1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE

Details

For more than 50 years, Corvettes have combined very powerful engines, such as the 400hp LS2 or the 505hp LS7, with relative affordability, especially compared with some of the more prestigious marques of similar performance. Corvettes tend to emphasize simplicity over technical complexity. While nearly all competing marques rely on smaller displacement, more complex and fast revving engines, the Corvette has stuck with a simpler overhead valve (OHV) design coupled with larger displacement to

make up for the lower RPM limits pushrods impose. The result is typically less expensive to manufacture and maintain. Another example of this philosophy is its continued use of transverse leaf rear suspension. Some performance purists proclaim this as a lack of sophistication and has fueled the aforementioned 'lack of sophistication' argument, although the Corvette's rear suspension differs greatly from traditional leaf springs, being fabricated of composite material, and set up in such a way as to act as stabilizer bars. The Corvette has also benefited from being the recipient of some very advance technology in its early years. The early Fuel Injected models are fine examples of this technology lead. The second or mid-year Corvette was created under the direction of Bill Mitchell and designed by Larry Shinoda with significant inspiration from a previous prototype design by Peter Brock and Chuck Pohlmann called the 'Q Corvette.' This second generation Corvette was introduced in 1963 and would continue until 1967. Power for the 1963 Corvette was derived from a 327cid V8 which in various fuel delivery and camshaft configurations delivered up to 360hp. Of the Corvettes produced in the 1963 model year, approximately half were coupes and half were convertibles. This example represents the rarest of the model run, the Fuel Injected convertible. This Corvette is presented in sparkling Ermine White over black with a white softtop and is in excellent mechanical condition. The 327cid Rochester Fuel Injected V8 develops 360hp and pours the power to the road through a 4-speed close-ratio transmission and a 3.70 ratio posi-traction rear end, propelling the Corvette from zero to 60mph in 5.8 seconds. The seller represents that this Corvette is amazingly original for its vintage with exception of the replacement block which is a 1963 casting (#3782870) stamped with the original matching numbers. The replacement engine is a 1963 casting. Aesthetically, the car has been professionally and correctly repainted and detailed inside, outside, and under the hood. Mechanically, the car is very sound and performs up to expectations. In addition to the rare Fuel Injection, it is equipped with knock-off wheels, AM/FM radio and correct white wall tires.