Looking back on the past seven decades and eight distinct generations of Corvette production, the 1963 model year is particularly historic to collectors and enthusiasts with the debut of the newly redesigned, second-generation Corvette Sting Ray. Featuring sleek and aggressive styling, the new Corvette Sting Ray was rooted in sketches penned by a young Peter Brock in 1957 with further development through GM design chief Bill Mitchell’s self-funded 1960 SCCA champion Stingray race car and refinement to production reality by Larry Shinoda. The first Corvette equipped with fully independent suspension, the Sting Ray built upon the already-potent Corvette’s rising prowess in endurance racing during its production run through 1967. A California car since new, this 1963 Chevrolet Corvette A/C Split Window Coupe features very rare factory air conditioning, making it one of only 278 produced for the first model year with optional air conditioning. Powered by a matching-numbers 327/300 HP engine and 3.36 Positraction rear end, it also features an M20 4-speed manual transmission. Importantly, it also retains the factory-original body/trim tag. Finished in Ermine White paint with a Tuxedo Black interior, this highly collectible Corvette Sting Ray benefits from a recent body-on restoration that included the paint, interior, chrome, motor and mechanicals by California-based specialists. Carrying a production date of June 8, 1963, it was delivered new to Rancho Chevrolet in Reseda, California (Dealer 419 in Zone 20), per the official NCRS/GM Shipping Data Records. Documents also include a copy of the previous owner’s title. Features and options include an AM/FM radio, stainless exhaust, tinted glass and knock-off aluminum wheels mounting blackwall radial tires. Most all factory-correct-type components are in place including the spare, jack, jack tools, knock-off wheel hammer, washer system, shifter, shielding, No. 0133 dated A/C compressor, A/C-only air cleaner, No. 633 A/C alternator, carburetor, spark plug shields, hoses, hose clamps, exhaust heat shields, gas door assembly, bowtie mirror, glovebox door and cookie tin hood. Today, the one-year-only split window Corvette coupe remains one of the most iconic designs in the history of the American automobile, and this rare, one of 278 factory air-conditioned example is in a league of its own.
