Only 10,594 split window Corvette coupes were built at the St. Louis factory in 1963.
How many of them are still on the road is a mystery.
That’s one reason why every one of these iconic American sports cars is worthy of being saved, just like this four-speed project car being offered on Bring a Trailer.
This first-year Sting Ray was purchased in December by Dennis Collins after it had spent the previous 44 years with the same owner!
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Despite the fact that it’s a non-running project car, interest has been high in this vintage ‘Vette, with the current bid soaring to $63,636 with four days left in the auction.
We know that split-windows remain popular 62 years after being built, but we’re surprised to see the bids climb that high, especially considering that the engine is a replacement 327 mated to a four-speed manual transmission and the paint and interior will need some work. The seller has not tried to start the engine and says that the previous owner stopped driving it because of a noise that could be a rod bearing on its way out.
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Originally a Sebring Silver car, this Sting Ray now wears a faded, scratched, and chipped blue paint job that was applied even before the long-time owner bought it in 1980.
Other notable features include Kelsey Hayes 15-inch turbine wheels with three-eared knock-off spinners, AM radio, owner’s manual, and spare parts.
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Some folks on the internet would like to see this car restored back to the way it left the factory, while others are leaning toward the restomod look. We love history, but we think this one might be better off with a more powerful drivetrain and updated suspension from a later-model Corvette. That would make it more fun to drive, and that’s the main reason for owning a Corvette in the first place, isn’t it?
Here’s the video of Dennis Collins rescuing the 1963 Corvette Sport Coupe in Southern California:
Source:
Bring a Trailer
Related:
Corvettes for Sale: Barn Find 1962 Corvette in Honduras Maroon with a Non-Original Motor on eBay
1960 Camoradi Racer Leads the Corvette Docket at Broad Arrow’s Amelia Auction
Corvettes for Sale: 1969 Corvette with a 350 V8 and a 4-Speed Manual on Bring a Trailer
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