This very sharp 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Split Window Coupe was produced on August 1, 1963, making it one of the last split-window coupes produced in that one-year-only form. Designed by Larry Shinoda under the guidance of GM Styling Chief Bill Mitchell, the Corvette Sting Ray sparked the evolution of Corvette into the distinctive and history-making all-American sports car its creators envisioned in the early 1950s. The rounded surfaces and relatively primitive X-member chassis were put out to pasture, replaced by sharp-edged styling inspired by the Mitchell Sting Ray racer of the late ‘50s on a ladder-style frame featuring an all-new independent rear suspension layout that produced a remarkable improvement in handling. Delivered new to King Chevrolet Oldsmobile in Exeter, New Hampshire, and presenting in the dramatic factory color combination of Tuxedo Black paint with a contrasting red interior, the car still runs under the power of its original matching-numbers 327 CI small-block V-8 engine and Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission, another indicator of its late production build as these were midyear replacements for the BorgWarner-manufactured 4-speeds. Identified by its RC-suffix cylinder block as a 250 HP base engine, the 327 has been inspected and received engine block, engine stamp and stamp pad affirmation by Al Grenning's Classic Car Affirmation Service. Desirable features and options include heat and defrost, a console-mounted clock and Delco AM/FM pushbutton radio, a Soft Ray-tinted windshield, aluminized exhaust and full-size spinner wheel covers over white-stripe 6.70-15 4-ply tires. Close inspection reveals a high degree of originality in this handsome split-window coupe, which at 62,833 actual miles retains most all factory-correct-type components including the spare, jack, jack tools, clear floor mats, seat belts, washer system, shifter, shielding, air cleaner, alternator, spark plug shields, hoses, hose clamps, exhaust heat shields, expansion tank, gas door assembly, Bowtie mirror, glovebox door, cookie tin hood, owners manual, sales brochure and T3 headlights. Documentation includes the factory-original body and trim tag, as well as an NCRS Shipping Data Report.
