Produced on June 24, 1963, and delivered new by Pollard- Ravenscroft Company in Van Nuys, California, this 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe is one of just 278 produced with factory air conditioning, which was only added to the Corvette’s option catalog with that year’s historic introduction of the first coupe body. Coming from the past owner’s estate of more than 50 years, this is a highly original California car—complete with GM body panels and bonding strips—that has had just two owners since 1971. It retains not only its mostly original Ermine White paint and completely original Tuxedo Black interior but, just as significantly, its all-matching-numbers original drivetrain combining the optional L75 327/300 HP V-8 engine, Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission and 3.36:1 rear end. As befits the luxury-oriented Grand Touring calling suggested by the combination of factory air and automatic transmission, it was also optioned with Soft Ray tinted glass, power steering, power windows and an AM/FM radio. The car is well-documented with the factory original body/trim tag; engine block, stamp pad and engine stamp affirmation by Al Grenning’s Classic Car Affirmation Service, California registration, California Pink slip dated 1971, the 1973 transfer to the last owner, the official NCRS/GM Shipping Data Report and a three-ring binder of records. Offered complete with full hubcaps over vintage 6.70-15 white-stripe tires, the car retains most all factory-correct- type components including the spare, jack, jack tools, seat belts, washer system, shifter, shielding, air cleaner, distributor, spark plug shields, hoses, hose clamps, XC-dated window glass, valve covers, no. 633 A/C alternator, dated A/C compressor, A/C radiator support, no. 7242 starter, no. 3460S carburetor, ball joints, A/C air ducts, expansion tank, radiator, gas door assembly, Bowtie mirror, glovebox door, cookie tin hood and T-3 headlights. Today, the one-year only split-window coupe remains one of the most iconic designs in the history of the American automobile. As a result, the 278 factory-built factory air-conditioned cars are simply in a league of their own, qualifying this highly original, substantially documented first-year Sting Ray as an exceptional collector-grade example of this rare breed.
