1963 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

Just the highlights on this neat little 1963 Corvette: matching-numbers 327, 4-speed manual transmission, and it's red. If you've been looking for a usable mid-year Corvette, but not one of those six-figure machines that crush bank accounts, this might be the smart choice.

Red is a passionate color, and there aren't many guys more passionate about their hardware than Corvette owners. It's fitting that this car's Riverside Red finish is correct, because nothing looks as good as a mid-year roadster in sizzling bright red. You want attention, you'll get it in this roadster, but you'll be too busy grinning like an escaped convict to notice. Fit and finish were quite well done several years ago and now showing a bit of age, which only means that you'll drive this Corvette instead of hiding it in your garage and thanks to a 4-stage buff, the shine is pretty impressive. However, even up close, you'll notice that all the little stuff is right: the headlights fit flush, the door gaps are even, and the pleat that surrounds the body is crisp and almost sharp enough to give you a paper cut. C2s don't have a lot of chrome, but everything on this car shows rather well, including the bumpers and those ribbed rocker panel moldings that are the coolest thing this side of, well, side pipes.

It also features a matching red interior, and when I say matching, I mean it's so good that it's tough to tell where the fiberglass ends and the upholstery begins. Everything was probably replaced when the car was restored a few years ago, and like the exterior it shows some signs of use, but they're inviting rather than off-putting and unless you're looking for a trailer queen, this is the right look for a vintage 'Vette. Corvette engineers gave you a full array of gauges, all of which are in nice shape in this car, including the somewhat optimistic 160 MPH speedometer and correct 5500 RPM redline tach. This one also includes the unique Corvette vertical radio, a Hurst 4-speed shifter, and a nice-fitting white vinyl top that is still in very good condition.

There's no such thing as a bad small block Chevy, and the 327 cubic inch V8 in this Sting Ray is not only matching-numbers, but a fantastic runner, too. It's not detailed for show, but when you turn the key and it lights off quickly and easily, well, you'll forget that some of the hose clamps aren't exactly how the factory did it 51 years ago. An open-element air cleaner and chrome valve covers are probably the biggest tip-offs that this car was never destined to be a trailer queen and long-tube headers connected to a new exhaust system offer improved performance. Power steering and freshly rebuilt brakes mean that it's competent on the road and the undercarriage shows off what years of clean living can do for a vintage Corvette. And depending on your mood, included are period-correct Hurst wheels for a cool vintage look, or straight no chase factory Rally wheels wrapped in 215/75/15 gold stripe radials.

1963 Corvettes are still highly-sought for their first-year appeal, and with the split-window coupes stealing the show, roadsters like this remain very affordable alternatives. With matching numbers, lots of performance, and a great color combination, this Corvette is a winner. Call today!