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*Please note that the sale of this car is accompanied by a Protection Plan book, not the Protect-O-Plate noted in the catalogue.
Corvette unveiled a radical new fastback for 1963, a car based on two stunning GM concept cars: Zora Arkus-Duntov’s 1957 Q-Corvette and Bill Mitchell’s 1959 Sting Ray Racer designed by Peter Brock. This fantastic original example of a first-year Sting Ray Coupe features all of Corvette’s innovations for 1963, including an all-new chassis design, independent rear suspension, and the one-year-only split rear window – features that combine to make the 1963 Corvette an enduring icon of American automotive design.
Delivered new to Hugh White Chevrolet in Columbus, Ohio, this Corvette was factory-equipped with the M20 four-speed gearbox and the desirable solid-lifter L76 340 bhp V-8. It was considered by many Corvette aficionados to be the best-running engine of the 1963 offerings. Finished in elegant Saddle Tan, it was generously optioned with a Posi-Traction rear axle, sintered metallic brakes, whitewall tires, power windows, AM/FM radio, and rare leather upholstery.
Retained for 22 years by its original owner, the car was subsequently acquired by a marque enthusiast and presented at various Corvette events, where it earned two National Corvette Restorers Society Top Flight Awards and the Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals Heritage Award. It is a documented and unrestored survivor. Spectacularly preserved and still showing many of its original inspection and job number markings, this car is a fascinating example of the important and influential Split-Window Sting Ray.