LS1-Powered 1963 Corvette Stingray Convertible Five-Speed

Description

The beauty of the all-new 1963 Corvette was that its beauty wasn’t just skin deep. Of course, whether as a one-year-only split-window coupe or a convertible, the C2’s low, wide stance, long nose, and flowing rear was incredibly beautiful. And the driver-centered cockpit offered comfortable seating, informative gauges, and effortless style that rivaled the best European sports cars.

Corvette engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov’s chassis was designed with both strength and a low center of gravity. That allowed occupants and drivetrain components to sit much lower than in a C1. Combined with an all-new independent rear suspension with transverse leaf springs and a capable front suspension with good brakes, the C2 was magic. Road & Track exclaimed, “Whether you slam the car through an S-bend at 85 or pop the clutch at 5000 rpm at the drag strip, the result is the same—great gripping gobs of traction.”

And nothing complements a beautiful body and capable chassis like a world-class engine. This 1963 Corvette’s restored body is motivated by a fuel-injected LS1 and modern overdrive transmission. It’s the best of both Corvette worlds.

Highlights 

• Desirable mid-year 1963 Vette with a modern Corvette engine 

• 5.7-liter LS1 V8 crate engine rated at 410 horsepower 

• Tremec five-speed manual transmission 

• Body was removed from frame, stripped down, and professionally restored with three base coats and three clear coats 

• Refinished in Nassau Blue with saddle leather interior 

• Air conditioning 

Features 

• Disc brakes and rack and pinion steering 

• Knock-off wheels wearing new 235/60R15 BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires 

• Tilt steering column, new steering wheel, and aftermarket stereo system 

• Leather seats and door panels have been redone 

• Custom center console and aftermarket stereo with custom-mount speakers 

• New weatherstripping, convertible motors, and seat belts 

• Recently added a new AGM battery and two new fuel injector lines 

Known Imperfections 

• Minor paint imperfections on driver side headlight housing with lights up 

Included 

• Keys 

• Hardtop 

• Extra parts to finish the restoration 

Ownership History

Consignor states that this car has been garaged, and has not been driven in any bad weather. It is finished in Nassau Blue, and it returns good gas mileage with EFI and the five-speed transmission. He states that it has seen very few miles since the restoration, and it only saw 600 miles during trips to car shows last year. It also won two trophies from the Goodguys Rod and Custom Show.