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Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 1963

General description : Nearly since the original Corvette debuted in 1953, engineers within GM pushed for a more sophisticated version that was more in line with European sports cars. American manufacturers in the early 50s were unsure of exactly what buyers wanted in a sports car, and their conservative approach resulted in products that were “sporty” more than “sports, putting style ahead of outright performance. Compared to cars like the Thunderbird and Kaiser Darrin, the Corvette was undoubtedly the most sporting of the lot. Yet, it still relied heavily on conventional passenger car underpinnings that hampered its potential, particularly against competition from European thoroughbreds.

Despite General Motors’ distaste for racing, the engineering team, led by Zora Arkus-Duntov, forged ahead with plans for a more advanced, focused Corvette that could take on the best of the Europeans. Engineers experimented with inboard brakes, transaxles, and fully independent suspension as early as 1957. Concurrently, GM’s styling chief Bill Mitchell and his team of talented designers honed the next Corvette’s shape through concepts like the Q-Corvette and the XP-87 Stingray. The spirited group of engineers and designers ultimately persevered, transforming the Corvette into a proper sports car, in time for the debut of the second generation in 1963. Arkus-Duntov didn’t quite get all he wished for, but he did succeed in shedding the passenger car underpinnings in favor of four-wheel independent suspension, a unique chassis, and eventually four-wheel discs. With stunning new styling by Bill Mitchell, Larry Shinoda, and Peter Brock, the new car was a resounding success and an instant legend, firmly cementing the Corvette’s status as America’s sports car.

Offered here is a beautiful 1963 Corvette Convertible, meticulously restored and packing the punch of a GM Performance LS3 set in a custom-built and thoroughly modernized chassis. Presented in period-correct Riverside Red over a red interior, this car appears outwardly standard at first glance, with little to suggest its formidable performance. Built by specialists Gearheads Garage in Cuyahoga Falls Ohio, it is the subject of a body off, nut and bolt restoration, featuring high-quality paint and bodywork, excellent chrome plating, and fine detailing. To the casual observer, there is little to distinguish it from a standard car; only the 17-inch replica knock-off wheels hint that there may be more beneath the surface.

Once situated in the 2-seat cockpit, a few more details reveal what’s going on under the body. Carpets, door panels, and the leather seat trim are mostly standard-issue Corvette – and all professionally fitted to a high standard. The wood-rimmed wheel is slightly smaller than original and is mounted to a GM tilt column for improved legroom and easier ingress/egress. A full array of custom electronic instruments by Auto Meter blends beautifully into the standard Corvette binnacle. In the center stack, the original clock sits above a retro-style modern radio and controls for the Vintage Air A/C system. The standard chrome-plated t-handle shift lever familiar to so many enthusiasts is present but now controls a modern 5-speed manual Borg-Warner gearbox. Other features include power windows, chrome buckle seat belts, and a black canvas convertible top.

Rather than modifying an existing chassis, the builders selected a brand new one from Corvette specialists Street Shop of Athens, Alabama. The Street Shop chassis is based on a brand-new, mandrel-bent frame and uses Corvette C4 aluminum control arms, modified rear suspension, power rack & pinion steering, alloy uprights, and C4 brakes. This car additionally features adjustable QA-1 coil-over dampers, cross-drilled and vented rotors, and stainless braided brake hoses. The Street Shop claims their design is lighter and stiffer than the original, with an improved center of gravity helped by lowered mountings for the much lighter LS engine. The engine is a GM Performance LS3 backed with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Chassis dyno sheets show 383 horsepower and 386 ft/lbs of torque, more than enough to vaporize the fat rear Michelins while also being tame and easy-going for pottering around town. The stainless exhaust system exits in the stock location in the rear valance, with solenoid-actuated dump valves for the times you want to make a little more dramatic entry.

This gorgeous, iconic Corvette roadster preserves the beauty and purity of Bill Mitchell’s original shape while delivering staggering performance and exceptional handling from its fully updated chassis and drivetrain. It is a superb selection for casual rallies, pro-touring events, and club gatherings and is sure to provide endless miles of entertainment to its next keeper.


Offers welcome and trades considered

https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6692

1963 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible is listed sold on ClassicDigest in St. Louis by Mark Hyman for $129500.

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