / 300 HP    Automatic Transmission    Power Steering    Power Brakes    Power Windows    AM Radio    Factory Clock    Full Gauges    Dual Exhaust    Auxiliary Hardtop    1161 miles on odometer (reset to 0 after complete restoration)
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