1963 Corvette Sting Ray Cabriolet…
Hard-Top & Soft-Top
Historical vehicle with FIA papers
V-8 327ci Rare 4 Speed Manual Gearbox
The Corvette Sting Ray, introduced in 1963, was an entirely new car with a new chassis frame, a shorter wheelbase and independent rear suspension designed by former works Allard and Porsche driver, Zora Arkus-Duntov.
It was an all-American car but the engineering was by a man who had won his class at Le Mans and had a clear idea what a sports car should be.
With minor modifications, later Corvettes used this classic layout until 1984.
The Sting Ray (it became ‘Stingray’ in 1969) was an improvement over earlier Corvettes in every department, but it was the body which caught the attention because it owed nothing to any other car and key styling cues can still be seen on today’s Corvettes.
In the 1960s American manufacturers engaged in a horse power race and by 1963 the 5.3 litre engine delivered 350bhp @ 5,800rpm backed by a mighty 360lb/ft torque @3,000rpm.
Ex-car to Alberto Di Luca, “Parlamentare di Forza Italia”.
Lot of reports and articles to Italian Press.
FIVA identity card # 021359 and Certificato di identita # 020366.
A.S.I. Automotoclub Storico Italiano Card 88354.
Full st
amped “Carta di circolazione”.
All numbers match.
AM/FM stereo Radio.
Most all factory correct component.
Looks, runs and drives like new.
Lot of services invoices, including 2003 fully overhauled engine, clutch and gearbox for a 15.000 euros cost.
This icon resplendent in dark blue metallic with matching red interior and a dark blue “Mohair” hood has the very desirable and very rare 4 speed manual gearbox plus blue original factory hard-top, has been described as a very fabulous driving car and in same new general condition.
It very nearly did not make it however, because the early cars were too American to appeal to American sports car buyers. Things improved in 1955, however, with the introduction of Ed Cole’s 4.3 litre V8, one of the ‘milestone’ engines of the American motor industry.
The Chevrolet Corvette is one of the greatest lines of sports car ever built with a history covering more than 40 years.
Ex-Porsche works driver Zorn Arkus-Duntov made chassis and suspension adjustments which greatly improved road holding and Chevrolet embarked on a competition programme.
A very promising sports racing version, the Corvette SS, appeared at Sebring in 1957 but then the Detroit Big Three agreed to boycott motor racing. Still, the lessons learned from that programme were applied to production cars and by 1961 they had taken charge of their class in SCCA racing and had achieved class wins at Sebring and Le Mans.
The ’61 ‘Vette had its body updated by William L. Matched who had become G.M.’s styling chief.
There was a styling reference to ‘SS’ racing ‘Vettes and the body was a pleasing balance between American and European taste.
The fabulous V8 engine (which had a great career in Can-Am and F5000) meant that even the least powerful option gave it 0-60mph acceleration on a par with a Jaguar E-Type while, with top options, it could leave a Jaguar XK-SS for dead.
Attention to detail was the priority as seen in the quality of fit and finish throughout the coachwork.
This is a superbly restored Corvette representing the melding of new performance technology with the styling of an era well remembered.
At the same time, all of the suspension was renewed as well as the interior fabricated in correct leather and a new canvas hood.
The Corvette has a current italan document and road tax as well as documentation showing all import taxes as paid.
Additionaly, the costing of the restoration in its entirety was over 20,000 euros.
This is the best Classic American muscle !
