LOT 244
1963 Chevrolet Corvette C2 Sting Ray Convertible Chassis no. 30867S116040
Sold for €49,280 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 244
1963 Chevrolet Corvette C2 Sting Ray Convertible
The European Winter Sale|16 December 2023, 12:43 CET|Online, Paris and Brussels, Chauss�e de Charleroi
1963 Chevrolet Corvette C2 Sting Ray Convertible
Chassis no. 30867S116040
Chassis no. 30867S116040
• Dating from the first year of Sting Ray production
• Rare and desirable 340bhp engine and four-speed manual gearbox
• Concours award winner at Retromobile 2022
• Featured in Classic Car magazine
* Please note that this car will be available for viewing by prior appointment in Belgium.
To say that the Sting Ray's arrival caused a sensation would be grossly understating its impact on the North American sports car market. Indeed, 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. Styled in General Motors' Art and Colour Studio under Bill Mitchell, the new Corvette featured radical styling pioneered on Mitchell's successful Stingray sports-racer, 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 adoption of which enabled the centre of gravity to be significantly lowered, improving both roadholding and ride. This new frame was the work of Corvette Chief Engineer, Zora Arkus-Duntov who said: "For the first time I have a Corvette which I am proud to use in Europe."
As had been the case with the previous (1956-62) generation of Corvettes, development proceeded slowly, being characterised by annual facelifts and few engineering changes of note. Now recognised as representing a 'Golden Age' for the Corvette, the Sting Ray version was manufactured from 1963 to 1967 and has since gone on to become a highly collectible modern classic.
A little over 21,000 Sting Rays were made in 1963, the production split being roughly 50/50 coupé/convertible. As is the case with most American cars of this period, the Corvette buyer could choose from a host of factory options with the result that seldom are two cars exactly alike. This '63 Corvette has the optional 327ci, 340bhp V8 engine - the most powerful carburettor unit on offer that year - and the four-speed manual transmission. The car benefits from a new shock absorber; brakes; clutch; suspension components; fuel tank and sender; seals; ignition; headlight motors; and wiper motor. In 2022 this Corvette was an award winner at the Retromóvil Concours d'Élégance and was featured in Classic Car magazine with a seven-page article and front cover. Described by our vendor as in excellent driving condition, the car is also said to be extremely stable with zero vibration; a fast machine with accurate handling, feeling very light and powerful, while that lusty V8 has a particularly evocative sound. Offered with a clean Spanish title.
• Rare and desirable 340bhp engine and four-speed manual gearbox
• Concours award winner at Retromobile 2022
• Featured in Classic Car magazine
* Please note that this car will be available for viewing by prior appointment in Belgium.
To say that the Sting Ray's arrival caused a sensation would be grossly understating its impact on the North American sports car market. Indeed, 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. Styled in General Motors' Art and Colour Studio under Bill Mitchell, the new Corvette featured radical styling pioneered on Mitchell's successful Stingray sports-racer, 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 adoption of which enabled the centre of gravity to be significantly lowered, improving both roadholding and ride. This new frame was the work of Corvette Chief Engineer, Zora Arkus-Duntov who said: "For the first time I have a Corvette which I am proud to use in Europe."
As had been the case with the previous (1956-62) generation of Corvettes, development proceeded slowly, being characterised by annual facelifts and few engineering changes of note. Now recognised as representing a 'Golden Age' for the Corvette, the Sting Ray version was manufactured from 1963 to 1967 and has since gone on to become a highly collectible modern classic.
A little over 21,000 Sting Rays were made in 1963, the production split being roughly 50/50 coupé/convertible. As is the case with most American cars of this period, the Corvette buyer could choose from a host of factory options with the result that seldom are two cars exactly alike. This '63 Corvette has the optional 327ci, 340bhp V8 engine - the most powerful carburettor unit on offer that year - and the four-speed manual transmission. The car benefits from a new shock absorber; brakes; clutch; suspension components; fuel tank and sender; seals; ignition; headlight motors; and wiper motor. In 2022 this Corvette was an award winner at the Retromóvil Concours d'Élégance and was featured in Classic Car magazine with a seven-page article and front cover. Described by our vendor as in excellent driving condition, the car is also said to be extremely stable with zero vibration; a fast machine with accurate handling, feeling very light and powerful, while that lusty V8 has a particularly evocative sound. Offered with a clean Spanish title.
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