Easy Project: 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

Sitting in this shed is a classic that has spent decades in hibernation. The 1963 Corvette Convertible was recently revived, and an inspection by the seller confirms it is a solid vehicle that is a prime candidate for a first restoration project. It seems its needs are mainly cosmetic, and returning it to its original splendor would allow it to turn heads and draw crowds. The Convertible is listed here on eBay in Independence, Oregon. Frantic bidding has pushed the price to $40,500, although that figure falls short of the reserve.

The arrival of the C2 Corvette in 1963 brought one fundamental change that increased the badge’s appeal. Buyers could now order a Coupe version, and nearly 50% of buyers chose that path. Our feature car is 1-of-10,919 Convertibles, with the seller stating it has been parked since 1996. It is an essentially solid and structurally sound vehicle whose needs appear to be primarily cosmetic. They claim the Daytona Blue paint cloaking its panels isn’t original, with the first owner ordering it in Tuxedo Black. It is unclear when the change occurred, but reversing it would add little time or expense to any potential restoration. The soft-top might respond to a deep clean, although bracing for replacement would be wise as part of a high-end build. The frame is said to be structurally sound, which is unsurprising since the indications are this classic spent much of its life in California. The trim might respond to old-fashioned elbow grease and high-quality metal polish, and there are no signs of glass issues.

Lifting the hood reveals a 327ci V8 that sends its power to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. It is unclear which version of the small-block this is, but the driver will have at least 250hp and 350 ft/lbs of torque at their disposal. Only 3,063 buyers ordered their ’63 Corvette with power steering, and this is one of those cars. The seller confirms the Corvette isn’t numbers-matching. They say the 327 features a replacement engine block, but the suggestions are that the remaining components may be original. They don’t specify whether the Convertible is roadworthy, which it may not be since it was parked in 1996. However, it runs and drives, giving the winning bidder a sound foundation from which to work.

The interior could be this Corvette’s surprise packet. It is trimmed in Black vinyl, and although the photo quality is poor, the news appears positive. The upholstered surfaces have no apparent rips or tears, and the carpet hasn’t faded badly. The dash looks good, and the wheel is crack-free. The few close-up shots suggest everything requires a deep clean, but following that strategy should lift the presentation to that of a tidy survivor-grade classic. The factory radio has made way for an aftermarket unit, but I can’t spot any other changes or modifications.

The seller listed this 1963 Corvette Convertible in a seven-day auction that opened at $100. It took under two days for thirty-five bids to push the price to its current level. That confirms people like what they see, and history demonstrates that auctions for cars of this caliber can become frantic in the dying moments. That could make sitting back as a spectator a fascinating and entertaining experience. Of course, you may decide to join the party. I wish you luck if you do.