1963 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

Description

As with many vintage Corvettes, provenance is critical. Fortunately, this 1963 Chevrolet Corvette convertible has plenty of it: a matching-numbers 327 V8, 4-speed manual transmission, and an awesome blue color combination. Still an icon, this Corvette roadster offers a pretty big bang for the buck and it's impossible to go wrong with a pedigreed mid-year 'Vette.

Imagine it's 1963 and this Corvette has just hit the market. Owning one well and truly made you 'The Man', and save for perhaps the E-Type Jag, there was simply no other car on the road that could upstage the all-new Sting Ray. Painting it code 912 Silver Blue Metallic only heightens this car's appeal, and thanks to a comprehensive restoration a few years ago, it looks fantastic today. They really spared no expense getting the bodywork laser-straight, and then followed that up with a show-quality repaint that our pictures struggle to give justice to. This car really needs to be seen in person, especially out in the sunshine. It fits together the way a properly restored vintage 'Vette should and the fiberglass is in excellent condition, befitting a car that's obviously led a very good life as someone's prized possession. The details are right, from the crease that surrounds the perimeter of the body - which remains crisp and sharp - to the more subtle things like the fit of the headlight doors and the shiny grilles in the hood that sit flush with the surface. The bright blue paint looks right with a pleasing shine that only comes from a properly executed job, and even though some of the brightwork shows a little age, overall the chrome is uniformly solid throughout and provides the perfect amount of bling to the light blue roadster.

If there's a more inviting-looking interior than this, it's hard to imagine what it is. Dark Blue is a perfect complement to the exterior, and when this roadster was restored it was all done right, and to a high standard. The dark blue vinyl buckets are correctly finished with vertical pleats and flank a factory center console, complete with chrome T-handle 4-speed shifter and eight-ball knob. The rest of the color-matching interior is just as nice, with correct carpets that show only slight wear, a beautifully preserved blue-rimmed steering wheel, and bright, clear original gauges ahead of the driver that cover all the engine's vitals. There's a rather rare AM/FM radio in the center stack and everything seems to work correctly – further evidence of an expensive restoration that was done right. You'll love the beautifully finished gauges with their deep-dish stainless centers and bright, crisp lettering that means they've either been properly restored or impeccably preserved. Underneath the blue carpets are the correct pile and loop, and they're protected with OEM Corvette floor mats, and the door panels at the flanks are wonderfully ornate pieces that match the patterns on the seats. The dash is free of any cracks or UV damage, which is a rare sight on a dark color, and protecting the interior is a beautiful white vinyl top with a clear plastic window that folds neatly under the rear cover.

The engine powering this gorgeous Sting Ray roadster is the base 250 horsepower 327 V8, but anything with just two seats and 250 horsepower is a great performer. It is the car's original, numbers-matching engine and is running smooth as ever, with signs of a rebuild and maintenance throughout. It shows only minor signs of having been driven since the car was restored, and with the Chevrolet Orange on the block and valve covers, along with the dual-snorkeled chrome air cleaner lid up top, the engine bay has a very authentic look indeed. You will note the original ram's horn exhaust manifolds still look great and the original generator has given way to an alternator for better performance. The 4-speed still pushes power back to the original rear end, and the chassis features newer bushings, shocks, and a super-clean look with satin black paint. A recent dual exhaust system growls with authority and it's nice to see a '63 with chrome hubcaps instead of knock-offs, which technically were available but never delivered due to casting issues. Goodyear whitewall radials finish off the factory look, with plenty or grip and rubber that fill the fenders perfectly.

The '63 Corvette Sting Ray is one of those hard-to-find examples of a rare car with matching-numbers and a show-quality restoration, that actually under the far-reaching six-figure asking price. If you've been looking for the right year, the right look, and the right Corvette, you may have just found it. Call today!