The seller purchased this 1963 Corvette Convertible nearly two decades ago. They set out to create the car of their dreams but have decided to let a new owner complete the few remaining details. Their decision to slot a firebreathing big-block under the hood should make it a potent beast commanding respect. The Corvette is listed here on eBay in Dallas, Texas. The bidding sits at $35,100, although that figure is short of the reserve. There is also a BIN option of $54,000.
The seller purchased the Corvette in 2004, indicating they worked from the ground up to create the car of their dreams. It isn’t clear whether this process extended to the frame-off stage or whether it included a repaint. The Convertible wears Daytona Blue paint that shines nicely. It has a few flaws and blemishes, but if the new owner considers this a driver-quality classic, the condition is acceptable. The fiberglass has no visible issues, and the white soft-top is new. For those who find the contrast unappealing, the seller includes a black soft-top from the same manufacturer. They supply no information on the frame’s condition. However, if the car has spent most of its life in its current location, the dry climate may have preserved it and kept the rust at bay. The trim and glass are excellent, and the vehicle rolls on a set of aluminum knock-off wheels.
Lifting this Corvette’s hood in 1963 would have revealed a 327ci V8, although its specifications remain unclear. The minimum power the driver would have had at their disposal was 250hp, giving the Convertible the ability to produce sub-16-second ¼-mile ETs all day. If the original owner had the cash to splash, they could spend $430.40 on the fuel-injected version that delivered 360hp. That motor slashed the time to 14 seconds, although the price meant that only around 12% of buyers chose that route. This owner treated the car as a blank canvas, opting for a motor that delivers mountains of power and torque. The powerplant in question is the L72 version of the 427ci big-block V8. With 425hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque, this monster feeds its power to an Eaton 3.55 Posi via a four-speed M20 transmission. If the Fuelie seemed impressive, this big-block would leave it eating its dust. If the driver floored the loud pedal, that journey down the strip would be a memory in 13.5 seconds. The seller indicates they also turned their attention to the suspension and brakes to create a total package. Most of the suspension components are new, as are the Wilwood brakes, the wiring harness, the exhaust, and the aluminum radiator. They admit the buyer faces a few tasks returning the vehicle to active duty. They added a big-block hood during the build, but this still touches the air cleaner. The car runs hot despite the upgraded radiator, but the seller feels that fitting the included shroud may help. Those two issues represent the sort of detail work required. They may cost more time than money, and addressing the problems should offer satisfaction.
The original owner ordered this Corvette with an interior trimmed in Blue vinyl, and while it remains serviceable, it has a few needs. The seat upholstery has a couple of rips, with one on the driver’s seat already sporting a repair. An upholsterer may be able to address the remaining issues, although the buyer could elect to spend $480 on a replacement cover set. The carpet looks fine for its age, as do the remaining upholstered surfaces and dash. Other issues include a missing speedometer needle and an inoperative wiper motor. That last item is curious given the new wiring harness but could prove to be nothing more than a faulty switch. With a view to outright performance, there is no radio to drown out the song emanating from under the hood. Given the existing drivetrain modifications, few enthusiasts would object if the new owner installed a modern stereo.
When this 1963 Corvette Convertible rolled off the production line, the badge’s big-block option was still two years away. Buyers could opt for the fuel-injected L84 version of the 327ci small-block, but that added more than 10% to the sticker price of their new purchase. Compounding the issue, many mechanics in 1963 struggled to maintain the expensive and complex system, leaving some owners with little choice but to scrap their fuel injection in favor of a regular carburetor. Our feature car removes those complications and needs a new owner willing to complete what has been a two-decade labor of love by the seller. Maybe that person could be you, or you might know someone you could point in the direction of this classic. After such a long build, I’d like to see this classic return to our roads soon. Wouldn’t you?
A $54K BIN for a wrong engine car with mechanical issues, and other work still needed, really?
Later frames have a depression in the front crossmember, to clear a big block’s crank pulley. This engine looks like it sits high, which would make sense if the 63’s crossmember wasn’t modified, and that would explain the air cleaner hitting the hood. Running hot is a concern, a shroud shouldn’t be needed with a radiator mounted electric fan. The wiper likely needs to be restored, most do. The L-72 used an aluminum intake, this engine has a cast iron one. Any serious buyer should want to see some numbers or other proof of what the engine really is.
No radio, no PS, no PB, soft top only and a low horse tach, indicates this was likely a base, stripper 250 horse car. From what I see, $35K to $40K seems more realistic to me.
Grill is from a ’66?
I say lots of money to correct this one. I notice many people are selling the big block Corvettes lately.
For the time, effort and money spent this would have been a far better candidate for an LS swap. It would have made for a more practical and fun driver.
After seeing a video last week of a sixty-something rat rod slamming into a stopped car due to the combo of old shoe brakes, bad juice and a stuck throttle, I will give this seller credit for the Wilwoods. Plus, I like blue.
Big blocks never handled very well. The standard 327 was just a bout perfect with a 4 speed. C2s equipped as such, were a joy to drive, esp on a curved road. A 427 might be fun in a drag race, but not much else. People are so silly sometimes. Hell, make that most of the time.