1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Split-Window
Original price: $4,257.00 base (In 1963: average car cost, $3,200; average household income, $5,807.00; average home cost $12,650.00; gallon of gas, 29 cents)
On loan from: Brad Reiner, Hastings, NE
Previous owner: Purchased in 1977 in Hastings
Number made: 10,594 coupes
Engine, etc.: 327 cu. in. V-8; 250 hp; 4 speed transmission; 98” wheelbase; knock-offs wheels; Wonder radio; 64,000 original miles
Chevrolet introduced an all new Corvette coupe and convertible called the Sting Ray in September, 1962. The C2 (second generation) Corvettes were a radical departure from the original model introduced in 1953. The name and general shape came from 1959 Sting Ray racer.
Design inspiration came in part from two Corvette racing designs. One improved passenger comfort, added luggage space, and improved ride and handling. The other design incorporated a smaller coupe-only model with a rear transaxle and independent rear suspension. The exterior had peaked fenders, a long nose, and a short rear end finish.
Distinctive features were a boat-tail taper on the rear and a rear split-window. The split-window was produced only in 1963. It was replaced by a single back window in 1964 due to customer complaints about rear visibility. There are fewer split-window models today compared to how many were made because many owners didn’t like the look and replaced the split-window with a one-piece window from the 1964 models.
Headlights were concealed and retracted when not in use.
For the first time, Corvettes were available as hardtop coupes and convertibles. The new models proved so successful that new plants were opened in St. Louis, Missouri to keep pace with vehicle orders.
The 1963 models were shortened by four inches to a 98 inch wheelbase. Independent rear suspension improved handling and maneuverability. Power steering with hydraulic assistance was offered for the first time. Drum brakes were still in use with finned aluminum drums offered to allow greater fade resistance and better cooling.
Equipped with the optional 360 hp fuel-injected engine, the split-window coupe could go from zero-to-sixty in 5.9 seconds and cost a thousand dollars less than the Jaguar E-Type.
The seventh generation (C7) Corvettes that came out for the 2014 model year resumed use of the “Stingray” name (one word) for the first time since 1976.
Sources: http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z221/Chevrolet-Corvette.aspx
http://classiccardatabase.com/specs.php?series=9278&year=1963&model=34329
http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chevrolet_Corvette/1963_Chevrolet_Corvette/1963%20Chevrolet%20Corvette%20Brochure%20(Rev-1)/index1.html (Original sales brochure)
Corvette News Supplement, “The 1963 Corvette Sting Ray by Chevrolet”; vol. 6, no. 3, 51 pgs.: http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chevrolet_Corvette/1963_Chevrolet_Corvette/1963%20Corvette%20News%20Magazines/index1.html