Without a doubt, one of the most collectible Corvettes in Chevrolet’s 67-year run of the model is the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray Coupe. The famous split-window design was a one-year-only option and only 10,954 split-window coupes were produced. Today, restored examples of the SWCs can sell for big dollars.
Our sister website VetteFinders.com recently received a new classified ad for a 1963 Corvette Coupe for sale on Long Island, NY. While its condition may appear a little rough, there are some gems on this car that makes it worthy of restoration.
Exterior wise, this 1963 Corvette is in barn-find condition with the paint missing from major portions of the car. It was originally painted in Daytona Blue and features a Blue interior. There is some surface rust on the bumpers but overall the body looks good with no cracked panels and all the bright trim and badges are still on the car.
On the inside, the aforementioned Blue leather seats appear in pretty good condition with no rips or tears. The carpet is shot and the steering wheel is showing some interior rust which makes us wonder if moisture was able to get inside while the car was stored.
The Corvette is powered by a numbers-matching 327/300 hp V8 coupled to a four-speed manual transmission. The seller also affirms the complete drivetrain which includes the engine, transmission, and rear end is numbers matching. The Sting Ray’s optional L75 motor is currently operational and will start up and the car can be driven. According to the seller, it comes with “many new parts” including a new clutch and components, while work was done on the brakes as well.
Perhaps the scariest part of the car is the chassis which is showing a lot of surface rust. The seller acknowledges this and shares a photo showing a hole in the right rear corner of the frame. Another concern we have is that we see additional rust around the Coupe’s birdcage. The last inspection sticker on this car is from 1991 and judging from the body, it looks to have been stored in the elements.
We mentioned some of the options available, and other than the upgraded L75 300-horse V8, the coupe also features factory A/C, which was a rare option only installed in 278 cars total during the model year according to our Corvette Black Book.
The 1963 Corvette Sting Ray is priced at a strong $62,500 based on its condition, but it is a matching numbers Corvette split-window that runs and drives. So if you can figure out a way to stop the rust, you might still end up on the positive side when the car is restored. For more information about this classic 1963 Corvette split-window, follow the links and use the contact form to send a message to the seller.
Source:
VetteFinders.com
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$62k is too high based on the current conditions. $35K -$40K is doable since it going to cost another $50k-$60k or more to bring it back the way is should. It may start, and run for how long? This car need a full restoration. If you have the extra $ to spend, then go for it
Currently market price for a A to A+ ranges from $85k- to $130k.
Good luck
Ge I thought 300 HP was standard!?
I have a C3 and a C6 that I would gladly trade for a split window……………but not this one.
Also, Barry, the standard engine in 1963 was the 250hp 327
I did too, however, I look it up, here are the results. I’ve never seen a a “Standard Engine” in a 63 Vette Coup.
Standard Engine 250 hp @ 4,400 RPM;
Torque: 350 lb-ft @ 2,800 RPM
RPO L75 300 hp @ 5,000 RPM;
Torque: 360 ft-lb. @ 3,200 RPM
RPO L76 340 hp @ 6,000 RPM;
Torque: 344 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM
RPO L84
Fuel Injection 360 hp @ 6,000 RPM;
Torque: 352 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM
The rusted bird cage could be a deal breaker. Could cost quite a bit to repair.
The rusted bird cage could be a deal breaker. Bird cage repairs are very expensive if you find good person to repair it.
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