1963 Corvette Split Window--SOLD (Nevada) - $0
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Coupe. The coveted split window 4-speed is finished in Daytona Blue. Restored by a NCRS specialist about 2000. Recent upgrades include carburetor rebuild and sound system. Powered by an upgraded 327/340hp.
The first-ever production Corvette coupe, a futuristic fastback, sported an unusual styling element for its time period - a divided rear window. Quad headlamps were hidden - the first American car so equipped since the 1942 DeSoto. The lamps were mounted in rotating sections that matched the sharp-edged front end with the "eyes" closed. Coupe doors were cut into the roof, which made entry/exit easier in such a low-slung closed car.
The '63 Sting Ray'featured a roomy glovebox, an improved heater, and the cowl-ventilation system. A full set of round gauges included a huge speedometer and tachometer. The control tower center console returned, somewhat slimmer but now containing the clock and a vertically situated radio. Luggage space was improved as well, with more space behind the seats. The spare tire is located at the rear in a drop-down fiberglass housing beneath the gas tank (which holds 20 gallons). Maneuverability was improved thanks to the faster recirculating_ball, or "Ball-Race", steering, and a shorter wheelbase. The Sting Ray offered improved traction. Stopping power improved, too. Four-wheel cast-iron 11-inch drum brakes remained standard but were now wider, for an increase in effective braking area.
The '63 Sting Rays employed hydraulic lifters, a mild camshaft, forged-steel crankshaft, 10.5:1 compression, single-point distributor, and dual exhausts. The 300-bhp engine produced its extra power via a larger four-barrel carburetor (Carter AFB), plus larger intake valves and exhaust manifold. This car is equpped with the upgraded optional premium gearbox: the Borg-Warner manual four-speed, delivered with wide-ratio gears when teamed with the base and 300-bhp engines, and close-ratio gearing with the top two powerplants.
For 1963, designers would dub the Corvette’s second generation "Sting Ray" after the earlier race car of the same name (but now spelled out in separate words). The C2 was designed by Larry Shinoda under the direction of GM chief stylist Bill Mitchell. Inspiration was drawn from several sources: the contemporary Jaguar E-Type, one of which Mitchell owned and enjoyed driving frequently; the radical Stingray Racer Mitchell designed in 1959 as Chevrolet no longer participated in factory racing; and a Mako shark Mitchell caught while deep-sea fishing. Zora Arkus-Duntov ("father of the Corvette") disliked the split rear window (which also raised safety concerns due to reduced visibility)[6] and it was discontinued in 1964, as were the fake hood vents.
The 1963 Corvette Sting Ray not only had a new design, but also newfound handling prowess. The Sting Ray was also a somewhat lighter Corvette, so acceleration improved despite unchanged horsepower. All 1963 cars had 327cid engines, and this example features an upgraded 340 hp (254 kW).
