1963 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 60178 Miles Red Convertible 327 CI 4 Speed M

As the '50s drew to a close, Chevy debuted its Sting Ray Racer concept car at shows across the country to an overwhelmingly positive response, which was perfectly understandable. It was a decidedly futuristic-looking car, but at the same time it was very appealing and most importantly, attainable. Chevy would prove it so only a few years later when they used it as the foundation for the second generation of Corvettes, ably represented by this 1963 Chevrolet Corvette convertible, a... strong running classic that's ready to provide its next owner with future chapters of road-bound excitement. Clad in Riverside red, a very fitting match for its shapely form, this Corvette demonstrates at first glance just how serious Chevy was in taking their revered model to a new level. Its flowing shape is noticeably more aerodynamic than its predecessors - no real surprise since its generation marked the first time Chevy used extensive wind tunnel testing to aid their design efforts. Not only did it cut through the air markedly better than any 'Vette that came before it but, equipped with substantially more steel for support, it was far more durable and resistant to the forces of time and the elements. It's an improvement that pays serious dividends in this drop top which, despite 55 years of service, remains impressively straight and well aligned, with even gaps between its body panels. That able-bodied, fresh look is amplified by very clean front and rear bumpers both fore and aft, as well as the blemish-free chrome plating of its mirrors and door handles. Unlike so many of its more harshly treated compatriots, its flip up headlights work just as intended and, should you find yourself in inclement weather, the black vinyl convertible top raises into place for protection and seals well. As far as interiors were concerned, Corvette was really hitting its stride by the early '60s, blending ever increasing comfort into their performance-centric environments. The black vinyl example in this '63 has been allowed to remain in its original configuration and shows far less of time's toll than you'd expect. The low-backed bucket seats sport a shape that borrows heavily from the rally cars of the era and still remain very comfortable. They bracket an inspired center console that features chrome accenting and puts the low-profile shifter within easy reach. On both sides, the door panels are in nice shape, sporting supple surfaces and still clinging tightly to their steel frames. An expanse of fresh black carpeting runs beneath the seating. The dash area had to have appeared futuristic for the time when it was introduced, with its dual arched design harboring a full assortment of gauges in the instrument cluster that is accompanied by an analog clock in the center. The engine is an "HO" code 1965 block rated at 300HP. Honestly, anything with two seats and 300 horsepower is guaranteed to be a party anyway, and with a four-barrel carburetor, it's about as reliable as an anvil out on the road and if you're driving your hardware this is what you want for motive power. It's very nicely detailed with correct finned valve covers, chrome air cleaner lid, factory correct orange paint and ram's horn exhaust manifolds. A four speed pushes power back to the rear end making this a very entertaining car to drive and the exhaust system growls with authority. Knock-off wheels always look right on any Mid-Year Corvette, with these wearing Michelin tires that handle well and fit the '60s vibe. Believe me, any mid-year Corvette roadster is an A-list celebrity, and you'll have more fun with this awesome red roadster than the guy who just dropped six figures on a trailer queen. Call today!