1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray 'Split Window' Coupé
Registration no. ATL 417A
Chassis no. 30837S107352

To say that the Sting Ray's arrival for 1963 caused a sensation would be grossly understating its impact on the North American sports car market. Such was its runaway success that the St Louis factory hired a second shift but still could not build cars fast enough to meet demand. Designed by Art & Colour Studio chief Bill Mitchell, the new Corvette featured radical styling pioneered on Mitchell's successful Stingray sports-racer by designer Larry Shinoda, and for the first time there was a Gran Turismo coupé in the range. Beneath the skin was an all-new ladder-frame chassis with independent rear suspension, the work of Chevrolet Chief Engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov, the adoption of which enabled the centre of gravity to be significantly lowered, improving both roadholding and ride. Controversial at the time, the coupe's divided rear screen would last for one year only; many cars were subsequently converted to one-piece glass, making the survivors with this feature, such as that offered here, the most collectible of all 1963-67 Corvettes. Other notable firsts for the '63 Corvette included optional leather upholstery, air conditioning, and knock-off wheels. A 327ci (5.4-litre) V8, the base engine came with 250 horsepower on tap though there were, as usual, numerous more powerful options. This particular car has the superior 300bhp engine and four-speed manual transmission combination. A little over 21,000 Sting Rays were made in 1963, the production split being roughly 50/50 coupé/convertible.

Left-hand drive, as were all Corvettes at this time, this collectible and rare first-year 'Split Window' Sting Ray was purchased from a private collection having been treated to a 'last nut and bolt' restoration to show condition in 2017/2018. Only a minimal mileage has been covered since the rebuild's completion and the car remains is excellent condition. Finished in Riverside Red with matching vinyl interior, this stunning Corvette Sting Ray is offered with sundry restoration invoices, MoT to March 2019, and a V5C Registration Certificate.