HAGERTY 1963 Corvette Sting Ray Owner’s Manual

September 19, 2024
HAGERTY

HAGERTY 1963 Corvette Sting Ray

Specifications

  • Model: 1963 Chevrolet Corvette
  • Body Style: 2dr Convertible
  • Engine: 8-cyl. 327cid/340hp 4bbl L76

Product Description

The 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray is a legendary sports car known for its innovative design and powerful performance. Derived from Bill Mitchell’s earlier prototypes, this model features hidden headlights, a fastback coupe body with a split back window, and a lightweight yet stiff frame.

The 327 cid Chevy small-block V-8 engine offers impressive horsepower ranging from 250 to 360 bhp, with top speeds reaching up to 150 mph. The transmission options include a 4-speed manual or 2-speed Powerglide automatic. Optional features like power brakes,steering, and windows enhance the driving experience.

Product Usage Instructions

Starting the Vehicle

  1. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it clockwise to start the engine.
  2. If the vehicle has a manual transmission, depress the clutch pedal before turning the key.
  3. Allow the engine to idle for a few moments before driving off.

Driving the Vehicle

  1. Shift gears smoothly and gradually accelerate to your desired speed.
  2. Use the steering wheel to maneuver the vehicle and apply brakes gently when needed.
  3. Observe speed limits and traffic regulations while enjoying the performance of the Corvette.

Maintenance Tips

  • Regularly check and maintain fluid levels such as oil, coolant, and brake fluid.
  • Keep the exterior clean and waxed to preserve the paint and chrome finishes.
  • Schedule periodic inspections with a qualified mechanic to ensure optimal performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the different condition classifications for this vehicle?
A: The vehicle can be classified as #1 Concours (best condition), #2 Excellent, or #3 Good based on its overall state and appearance.

Q: What are some optional equipment available for this model?
A: Optional equipment includes air conditioning, auxiliary hard top, knock-off wheels, leather interior, power brakes, power steering, power windows, and white sidewall tires.

Q: What is the standard engine type for this vehicle?
A: The standard engine is an 8-cyl. 327cid/250hp 4bbl L30, but other options with higher horsepower ratings are also available.

1963 Chevrolet Corvette

2dr Convertible 8-cyl. 327cid/340hp 4bbl L76

Value adjustments


-10%

| ****

-20%

| ****

+$500

| ****

+$500

| ****

+$12,500

---|---|---|---|---
for auto trans.| for 3-spd.| for factory AM/FM radio.| for pwr wndws.| for a/c.
+$3,700

for hard top.

| ****

+$10,000

for knock-off  wheels (exc Z06 Big Tank Cpe).

| +$2,500

for leather interior.

| +$2,500

for pwr strg.

|

Model description

The 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray took the sports car world by storm. Derived from Bill Mitchell’s 1957 SS racer and XP-720 prototype, it had hidden headlights, a knife-edge front and horizontal rib round the car. New fastback coupe bodywork featured a split back window and doors that cut into the roof. The frame was four inches shorter than the 1962 model as well as lighter and stiffer. There would be no opening trunk lid until 1968.

The 327 cid Chevy small-block OHV V-8 carried over from 1962, with 250 bhp up to 360 bhp with Rochester fuelinjection.
Top speed ranged from 118-150 mph and 0-60 mph from 9.1 to 5.8 seconds. Transmission was 4-speed manual or 2-speed Powerglide automatic. Power brakes, steering and windows were optional, as was air-conditioning.

Suspension was now fully independent with front coil springs and a frame- mounted rear differential, transverse leaf spring and u-jointed half shafts.

Please note: All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. For all Hagerty clients: The values shown do not imply coverage in this amount. In the event of a claim, the Guaranteed Value(s)® on your policy declarations page is the amount your vehicle(s) is covered for, even if the value displayed here is different. If you would like to discuss your policy, please call us at 877-922-3391.

Corvette sales jumped 50 percent from 14,531 in 1962 to 21,513 in 1963 – 10,594 coupes and 10,919 roadsters,which were available with an angular hardtop. While 199 Special Performance Equipment Coupes (aka the Z06) cost almost $2,000 over the $4,252 base coupe and are now highly collectible, the five competition Grand Sports are some of the most valuable Corvettes today, worth millions.

Documented, matching-number “Split Window” Corvette coupes are the most desirable model of the five-year C2 series. Only the first year had the divided rear window. Later cars had a one-piece rear window and lost the “barbecue grille” faux intakes on the hood. Knock-off wheels and side-pipes would also be later additions. Early cars had an AM radio, later ones had AM/FM. Early 4-speeds were by Borg-Warner, later ones by Muncie. Original cars are prized above all, but rust and crash damage must be checked closely. Despite its radical appearance, the Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray is lively, easy to drive, and quite forgiving, not to mention straightforward to maintain.

Body styles

  • 2dr Convertible 2dr Split-Window Coupe

Engine types

  • 8-cyl. 327cid/250hp 4bbl L30 8-cyl. 327cid/300hp 4bbl L75 8-cyl. 327cid/340hp 4bbl L76 8-cyl. 327cid/360hp FI L84

1963-1967 Chevrolet Corvette stats

  • Highest sale
    $3,850,000

  • Most recent sale
    $110,250

  • Sales
    9027

Equipment

Vehicle’s condition classification

#1. Concours

1 vehicles are the best in the world. Imagine the best vehicle, in the right

colors, driving onto the lawn at the finest concours. Perfectly clean, the vehicle has been groomed down to the tire treads. Painted and chromed surfaces are mirror-like. Dust and dirt are banned, and materials used are correct and superbly fitted.

#2. Excellent

2 vehicles could win a local or regional show. They might even be former #1

vehicles that have been driven or have aged. Seasoned observers will have to look closely for flaws but will be able to find some. The paint, chrome, glass and finishes will all appear as excellent. The vehicle drives as a new vehicle of its era would.

#3. Good

3 vehicles drive and run well but are not used for daily transportation. The

casual passerby will not find any visual flaws, but these vehicles might have some incorrect parts. #3 vehicles could possess some, but not all, of the issues of a #4 vehicle, but they will be balanced by other factors such as fresh paint or a new, correct interior.

#4. Fair

4 vehicles are daily drivers, with flaws visible to the naked eye. The chrome

might have pitting, the windshield might be chipped and perhaps the body has a minor dent. Imperfect paintwork, split seams or a cracked dash might be present. No major parts are missing, but there might be non-stock additions. A

4 vehicle can also be a deteriorated restoration

Publication Date: 09/11/2024

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