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 showing 88,831 miles, but the true miles are unknown due to a PA title exemption and faulty odometer. This example has been fully restored and retains a numbers matching engine and numbers matching transmission. Exterior 3,475 Corvettes left the factory as Daytona Blue Metallic in 1963 and it's aptly named to honor the legendary race track. The shimmering two stage coating accentuates the crease in each fender and the horizontal twin fender vents that will hold over to '64, their final year before a redesign. A gentle crease runs the center of the decklid and onto the cowl cover for the soft top, while exhaust tips protrude through the body panel beneath the chrome bumper. Large hood vents flank the torpedo shaped detail puts the sting in Sting Ray, coming to a point just past the hood gap.15-inch knock off wheels wear 205/75R15 whitewall tires with an early 2022 date code between the ported side pipe covers. The black canvas top and its window as well as the matching accessory hardtop are all in overall great condition. Imperfections include some orange peel, scratches, paint runs, chips and gap issues on the right side.  Interior Swing open the doors to reveal a vertical insert of pleated styling split by a polished trim piece, then a smooth bottom panel, all in black. All the black is offset by chrome window cranks, sliding knob for a door actuator, and two jet age reflectors. Charcoal vinyl low back buckets are flanking a center armrest and other than some light wrinkling, look good. A polished center console with some slight age holds a white ball handled shifter, then extends forward to surround the center stack which houses a side mounted radio, various knobs and pulls and large black faced clock. In front of the driver and passenger are two graceful cowls, one over the glovebox, and the other for the gauge cluster on a textured black plastic background that is clean and the glovebox has a brushed aluminum door for contrast and style with the slightest touch of patina. The 3 spoke steering wheel has a crossed flag center badge and black carpet in the foot wells presented with very nice quality.     Drivetrain Under the hood is a clean, numbers matching 327ci V8 with 250 horsepower and a 4-barrel carburetor. The transmission has never left home; it's the numbers matching T10 4-speed manual that routes power to the correct rear with 3.08 gears and Positraction.  Undercarriage Clean and dry conditions prevail underneath where you'll find the short exhaust system going from manifolds almost immediately into side pipes.  Power drum brakes are at all four wheels and suspension consists of coil springs up front and transverse leaf springs with tubular axle driveshafts in the back, making both sides independent.  We note some frame repair on the right front.  Drive-Ability Ah, the pleasing sound of side pipes fill our receiving area and then the test loop as we accelerate towards nirvana in this ultra classic sports car. The car tracks straight, handles well, and stops on a dime. We note the odometer, trip odometer and clock are not working but all other functions work as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.  Obviously, the Daytona Blue Metallic speaks for itself; this is a very special toy that's been well sorted and well maintained. It's worthy of its own garage but no one will blame you if you have to park it next to the mini