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Autocross Vet: 1963 Corvette Sting Ray

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While I’m not normally distracted by Corvettes, this 1963 Sting Ray here on eBay is rubbing me the right way. It wears its years well, with a mixture of cosmetic blemishes and evidence of modifications that provide some clues to its ownership history. From badges that point to years racing around the cones to what looks like an altered ride height, I suspect this ’63 was somebody’s weekend racer at one point in time. 

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The car is located in Oklahoma City and bidding has reached almost $35,000 with the reserve unmet. The engine does start and run but the seller notes that the injector pump will need rebuilding. Overall, the engine bay appears to be free from major areas of alteration or damage, but I suspect there are some period modifications hiding here and elsewhere. There are stickers supporting an aftermarket ignition company and Mark Donahue racing products. I suppose a previous owner could have just thought they looked good, but you never know.

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Here’s another clue: I’ve found old autocross cars over the years that have dashboards and gloveboxes layered in these mini-plaques that denote a specific event or rally the car participated in. They can act like a scrapbook for the vehicle, reminding later caretakers of the good times previous owners have enjoyed with a certain vehicle. I’m impressed that one from an event in 1968 is still with the Corvette, and it looks like another badge was previously affixed directly below this one.

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The Corvette’s most glaring issue is the bump it took to the nose, and it’s missing both headlight buckets. While these will not be cheap to replace, the rest of the car’s body appears straight enough to simply warrant buffing it out and then hitting the road (once you install proper lighting, of course). Although Corvettes were always slung pretty low, this Sting Ray appears to have even less space between the tires and the wheel wells, which makes me curious if it has a trick period suspension. What do you think this Vette’s history is? Did you ever see it attack the cones in Madison, Wisconsin?

Comments

  1. Avatar Todd Zuercher

    I’m not normally a Corvette guy either but I like this one too. Reeks of cool, old-school cred.

    Like 0
  2. Avatar Jeff V.

    A ’63 “fuelie” Vette has got to be in the “top 10” of all time mentioned classic American cars and def in the sports car (2seater) category.

    Like 0
  3. Avatar Van

    Great car.
    Autocross with drum brakes?
    It might have 4.11 gears?
    Black car without AC?
    I must be getting old. I’d love to take it to an autocross but I want to relax too.

    Like 0
    • Avatar RollerD

      1963 4 wheel drum only was what these cars came with.

      Like 0
  4. Avatar Blindmarc

    The reserve shouldn’t be much higher. Only a day left and hasn’t been met. With the front crunch it isn’t worth anymore than 35k.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Bingo

    it’s a feulie people!!!!!!

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jeff V.

      I saw an original “fuelie” unit/set-up advertised for 5K$ alone about 15 years ago!

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      • Avatar Tom

        15k for a refurbished fuelie unit with matching distributor these days. Even with the altered ride height and missing buckets, this car has some racing cred IMHO.

        Like 0
  6. Avatar Dave at OldSchool Restorations

    the dash plaques make the car interesting, but keep in mind that they do not indicate ENTRANT in an event……..I know in the 60’s , most corner workers, etc also got them , ( and maybe they still do)

    Like 0
  7. Avatar leiniedude Member

    Living close to the Madcity I do not recall seeing it around. This car could have run at Elkhart Lake also. As far as AC, in a race car in Wisconsin. No way.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Tom

      Where do you see AC in the car? If its an original fuelie it does not have AC. I don’t see a compressor or indicators on the dash controls.

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      • Avatar Van

        I think that’s the point. If you grew up in the 40s and 50s AC wouldn’t be a big deal.
        I’m sitting in my car now eating lunch under a shade tree. It’s 88 in the shade with a slight breaze and open windows. Hop in a black car with a 327 inch heater and no insulation. Now we’re talking 95+ degrees at every stop light.

        Like 0
      • Avatar Rocco

        Tom,
        I think leiniedude was referring to Van’s comment, that he COULDN’T have a black car without AC. Then he said especially a race car in Wisconsin would NOT have AC. At least that’s the way I took it.

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      • Avatar leiniedude Member

        Thanks Rocco, nailed it.

        Like 0
  8. Avatar vettej1

    Well I am “distracted” by corvettes. Especially midyears and even more by fuellies!! A very desirable car if original.
    It doesn’t get much better than this for a corvette enthusiast.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar JBones

    This was a no reserve car that sold at the mecum auto auction for 35k not including buyers percentage. Trying to flip it! And those headlight buckets are 63 specific fiberglass. All other C2’s were metal. Mecum Indianapolis 2016 lot S38.1

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  10. Avatar tank

    It amazes me that so many people say its not worth that much ….. unless they are selling it

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  11. Avatar dogwater

    I have restored a couple of C-2’s you would need to dump about 10k to get a nice driver, go for it…….

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  12. Avatar Marco

    I learned to drive stick in my dad’s ’64 Stringray with the Rochester Products fuel injection. And since I grew up in Rochester, also had a chance to tour the plant one time and see the injection units being made. Loved that car. He sold it to guy who did a complete frame off resto so I’m sure it still exists somewhere.

    Like 0
  13. Avatar leiniedude Member

    Sold, $42,200. Forty one bids.

    Like 0
    • Avatar JAMES

      This car is not sold , i still have the car i have recently had the injector box & the original distributor all redone to new specifications and will all tags distributor 9/9/62 was build date it all in new condition but have not install to engine , I’ve steamed the
      engine compartment, and also have cleaned the interior thats came out remarkable , this is not water soaked car , matching # car , i also have original fiberglass headlight buckets , and parts , this car will need some work , to install headlights and , fiberglass repair , but would make a great driver , has white top , that is really good condition , interior needs carpet , if interested in this car and want more pics call me at 405-833-1586 i can send you cleaned up photos , IM ASKING $49,000
      THATS WITH THE NEWLY REDONE INJECTOR AND DISTRIBUTOR AND HEADLIGHTS BUCKETS

      Like 0
  14. Avatar Shayne

    Just found a 63 split window in a yard in PHX. Was never too fond of the vet. But since i found that one, i have fallen in love.

    Like 0
  15. Avatar waynard

    I’m a little late to the party, but this looks distinctly water-soaked. Check out the mold on the door panels and a couple other things, and the water-rotted carpet.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Rocco

      BUT! It’s a ’63 Fuelie

      Like 0
      • Avatar JAMES

        JAMES
        Aug 22, 2016 at 12:58pm
        This car is not sold , i still have the car i have recently had the injector box & the original distributor all redone to new specifications and will all tags distributor 9/9/62 was build date it all in new condition but have not install to engine , I’ve steamed the
        engine compartment, and also have cleaned the interior thats came out remarkable , this is not water soaked car , matching # car , i also have original fiberglass headlight buckets , and parts , this car will need some work , to install headlights and , fiberglass repair , but would make a great driver , has white top , that is really good condition , interior needs carpet , if interested in this car and want more pics call me at 405-833-1586 i can send you cleaned up photos , IM ASKING $49,000
        THATS WITH THE NEWLY REDONE INJECTOR AND DISTRIBUTOR AND HEADLIGHTS BUCKETS

        Read more at http://barnfinds.com/autocross-vet-1963-corvette-sting-ray/

        Like 0

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