Incredible Survivor! 1963 Corvette Hardtop Convertible

Disclosure: This site may receive compensation from some link clicks and purchases.

First thought:  Nice Corvette, but no one should call a repainted car a “survivor.” Well, hold on just a minute, sports fans; this car purportedly wears its elegantly buffed original Daytona Blue paint. While not called an “original” car, this 1963 Corvette Convertible in Fort Lauderdale, Florida appears to retain many original parts, and can be driven with pride with no need for a three-hour undercarriage detailing after your trip to Wal-Mart. A single click on Buy It Now here on eBay can place its fate in your hands.

While the hardtop convertible precludes the iconic one-year-only split-window rear glass found on the ’63 coupes, this car’s option is handsome and quite rare.

Factory air conditioning on a convertible makes this ‘Vette even more rare. The dark blue interior appears to match the claimed 59,000 miles, assuming a mostly-garaged existence during its 56 years. The three-speed manual transmission makes a perfect choice for relaxed cruising on less-populated stretches of the A1A.

The base 250 HP 327 cid V8 should make all the right sounds and, like the three-speed, suggests a laid-back mission:  savor the sensual experience of driver and machine working together with no particular agenda. Under-car pictures show a similar story of a car well-kept and mostly original. What road would you pick for a warm afternoon in this blue beauty?

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. Beatnik Bedouin

    A base convertible with A/C and a hardtop is unusual indeed. I’d love to know more about the car’s history.

    Like 7
  2. Coventrycat

    I’d give it a go on Deadman’s Curve.

    Like 4
  3. 86_Vette_Convertible

    Looks good, even the hubcaps are there and they’re multipiece from what I remember. 3 speed is ok though a 4 speed would have been more fun. One thing I don’t like though is the drum brakes rather than disc brakes, that would be one upgrade I’d do if it was mine. Reversible but necessary.

    Like 4
  4. Gaspumpchas

    Amen to the disc brakes, 86- sure is a beauty. Pricey but worth it. Good luck to the new owner!!

    Cheers
    GPC

    Like 1
  5. Dan

    As a former owner of a ’63 split window coupe and a ’64 coupe, the drum brakes did quite well on these light cars. This is my favorite color on a corvette ever and would even love the 3 speed….might change the wheels but that would be it…

    Like 5
    • Jerry

      I agree,the drum brakes were over sized for the car and did quite well. Unless you are road racing, they are not going to overheat.

      Like 2
  6. ruxvette

    If it’s going to be a weekend driver it is priced ok (the only real need I see is to replace the upper radiator hose).
    However rare one might think it is (1 of 3892 with 250hp, 1 of 919 3spd, 1 of 278 with a/c) to make it a show stopper/NCRS/etc car would be cost prohibitive.
    It’s a driver. As is.

    Like 4
    • leiniedude leiniedudeMember

      Great eye on the hose ruxvette! Strange as it looks like it is from the General.

      Like 1
  7. Bing

    This old timer remembers when you could buy split windows off of a front lawn for sub $3000. The small HP version and three speed would have knocked it down to $2000. However, the market speaks and if mileage is correct, car is worth 50,000 plus.
    New owner should just title it, drive it and make any repairs as needed.
    I’ve owned a 63 and a 60. The factory non power brakes work well if functioning properly. Very nice car..

    Like 0
    • Ruxvette

      I agree. It has it’s share if rock chips/cracks/etc, but a nice driver. Here’s my ’64 365hp 4spd two top car I bot used in 4/66 for $3000.

      Like 4
  8. DRV

    It was very carefully kept, that’s for sure! The bonding strips don’t even show.
    The stance, WWs, blue, hardtop, and grande tourer drive train align with the perfect C2 design in my brain.
    It’s stunning to me.

    Like 4
  9. ccrvtt

    Achingly beautiful! Whoever took the pictures should hold master classes for anyone who tries to sell a car online – they are near perfect. The opening shot made me want to buy the car right there.

    Sure hope whoever buys it drives it and shares it with the rest of the world. There are still plenty of us left who would appreciate seeing it on the road.

    Like 3
  10. W9BAG

    Judging by the knurled horn button, I believe that this car also has a telescoping steering wheel. Absolutely beautiful car. I’d be happy to drive, as is.

    Like 0
    • ruxvette

      That would make it an extremely rare car…tele wheel didn’t appear until ’65.

      Like 0

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Barn Finds