Few 20th century automobiles match the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray for sheer emotional impact, especially when presented in such extremely well-preserved condition as this stunning red-on-black split-window coupe. Corvette evolved through numerous significant improvements in its first 10 years, but with no major revisions to the basic design. While the 1962 models represented the ultimate in Corvette development, the basic frame and fiberglass body panels were altered only incrementally from 1953. Then Chevrolet launched the all-new 1963 Corvette Sting Ray and shook the automotive world to its core.
The Sting Ray was much more than a new Corvette; it was a revolutionary response to the American market’s pent-up demand for a world-class homegrown sports car that combined true high performance with the comforts and conveniences of contemporary production passenger cars. For the first time, the Corvette convertible was joined by a closed fastback coupe, whose split back window would last but one year and make it one of the most desirable of all Corvettes even today. As aggressively handsome as it was, the Sting Ray’s crisp new styling was but one of many strengths. Engine choices were carried over from the previous year, and the new and more torsionally rigid ladder chassis employed revised front suspension and a completely new independent rear suspension that dramatically improved roadholding. After running a Sting Ray coupe through a series of tight S-turns, Road & Track wrote: “Every time through we discovered we could have gone a little faster. We never did find the limit.”
Not satisfied even with those significant improvements, engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov compiled a comprehensive special-performance package, dubbed RPO Z06, that transformed the new Corvette into a race-ready entrant for both FIA GT and SCCA Production competition. The Sting Ray also satisfied the demand for interior style and comfort, surpassing even some far more expensive European entries with well-designed bucket seats and a host of such available options as tilt and telescopic steering, air conditioning, leather seating and one of the industry’s first FM-capable radios. The new Corvette’s most important endorsement came from the buying public, who drove sales from 1962’s 14,531 units to 21,513 for 1963.
A late-production example built in July 1963, this Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Split Window Coupe retains its factory-original Riverside Red paint, black standard vinyl interior and RPO L75 327/300 HP small-block V-8, in this case mated to a Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission. Further optioned with power windows, an AM/FM radio, full-size spinner wheel covers and Firestone whitewall tires, the car is unrestored and shows just 4,553 original miles. This car has a well-established pedigree that includes winning Bloomington Gold Certification in 1988, followed by an NCRS Regional Top Flight Award in 1989
