The dramatic October 1962 debut of the revolutionary 1963 Corvette Sting Ray also saw the introduction of a coupe model and factory air conditioning to the Corvette for the first time in its 10-year history. At $421.80, it added almost 10% to the base price, a fact that kept all but 278 buyers from choosing that option. It is important to note that first-year production A/C Corvettes are exceptional in comparison to subsequent model years as they featured more than 25 associated items used only in 1963. Produced on May 13, 1963 and delivered new to Ed Rinke Chevrolet in Centerline, Michigan, the splendid split window coupe offered here is one of that elite group of first-year, factory air Sting Rays. Finished in the rare and attractive combination of Saddle Tan paint with a matching Saddle Tan interior, it was equipped with the optional L75 327/300 HP V-8 engine backed by a T-10 4-speed manual transmission and 3.36:1 rear end, power brakes and power windows, Soft Ray tinted glass, seat belts, an AM/FM radio and aluminized exhaust. In 2017, the car was inspected by Corvette authority Tom Christman, custodian and author of the 1963 Corvette Air Conditioning Registry, who documented his findings in an inspection and validation report dated March 17, 2017. A comprehensive nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration was then completed on the car in 2018, retaining the original matching- numbers engine as affirmed by Al Grenning’s Classic Car Affirmation Service LLC, who also affirmed the originality of the factory body/trim tag. Additional documentation includes the owner’s manual, dealer brochure and an NCRS Shipping Data Report. Completed in classic fashion with vintage 6.70x15 white-stripe tires on finned aluminum knock-off wheels, this superb A/C Sting Ray split window coupe retains most all factory-correct-type components including the spare, jack, jack tools, clear floor mats, washer system, shielding, air cleaner, No. 633 A/C alternator, distributor, spark plug shields, hoses, hose clamps, No. 3461S carburetor, window glass, expansion tank, gas door assembly, bowtie mirror, cookie tin hood and T-3 headlights.
