Looking every bit like a 1967 big block car, this ’67-ized 1963 Chevrolet Corvette in Richmond, Virginia may trigger die-hard collectors to click “Next,” but it might mark a nice opportunity for others. Someone who likes the rowdy visual impact of the big block hood and side pipes without the high price of an all-original specimen or the low fuel economy of a big-inch motor may well enjoy this cosmetically-altered Sting Ray. The listing here on Facebook Marketplace asks $35,000 for the mixed-bag convertible, including a non-original 327 V8, four-speed manual gearbox, and both convertible and hardtops. The last registration indicates this car’s hiatus from legal operation lasted 37 years… and counting!
The apparently never-restored Chevy maintains an original look despite the nondescript engine transplant. The seller states that the car retains its original transmission, bell-housing, and rear differential, the latter housing 3.36 gears, and a limited-slip unit. Figure the 327 makes at least 250 HP, or would if it were running. No mention of the car’s running or driving condition graces the listing.
The saddle interior looks downright inviting compared to many long-parked classics that exude a certain Crime Scene ambiance. Similarly, it shows no signs of being submerged or abandoned in a swamp. The seller reports “minor rust” on the frame as we might expect from a Pennsylvania-plated classic.
Beyond the 1967 parts, this ’63 features a popular modification days gone by, six tail lights instead of the factory four. Originally gold with saddle interior, the C2 ‘Vette gained metallic brown paint at some point that shines but shows its age in nearly every close-up. Personally, I’d rather see a car like this at the local Show ‘n’ Shine than another maxed-out museum-quality restoration.
This convertible’s removable hard top distinguishes it from the ’63-only “Split Window” treatment that makes coupes of this model year so sought-after, an ironic testament to a feature scrapped after a single year of owner complaints. With its non-original motor, 1967 parts, and custom tail lights, this C2 makes a quintessential 1970s period built that deserves to be simply refurbished and driven. I’m no Corvette expert, but given all that, the asking price seems somewhat optimistic. Yes, someone could make it “perfect” as in just the way it left the factory, including bias-ply tires, but that would render it another boring historical footnote with no story to tell or memories to share. What would you change on this ’70s-style customized C2?
Nice write-up, Todd, and I love “…exude a certain Crime Scene ambiance”! I also love the look of the sidepipes, but having ridden in several could never enjoy driving one on a regular basis, which to me is the only objective.
“…all the Jag could see was my six tail lights…”
If it were mine it would be going back to close to original. Transvestites never turned me on.
That would be transvetteite. 😂
I need those wheels
Good call. They look so much better than the later Torq Thrust D’s. A few years ago I bought a parts car just because it had a matching set of 4 straight spoke 15×6 1/2’s. The use of vintage wheels really make a car done in a “day two” style stand out.
Steve R
For a car that was only on the road for about 18 years the interior shows some wear that seems a little out of character. The aluminum threshold under the passenger door looks to have considerable corrosion. The floor pan looks like it had a patch job. The dash where it meets the door at the corner of the windshield looks like it has been apart and the dash and steering wheel both have a lot of wear. Rode hard and put away wet?
I wonder if this car was ever registered in Otego NY? A neighbor won a brown Vette exactly like this, with a matching boat. Eventually he sold the car, but kept the boat!
seems strange, only 1967 had the parking brake handle between the seats, 67 back up light, 67 side coves, 67 only hood, nothing says 63???
Agreed. Everything about this car screams 1967. 67 instrumentation. It would be interesting to see the VIN on the frame.
Believe this is a 65, 66 or 67. The front fender groves run vertical, the 63 and 64 ran horizontal.
I’ll take it!
I agree with most of the other comments here something seems fishy and that price seems a little bit to much for me. I’m no expert either.
Rolling clown show with a Heintz 57 parts for a 67 on a 63 what a waste of time /money on the tail lights .Way to much for this car . Front end is a big question and hidden problems for sure to me .
For the asking price and what it needs you could be in a nice one .