After 10 years in production, the Chevrolet Corvette was finally redesigned. The 1963 Corvettes were new from head to toe and gained the additional name of “Sting Ray” (shortened later to Stingray). A full-time coupe would debut that year (the iconic one-year “split window”) although the convertible was equally popular with an optional hard top (like the seller’s car). This ’63 drop-top has been off the road since 1996 and the seller describes it as a “barn find”. We’re told everything works, so that must include mechanical health. Available here on eBay from Independence, Oregon, the current bid is $30,388 with an unmet reserve. But you can pick it up tomorrow for $47,000.
Sales turned north with the second generation (C2) Corvettes. 21,513 copies were delivered in 1963, with 10,919 having the drop-top feature. 5,739 convertible buyers also opted for the removable hardtop, which would include the seller’s car. It was originally painted black but was changed to dark blue before its hibernation. Chevy’s 327 cubic inch V8 was the powerplant of choice, but more than one iteration was offered and we’re not sure which one this vehicle is. But a safe bet is the basic 300 hp.
Per the seller, this is a California “Black Plate” sports car with a 4-speed manual transmission. The engine block has been replaced, so it’s not 100% numbers matching. But we’re told it runs and drives and has a new exhaust system. This is a rust-free Corvette and the body is also Bondo-free. We wish there were better photos as none of them feature the entire vehicle. If you were looking for a C2 Corvette to drive as-is or perform a restoration on, would this Chevy fit the bill?
Well at least the body is rust and bondo free.
Yeah rust on fiberglass is a real bear.
He is talking about the frame, Mr Braniac. Rust Vette frames are a bear to repair.
This could be a nice car offered at a reasonable price, but the photos and description are so weak I can’t be certain. I’m extremely suspicious of the “everything works” claim.
I’d budget about $5,000 worth of parts to make it roadworthy if I was a buyer. It probably needs a top, brakes, tires, trailing arm bearings, clutch, hard top weatherstripping, gauge repair, headlight motor rebuilding, wiper motor rebuilding, and God knows what else after sitting that long.
This car has been auctioned on eBay at least twice before. Also, it was featured here back in November of last year.
The seller hasn’t changed his ad text or photos significantly over the last three months. He’s convinced this Corvette is worth $45 to $50K as-is. Apparently the market is saying otherwise.
Exactly, reality is sometimes in short supply when it comes to classic cars. “I know what I got” and “I gotta get out of it what I put into it” are 2 phrases that are used by people who’s egos are in charge of negotiating. Reality is condition is everything. Barn finds are only worth 50k AFTER the work has been done.
My first Vette was a 73 with low miles that had set for a long time. Worst mistake you can make. Seals, gaskets, and wiring had to have the rear end rebuilt. Rather buy one that is ready to go. Spent more time under it than sitting in it.
Rocco Russo. I bought a 73 in 2015 that sat in a New Jersey garage 25 years. You are correct. Needed a total mechanical restoration. Trailing arms, exhaust, E brake completely rebuilt. Half the gauges did not work. Radio broken. All done and now I have a very reliable driver I drove to Corvettes at Carlisle last year more than 400 miles. Like driving a new car. Nice to see this 63 appears to have the correctly attached VIN. In 63, the tag was spot welded. Some folks think this incorrect. The trim tag was riveted.
Nice drivers quality car, personally I’ve never understood the big deal of a California black plate car I never have and never will live in California so if I got this thing it would get the tags from my state. Maybe I can recoup some of the purchase price by selling that black plate on evil bay
Plate goes with the car it’s grandfathered in as antique & no need to buy new plates.
Not really a status symbol but it adds to authenticity as antique
Would get new plates in NY anyways
You are so right Russo if you have a classic and it just sits in the garage it bad tire get flat spots batteries go died etc
Could be a nice buy if it passes a critical hands on inspection. Base 327 for 1963 was a 250 horsepower engine. The soft top may still be good but the plastic rear window is broken. Something is funky with the headlamps , the drivers side bucket is open where the passenger side is closed . Not difficult to correct. I like the car but feel that its a mite overpriced for my budget . It will no doubt make someone happy . Why do I check the box to get updates on comments but never get the updates , must I be a paid member ?
Sooo….is it still unmolested with a color and motor change ?
Gee, they forgot to mention it’s a “low mileage” car with only 40 or 50,000 miles. Why is it that almost every car on BF is a rate, low mileage car? Are we really expected to believe that?
Maybe it’s me but I get a bit tired of the same old flim flam about miles. I’ve been doing this long enough to know that 90% of them are lying!
“Mr. Braniac”
Love it!