Gorgeous split-window coupe … Ermine White exterior with contrasting Saddle Tan leather interior … 300 HP 327 CID … 4 speed … Power steering … Vintage Cragars … One owner since 1977 …

Such was the demand for the brand new 1963 Corvette Stingray that it was not uncommon for buyers to wait up to 60 days for dealers to fill orders.  In fact, Motor Trend magazine reported in its May 1963 issue that “for the first time in its 10-year history the Corvette … is in such demand that the factory has had to put on a second shift and still can’t begin to supply cars fast enough.”  With its bold split-window styling and enhanced engineering, it is not surprising that the first brand new Corvette since its 1953 introduction surpassed all previous sales records.  It is for these reasons that the 1963 Corvette Stingray split-window coupe is one of the most coveted models among collectors today.

This beautiful Corvette is finished in Ermine White with a contrasting Saddle Tan leather interior—an extremely rare option.  At $80.70, the Saddle Tan leather interior made its way into only 1,112 (two percent of) 1963 Corvettes!  Also rare among 1963 Corvettes is this car’s power steering—of which only 3,063 (less than 15%) were so equipped.  It also features the optional woodgrained plastic steering wheel, which was placed in only 130 (less than 1% of) 1963 Corvettes.  This car’s interior is in beautiful condition, with no rips, tears, or stress marks in its leather upholstery.  Additionally, the dashboard and steering wheel is free of any cracks and shows as new.  All gauges work as they should, with the exception of the clock, which does not keep accurate time.  The headliner, carpeting, and door panels are all in excellent condition, with virtually no wear evident.

As for the exterior, its beautiful and high gloss Ermine White finish is further accentuated by Saddle Tan accents on the hood and side vent panels.  Although there is some very minor age-related superficial cracking of the paint and some minor paint chips that have been touched up over the years, these items do not detract from the overall appearance of the car.  The chrome is in excellent condition, and its vintage Cragars from the late 1970s lend even more distinction to this car’s styling.

Under the hood is a 300 horsepower 327 CID V-8 engine with an aluminum intake and Holley 600 carburetor, mated to a Muncie 4-speed manual transmission.  The car has traveled approximately 20,000 miles since being rebuilt, and runs and drives as well as it looks.

Amazingly, this striking Corvette has had the same owner since 1977—the year that he and his friend each purchased 1963 Corvettes—the split-window coupe for himself, and the convertible for his friend.  After acquisition, he and his friend undertook cosmetic and mechanical restorations of these cars, the coupe being completed in May of 1980.  The cars were restored with NOS Corvette parts at the time, and the split-window coupe’s odometer was reset to zero as part of its restoration.  It had 59,000 miles at the time of restoration, and in the 20,000 miles driven since that time, it has received the best of care.

If an extremely rare-optioned and gorgeous 1963 spit-window Corvette is what you seek, look no further.