Featuring unforgettable and almost otherworldly new bodywork rooted in the basic design sketches penned by Peter Brock—GM’s youngest designer—in 1957, the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray created a sensation upon its debut. On the road to production, the new Corvette Sting Ray was also clearly inspired by GM design chief Bill Mitchell’s deep appreciation of the sleek and deadly sea creatures he encountered on his annual ocean-fishing trips to Florida. Mitchell’s self-funded Stingray SCCA racer, designed and built in collaboration with Larry Shinoda, won the 1960 SCCA A-Production title and provided another key step to production readiness for 1963. Four 327 CI V-8 engines were available for 1963, ranging from a 250 HP base unit, progressing up to 300, 340, and 360 HP ratings—the latter in all-out, fuel-injected tune. Handling took a quantum leap forward, thanks to a thoroughly redesigned chassis now incorporating a ball joint-type front suspension and a simple, yet effective, new independent rear setup. The investments in design and development paid off handsomely for Chevrolet, with Corvette production reaching a new record at 21,513 in all for 1963—including 10,594 Coupes and 10,919 Convertibles, including the example offered here. Hailing from the launch model year for the Corvette Sting Ray, this factory fuel-injected convertible was sold new at McClinton Chevrolet Company in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Retaining its original Riverside Red paint, this example is documented with the window sticker, invoice copy, and owner card mounted together in a frame. According to known history, the car was driven from 1963-68, when it was parked and stored until re- emerging in 2024. A replacement fuel-injected engine was installed in June 1964. Extensive service work was performed in 2004, including an overhaul of the Rochester Ramjet fuel injection system and replacement of the battery, fuel tank, fuel pump and fuel lines. The potent fuel-injected RPO L84 327/360 HP V-8 engine is paired with a 4-speed manual transmission and sends the power to the pavement with a 4.11 Positraction rear end. Optional RPO J65 sintered metallic brakes provide stopping power. Other choice highlights include a removable hardtop, tinted windshield, pushbutton AM/ FM radio, back-up lamps, 15-inch steel wheels, spinner wheel covers, and Delta Supreme White stripe tires.
