First year of the Sting Ray
The Corvette proves a striking pillar in the history of American Muscle, continuing to be produced today in its C8 generational form. The original C1 Corvette was launched in 1953, and ten years later, the first major generational transformation saw the iconic C2 ‘Sting Ray’, with its much more aquatic styling and curves, hit the roads.
The C2 was produced from 1963 to 1967, making it the shortest year-run made by the company, though its successor, the C3 ‘Stingray’ (written without the space and capital ‘R’), was in many ways the closest relation any new generation has had to its predecessor. In fact, and interestingly enough, the C2 was based on a concept car called the XP-755 Mako Shark, a prototype designed by Larry Shinoda. The C3 was based on the Mako Shark II, also by Mr. Shinoda, and as the name suggests, captured most of the same character and qualities. So while the two generations are technically separate, there is an argument to be made that they are very closely related. It all started with a 1963 Corvette C2 Stingray like this one on Exotic Car Trader, which has been redone in a lovely silver with orange flames down the hood, fading to a purple haze at the edges.
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Fire and chrome
The exterior coloring is a two-tone masterpiece, with a base of shine and a layer of fiery orange on top, fading to a purple haze as it nears the edges. From the side, the car’s curves rise and dip like gentle waves, with a small bump in the hood, then a dip at the doors, then back up and over the trunk. The pop-up headlights are a big Corvette staple, and when folded down, they cut an aerodynamic line with the main body.
A polished roll bar has been added behind the seats, an important safety consideration in a convertible, not to mention doubling as a nice decoration. There are not one, but two tops on offer with this purchase, a black soft top and a black hard top. Tying the whole shining package together are the five-spoke American Racing wheels, finished in a bright alloy that really goes with the whole silver theme of the vehicle.
A little TLC could go a long way
The interior is quite clean overall; the gauge cluster and dash, especially, have held up well for the age. However, there is some wear on the driver’s seat, with the black leather beginning to wear out and tear along the sides. The white leather strips padding the center of the chair seem fine, but there’s also some cracking and tearing at the front of the seat’s base. The passenger seat seems in much better shape. If you’re a collector, maybe the original upholstery is more valuable than a restoration or replacement effort, but more casual buyers will want to factor in the cost of fixing or replacing the seats into the purchase decision.
That’s really the only issue, however, as the rest of the cabin is neat and in good condition. The gauges are all clear and functional, the radio in the center column is aftermarket but in the same vertical configuration as the original, and there are even heated seats added in, with the controls quietly resting in the center console without getting in the way. The four-spoke steering wheel is also aftermarket, with black leather surrounding the outside and solid metal struts forming an ‘X’ pattern that is evocative and bold.
Performance to go the distance
The engine at the heart of this Sting Ray is a new 327ci (5.4L) V8 engine. A four-barrel carburetor by Holley mixes the rich mix she breathes, while a racing camshaft and manual four-speed gearbox send all that power to the rear wheels smoothly and with responsive energy. Other upgrades include an aftermarket performance intake manifold, an MSD ignition, chrome valve covers, and a custom exhaust that really gives a good growl.
The front brakes have been upgraded to discs as well. The odometer reads 7,700 miles, though the owner indicates the new engine has only had about a thousand miles put on it since the swap.
Final thoughts: Follow the flame of your heart
This C2 Corvette has a lot to offer for both collectors and enthusiasts. Being a 1963 model makes it more interesting from a car history perspective, and the interior is mostly original, though with a few subtle but appreciated modern comforts added in. The wear on the driver’s seat is something a new owner should probably address unless the original upholstery, in any condition, is valuable to them for its collectibility. The new engine and aftermarket parts are great for longevity and maintenance concerns, as well as squeezing extra performance, but might be a bit of a ding for those looking to collect a more traditional piece.
In the end, then, the car sits at something of a crossroads, with trade-offs as either a museum piece or a track fiend. Only you can decide which way you’ll take it. Follow the flame in your heart.