RSS_Auto_Poster
Well-known member
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe<br />
<br />
For those of us who live our lives surrounded by classic cars, it seems all too easy to overuse certain superlatives when talking about our favorite automobiles. One word in particular seems to get bounced around more often than not: Icon. We often use this word with more than a degree of bias toward our personal favorites. What may be iconic to one person might be obscure to another. But there are cars that have embedded themselves in popular culture and truly are icons of style. These are cars that speak to us as a reflection of their time. One such car is the 1963 Split Window Corvette coupe.<br />
<br />
The C1 Corvette was beginning to run its course by the late 1950s and GM engineers were keen to turn the car into the proper sports car they"d always wanted. The first generation C1 chassis was largely based on that of a passenger car, and the live axle and drum brakes weren"t suited to the road-racing aspirations that many within GM had for their sports car. With Zora Arkus Duntov heading the engineering side, Bill Mitchell (along with Pete Brock and Larry Shinoda) set to work on the styling. Bill Mitchell had been recruited to the GM Art and Color department by the great Harley Earl in 1935 and together, Mitchell and Earl created some of the greatest automobile designs of the 20th century. As head of styling for General Motors from 1958 to 1977, Mitchell"s prolific pen was responsible for (among many others) the 55-57 Chevrolet, the Buick Riviera, and of course, the second and third generation Corvette.<br />
<br />
The first hint of the new car came with the Stingray XP87 concept car in 1959. The distinct bulging fenders and crisp features interspersed with flowing curves were miles away from the rather heavy-handed and ornate production Vettes. When the production version of the new Corvette appeared for 1963, it caused a sensation. It was the first Corvette to feature a fastback coupe body, and from the hidden headlights to the split rear window, this new Corvette was all about speed. More than just a fancy suit, the Corvette now boasted innovative independent rear suspension and much lighter construction for the fiberglass body. Engines were all 327 cubic inches ranging from 300 horsepower to a 360 horsepower fuel-injected version. Finally, the Corvette had finally arrived as a hardcore sports car.<br />
<br />
This gorgeous 1963 Corvette Split Window coupe is a very desirable example finished in red over a back interior. This car with the 300 horsepower engine option, 4-speed manual gearbox, and knock-off wheels, I also have the original steel wheels and finned hubcaps to go with the car. Body and paint finishing are great, and the body lines remain straight and crisp as Bill Mitchell intended. Panel fit is excellent as are the exterior brightwork and detailing. It sits very nicely on beautiful knock off wheels with the narrow whitewall tires.<br />
<br />
Inside, the black upholstery complements the Red paintwork. Upholstery is in excellent condition throughout, with good carpets and very nice seats in the correct materials and patterns. Door and interior panels are likewise excellent and seatbelts have been added for both driver and passenger. An original style vertical AM/FM radio resides in the dash and the car retains its original T-handle shifter. Documents show some restoration work was performed all of the instruments were rebuilt and they remain in good order.<br />
<br />
The suspension and mechanicals are great. The engine is a proper 300 horsepower 327 V8, and numbers matching unit, the engine has been well detailed with correct fittings and hardware. The engine shows some signs of use, but remains very tidy and period correct. The four-speed transmission shifts extremely well with no issues. Power is fed through a 3.08 Posi-Traction rear axle. Steering, and handling are taut and precise and this is an outstanding driver.<br />
<br />
This 1963 Corvette truly is an iconic car that returns awesome performance and presents in absolutely beautiful condition. It is a joy to drive thanks to the 300 horsepower 327 and tight, fully sorted chassis.<br />
<br />
E mail me for more pictures details if required, looking for a classic Corvette see as many as possible before purchasing - but enjoy<br />
<br />
[email protected]/* */<br />
Date written: 22-Mar-2017
Price: £110000 As stated
More about this vehicle on carandclassic.co.uk
ID: 7177
