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Fuel Injected 327: 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

This 1963 Corvette Convertible is a tidy survivor ready to be enjoyed by a lucky new owner. It might not be 100% original, but the right buyer might be able to return it to that state. The owner has decided that the time is right to part with this classic, so he has listed it for sale here on eBay. The Corvette is located in Cleveland, Ohio, and while the bidding has reached $30,612, the reserve hasn’t been met.

The Corvette has undergone a few changes throughout its life, and these include a color change. The Dark Brown Metallic that it currently wears isn’t original, and the seller doesn’t provide any insight about the original shade, nor when the change was performed. However, if the car is considered a driver-quality classic, it appears to need very little. The paint holds an impressive depth of shine, and it seems to have no significant defects. The fiberglass is in good order, with no visible cracks or problems. The owner doesn’t provide many photos, so it isn’t clear whether there are any rust issues with the frame or birdcage. There are no apparent corrosion problems, so we can probably be quietly confident that the vehicle is structurally sound. The chrome on the rear bumpers has deteriorated markedly, and I think they might benefit from a trip to the platers. The rest of the trim is presentable, as are the Beige soft-top and the glass.

The owner is not a man of many words when it comes to the Corvette, so there are many things that we don’t know. He doesn’t indicate whether the car is numbers-matching, although it does feature a 327ci V8 and a 4-speed manual transmission. Once we get past those facts, the waters become quite muddy. The owner indicates a power output of 350hp, but Chevrolet didn’t offer an engine with that specific figure in the ’63 Corvette range. The L76 produced 340hp, while the L84 Fuelie pumped out 360hp. However, there could be a sound reason why the truth isn’t apparent. Hiding under that chrome air cleaner is a Holley Sniper fuel injection system. It is possible that the owner has installed the system and had it dyno-tuned, and that is from where he has plucked his figure. The Sniper Kit should make the Corvette more civilized, especially when the engine is cold. It would also boost both the power and torque figures and shouldn’t have any of the dreaded flat spots that can afflict carburetors when they begin to go out of tune. Unfortunately, the limited information that the owner supplies mean that we have no idea how well the Corvette runs or drives. I hope that he is willing to answer questions because I suspect that potential buyers will have plenty to ask.

This classic comes with an interior that would seem to need very little. The seats are upholstered in leather which shows no signs of wear or problems. The remaining upholstery, dash, and all of the plastic have survived well. The only potential flaw that I can spot is some fading on the outer edges of the carpet. However, it is so insignificant that most buyers would probably be prepared to live with it. There is no appreciable wear on the wheel, and there have been no aftermarket additions. One of the few nods to luxury is the factory AM/FM radio because the car doesn’t come equipped with air conditioning or any other optional extras.

If you are looking for an original and unmolested survivor, this 1963 Corvette Convertible probably won’t appeal to you. However, if a driver-quality classic is on your wish list, you might find yourself mysteriously drawn to it. If you are, you won’t be alone. At the time of writing, there have been 24 bids submitted. That suggests that people like what they see. Are you in the same boat, or does the lack of originality turn you off this Corvette? Alternatively, someone might choose to buy the Corvette and return it to its original color and specifications. Does that sound like a more tempting proposition to you?

Comments

  1. Avatar alphasud Member

    Looking at the color reminded me of a one year only color on the Corvair for 63 called Cordovan Brown. Maybe that was his inspiration since it was a Chevrolet color for 63. From what I read it was a boutique color for that year. Looks to be a decent driver that could look a lot better with a good detail. The black wall tires also let the car down. Maybe a set of Coker red wall tires to dress it up some.

    Like 8
  2. Avatar alphasud Member

    Trying to attach a picture.

    Like 8
    • Avatar Glenn Reynolds Member

      I had a 63 in Cordovan brown too.Friends dubbed it the UPS car

      Like 0
  3. Avatar John S

    This car still has a good bit of its original integrity. Under the hood is surprisingly unmolested. The engine seems to be dressed as a 327/340. Can’t tell a lot about the body but it looks decent other than RH headlight bucket. I think this car might be a sleeper. Would be interesting to know original color – probably beige.

    Like 4
  4. Avatar JOHN Member

    There isn’t a Sniper under that air cleaner at all, but under the description it does mention a “complete Sniper kit”, it clearly isn’t installed, which isn’t a bad thing. These easy to install kits sometimes get a bad reputation, but the issues almost always are self induced from poor installation. Take your time READ the instructions, pay particular attention to your wiring and you likely will never look back. I have 3 years on my 70 El Camino SS 396 without a single issue. Back to the car, I kind of like it the way it appears, I would likely add a different wheel/tire combination, but that’s it.

    Like 1
  5. Avatar PRA4SNW

    If the reserve is low enough and the frame / birdcage are okay, this will make a good get-in-and-go car.
    Save the restoration for later, if desired.

    Like 2
  6. Avatar 86_Vette_Convertible

    If those hub caps are the ones I think they are, If the buyer changes the wheels, I hope they keep them put away somewhere. IIRC they are pretty rare so they are expensive to replace. In addition I believe each is composed of about 13 pieces that bolt together
    Overall I like the car and with a little TLC it could be a great driver.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Glenn Reynolds Member

      Those are correct caps for 1963 only and, to my mind, the best looking of the lot. Looks like correct gas cap for 63. Again, one year only.

      Like 0
      • Avatar jokacz

        The shiny ones are correct, but the frosted ones are more desirable from what I understand from people trying to flip them. Shiny is just ugly imo.

        Like 0
  7. Avatar dogwater

    I installed a Holly Sniper kit on my 327 works great know problems

    Like 0
  8. Avatar JoeNYWF64

    Do i see a lot of water spots on top areas in 1 of the pics – can they be buffed out?- or is it lighting/reflection?
    This car deserves a proper molded upper radiator hose – same price < $10 at rock auto. Why put on that flexible hose?
    Those are very high profile tires from sears – 75 or even 78 series?
    I'm guessing lower profile 70 series tires were not avail in '63, let alone 60 series tires. I would sooner drive on these 50 yr old tires than new Douglas tires from wallymart – read all the 1 star reviews on their website & have a good laff. lol
    & they put sears out of business?!

    Like 1
  9. Avatar CCFisher

    How do you ruin a C2 Corvette? Paint it brown. Who wants to bet it was painted in 1977 to match the owner’s brand-new Stingray, and that he had a polyester liesure suit made to match the interior?

    Like 3

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