My initial emotion after checking out this 1963 Chevrolet Corvette is a feeling of sympathy, first for the driver, as I hope they got OK and weren’t severely injured in this crash. Second, my condolences also go out to the ‘Vette, as this one seems like it was done right before the unthinkable happened. No information is shared about what this C2 made contact with, so the past events remain a total mystery. However, the powerful LS3 that was installed is running, and there are probably some other usable parts, unless the buyer decides to try to straighten this one out. Sitting idle in Rancho Cordova, California, this convertible is priced at $24,999.15 and can be found here on eBay, with a make-offer option also a possibility.
Not surprisingly, this one comes with a salvage title, and if (that’s a big if) there’s any good news here, it’s that this wasn’t a split-window coupe. However, a ’63 ragtop is also a desirable commodity, so it will be interesting to see how many readers consider this Corvette a project versus those who feel it’s better suited as a parts car. The seller seems to think the crown jewel here is the engine, and he may be right, as it’s been upgraded to a 6.2-liter LS3. Unfortunately, some lowlife stole the ECU, but a freshly-flashed unit is now present, and the small block is said to be running. A GM 4L65-E automatic transmission had also been installed, a sturdy component that typically holds up well when matched with a high-torque LS V8. However, it’s unknown whether or not it survived the impact unscathed.
Since fiberglass doesn’t bend, the breaks and disintegration paint a picture of a rather hard hit, and many of the panels were affected. It’ll take someone with high-level skills and lots of experience to get the exterior back to normal, but unfortunately, the damage isn’t limited to the body. The owner doesn’t know to what extent the frame and chassis are compromised, so he recommends that the buyer inspect the Corvette to make that determination. It’s sad how much effort has gone into a few areas that aren’t visible from the outside, such as coilovers on all four corners and a Wildwood brake system.
This is the view that makes me mourn the driver most. It’s not looking good at all from this perspective, and that steering wheel and surrounding areas suggest a pretty grim situation for him or her to crawl out of. Hopefully, they have now recuperated and perhaps moved on to having another vintage Corvette in their life. This ’63 is light-years beyond my capabilities to resurrect, but maybe someone out there can envision something beyond removing the LS3 and salvaging a few parts. Are you seeing any hope here?
Way over priced parts car.
A once beautiful car..
A driving non salvage is cheaper and drivable.
Fyi: my 63 split window with hagerty has the option checked that after payout the carcass is mine to keep.
I maybe mistaken but wasn’t this posted a while back. I recall seeing this one or another one with a LS that was totaled. no description of how.
I cannot picture what type of impact leads to that sort of damage on both sides of the car?
Only time I’ve seen that kind of damage is when someone blows through a light
Restomod or restowreck?
That steering wheel tells a nasty story.
But 25k, for what?
To much motor for such a lite car! Lost it!
Your right on, I owned a 1964 convertible modified 350 ci,400hp loved it I had friends that owned 427/435 hp vettes, we all agreed on one thing, from a standing start these mid year corvettes don’t like to go straight, can go side ways before you know whats happening.
A restorer might have to bring in a dentist to repair that steering wheel.
I wonder if the mini liquor bottle in the glove box, that can be seen in the ebay pictures, had anything to do with the condition of this corvette. The door skins are gone on both sides, any guesses on how that happened? My guess is pulling into a single car concrete block garage doing 25MPH with both car doors open.
Look at the steering wheel, Bob, that did not happen from having the doors open. My guess, but I’d say it looks like a fairly high speed impact, like a t-bone into a pole, or another vehicle.
That car is going to be haunted by the drunkard who totaled it. If said filthy drinker is still on this mortal coil, lets hope they are in a nursing home and the only thing they will ever drink again is Ensure down a feeding tube and the height of excitement is when the pretty young nurse comes in the clean the filth from those diapers. Makes us all safer with people like this off the roads. I don’t care if they have moved into the light (probably a red one) or are in a vegitative state, either way one less drunk on the road.
Drunk or sober no body walked away from that. Looks like a stepped on wheat chek.
Hit on the driver side and pushed into a traffic pole ? Not much left
Dream a little dream of me…. What are you buying, the drivetrain, or a dream? For that kinda money I’d look at another project.
Other than the engine and transmission I don’t know what you’d salvage and even they could be damaged. By the way the rear axle is twisted the frame is probably toast. I don’t see $24,000 sitting here.
I think I can find a engine and transmission cheaper I can definitely build it cheaper
Making a left turn he gets hit by the approaching car on the left while trying to avoid the car barreling down on him from the front. A misplaced 45mph speed limit will do it to you.
I might do $24,999, but that extra 15 cents on the price is over my limit.
Not drivin a dead man’s car!
The most beautiful Corvette ever made. Sorry I sold my 63 when I got a newer model.
Where’s the guy who bought the shell of the cab of a ’63 for $70,000 a few weeks ago? Here’s the rest of your car.
looks to me that the driver was doing some sipping and could not handle that 6.2 and lost it. ask is too much in my opinion but then again i am not a corvette or a resto mod person. a wreck like this has bad juju attached.
It’s a Corvette ahead of its time as it has a wrap-around dashboard.I say, get an engine hoist, open the hood, lift the radiator cap up and roll another corvette underneath it. After reinstallation, replace the radiator cap.
C,mon,really? This appears to be a serious accident, and you’re trying to get money from it? Even if you gave it to me for taking it of your property, I’d tell you to find another heartless human being, GOD FOR GIVE YOU
Nope.
It looks like it hit a road approach at a high rate of speed pushing the front clip up off the frame, that is what blew both doors off, then crumpling the rest of the frame when slamming back to the ground, forcing the driver into the dash.
I’m sure the two instant changes in direction hurt the driver seriously! OUCH
“but what remains is an extraordinary platform” you’re kidding, right???
drink and drive you lose! nobody carries empty booze bottles around for decoration.