Many people believe that the release of the C2 marked the moment when the Corvette came of age. It brought significant mechanical improvements over its predecessor, while the introduction of a big-block option in 1965 transformed an already potent sports car into a fire-breathing beast. Our feature ‘Vette is a 1963 Convertible featuring its original 327ci V8 under the hood. A recent rebuild should allow it to match its original performance figures, with the car’s specifications suggesting that the first owner focused heavily on outright performance. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Scott for spotting the Convertible listed here on Craigslist in La Center, Washington, with an asking price of $76,400.

Chevrolet started the design process for the C2 Corvette with a virtually clean sheet of paper. It carried over engines and transmissions from its predecessor, but almost every aspect of the latest offering was new. This Convertible rolled off the line during the first production year, finished in Ermine White. The seller describes the paint as presentable, and the lack of significant imperfections means it is comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade classic. It has spent most of its life in a dry climate, meaning that frame rust isn’t a consideration. The new owner receives a soft-top and a hardtop finished in Red to match the interior. The glass is said to be original, and the trim looks nice for its age.

The seller believes that the Red vinyl seatcovers and door trims are original to this car. Their condition is particularly noteworthy if this is accurate. There is slight stretching on the seat bases, but nothing that would warrant an interior restoration. I can’t spot any rips or splits, the carpet is clean, and the dash is excellent. The bright trim around the shifter shows minor deterioration, but if considered purely as a survivor-grade classic, it is easily acceptable. The first owner didn’t load the interior with factory options, although they did splash $137.75 on an AM radio.

After a faltering start where early owners were disappointed by the lack of performance, the Corvette became V8-only territory from 1956. Initially, the company offered the 265ci powerplant, with the capacity climbing to 283ci in 1957 and 327ci in 1962. Chevrolet carried over the 327 into the C2 in 1963, offering buyers a choice of four versions. Over 32% selected the L76, and at $107.60, it is easy to see why. It boosted power from 250hp to 340hp, although the torque figure did drop slightly. The first owner ticked that box on their Order Form, teaming the L76 with a four-speed T10 manual transmission. They passed on such options as power assistance for the steering and brakes to ensure that this Convertible made the best use of every pony at the driver’s disposal. The first thing for purists to note is that this Corvette is numbers-matching. This extends beyond the engine and transmission, encompassing all of the peripherals like the alternator, carburetor, intake, exhaust manifolds, and the radiator. The engine recently received a rebuild to its original specifications, meaning that it should match the power and torque it delivered when the car was shiny and new. The engine still features the break-in oil, allowing the buyer to clock the miles required for the car to perform at its best. The seller describes the vehicle as fun to drive, a claim that I have no trouble believing.

Originality is often a key consideration for enthusiasts seeking a classic to park in their garage. Cars of that type typically command the most respect, and it also doesn’t hurt prospects if long-term investment potential sits at the back of the buyer’s mind. This 1963 Corvette Convertible ticks those boxes, and although it can hardly be considered affordable, the continued strong market performance of these classics means that the new owner is unlikely to lose money if they decide to sell it in a few years. Of course, it could also represent an excellent family heirloom, particularly if the new owner has family members who are equally passionate about classic cars. If that forms part of your selection criteria and you choose to pursue this Convertible further, are you willing to adopt me?