The second-generation (aka C2) Chevy Corvette finally arrived in 1963 and it did not disappoint. Christened the “Sting Ray” and not only was a convertible offered, but also a slippery new coupe with a split rear window. The latter would later prove iconic as the designers made it all one piece starting in 1964 to improve rearward visibility. Located in Richmond, Kentucky, this classic had the same owner for 28 years and may only need new paint and some interior work. It’s available here on eBay but for some serious coin. The current bid is $81,463, the reserve is unmet, and the Buy It Now price is $99,500.
Corvette sales jumped by 50% with the new design and the enclosed coupe accounted for about half of the 21,500 total units sold in ’63. Standard power in these hot new Chevies was the 327 cubic inch V8 that produced 300 hp (you could option yourself up to 360 with fuel injection). Most Corvettes were built with a 4-speed manual, but the seller’s car has an automatic transmission (2-speed Powerglide?).
As the story goes, this ‘Vette has been in Central Florida for the past 35 years, with the previous owner in possession most of that time. The engine is numbers matching and we assume the same could be said for the tranny. The motor carries new paint which suggests it’s been gone into, but that is not discussed. It does start, drive, and stop, but only for short hops, so the buyer will need to go over the mechanicals with a fine-tooth comb.
The ”birdcage” is good and we’re told it once wore brown paint, but we’re not sure what’s on there now (camo?). The passenger compartment is certainly passable but new carpeting should be added to the to-do list. The exterior window trim has been removed and will follow the Chevy to its new home. These ‘Vettes are very desirable and the ’63 split-window coupe tends to command much higher prices than those from ’64-forward without the divider.