1963 Chevrolet Corvette

1963 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible  Record sales were set in 1962, so Chevy upped the ante by 50% more Corvettes for 1963, a total of 21,513, divided evenly between the split window coupe and convertibles.  More than half of the convertibles were ordered with the optional hardtop.  That same year, 199 Z06 Corvettes were produced, mostly reserved for racing.  For consignment, a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette convertible with a white canvas top, a black interior, and a 4-speed manual transmission.  Side pipes and knock-off wheels add to the classic status of the legendary C2.   Exterior Little Red Corvette is not just a great song, it's a great presentation when it's the real thing!  And this one presents with two stage Riverside Red coverage and if cars with red paint get more tickets, we'd be willing to take one for the team in this stunner.  Simulated aluminum air intakes are mounted on the hood flanking the raised spear, and these would wave goodbye for the 1964 model making it unique for '63.  But 63 and 64 share the fender vent configuration, two vertical depressions in the fiberglass that suggest forward movement.  While on the side, let's note the epic side pipes with the vented cover that aims to dissipate heat, but also absorbs it, so watch those calves!  15-inch wheels with knock offs are the perfect complement to the profile which bookends with pointed ends and chrome bumpers.  The white canvas top is in great shape and its rear plastic window is crystal clear.  Paint, metalwork, and emblems are all in excellent condition and we could not find any glaring exterior flaws.  Interior Hockey stick trim separates the grain material from a pleated pattern to one that is smooth, and the 80/20 configuration includes a carpeted bottom.  There's a bit of wear and patina on the driver's side, especially where cracks in the armrest are evident.  Step over the aluminum plate on the sill to find low back black leather bucket seats with the driver's seat showing some compression, but no wear marks or tears.  The passenger seat looks good and could benefit from a deep detailing to clean and condition the leather.  A honey colored wood steering wheel fronts the eyebrow shaped dash with six symmetrically placed gauges and an extra temp gauge mounted below the dashboard.  The center stack, which is formed by the inside curves of the eyebrow sides contains a clock, vent knobs, and a vertically mounted AM/FM/Cassette radio with knobs.  The passenger's eyebrow is an arching glove box with the distinctive Corvette Sting Ray insignia.  A white knobbed Hurst shifter rises from the plastic base of the center console, all surrounded by black loop carpet which continues in the back cargo area in fair condition.     Drivetrain The underside of the hood shows some bubbling of its black coating and in the bay, we find a period-correct 327ci V8, the standard engine for 1963, topped by an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor and intake manifold.  A T10 4-speed manual transmission is underfoot and sends power to the rear wheels with 3.70 gears and Positraction.  Drum brakes remain and are found on all four wheels.  Undercarriage Surface rust, oil on the pan, some road dirt, and grease on the steering knuckles, all signs of a driver quality underside and proof this car has been enjoyed.  The dual exhaust head immediately sideways into the side pipes and suspension consists of coil springs up front and transverse leaf springs with tubular axle driveshafts in the back, making both sides independent.   Drive-Ability It's never a bad day behind the wheel of a C2 Corvette drop top.  As we circle our test loop for a lap or two, we have some positive reports and some things that will need attention.  Let's start with the non functional items operated from inside the car which includes the clock, the odometer, the turn signals, and the left headlight does not rotate up.  All other functions such as gauges, lights