1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe-327,340HP,4Spd-#Match-Restored

Chevrolet Corvette 1963 Description

1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe. Scheduled build date is F2, second week of February. However Corvette archives show the actual build date as Tuesday, February 5, 1963. 327 Cu. In. engine. 340 HP. Borg Warner T10 D-1 four speed. One of only 6,978 Corvettes manufactured with the 340 HP engine. That number includes both coupes and convertibles. If you narrow the criteria down to coupe, red exterior, red interior, and four speed, the true number would be a fraction of that number. This is a great opportunity for the Corvette enthusiast. Previous owner in Oregon purchased the vehicle in 1990’s as an original unrestored example. Extensive mechanical maintenance was performed in the 90’s, including engine work, suspension, and chassis. Sold to the current owner, located in Tulsa,OK, in 2000 with 121,987 miles. A final restoration was performed, including drivetrain rebuild, paint, and interior. The restoration was done in 2001 and 2002. Vehicle is still in the possession of that owner, who is now located in Illinois. The vehicle spent the first four decades of it’s life in Oregon and Oklahoma, therefore was never subjected to the winter salt assault of winter. Although the final restoration was completed 15 years ago, limited mileage has been logged since. Primarily taken to cruises and shows, and exercised periodically to maintain mechanical integrity. Please view all the photos and the video of the Corvette to verify the condition of the car. This vehicle runs and drives as well as it looks.

CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR A VIDEO OF THE CORVETTE RUNNING:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XGYkZdCXO0&feature=youtu.be

The 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe, a one year only, stand alone model, is considered by many Corvette enthusiasts as the most iconic platform in history.

The passionate vision for the 1963 Corvette originated almost entirely from the mind of Bill Mitchell, who was inspired to create the greatest American sportscar. Mitchell collaborated with two partners in this creation. First, Zora Arkus-Duntov, the well known engineer in charge of performance vehicles. Duntov was eventually dubbed “The Father of The Corvette”. The other team member is lesser known, but played an equally significant role. Highly skilled designer Larry Shinoda. Shinoda put Mitchell’s ideas to paper, and it was his design talent that brought Mitchell’s concept to reality.

The evolution of the split window was not a smooth one. Mitchell was fixated mainly with his stylistic dream, while Duntov was concerned with making the Corvette’s performance unbeatable. Many of the design meetings were disrupted by heated disputes between the two. Duntov frequently voiced design and functionality complaints. In the end, Mitchell’s seniority allowed him to push the design through, and for 1963 at least, Mitchell had his way.

However, one feature Mitchell coveted most, the rear window design, was a source of immediate controversy with dealers and owners. Rear visibility was a definite problem. This was one of the primary concerns of executives, engineers, and enthusiasts alike when the split-window was introduced. The manufacturing plant was also dealing with the additional parts and labor required to assemble a two part rear window. Sadly, after a year of production with the design of the ’63, Mitchell’s determination to see his vision in effect was superseded by executive authority and the split-window was no more.

EXTERIOR:

PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR ADDITIONAL EXTERIOR PHOTOS:

https://flic.kr/s/aHskYJbfSu

Per previous owners, car has never been hit, bumped, or in an accident. Body panels are all original and in excellent condition. All body gaps and fitment of panels is extremely good. Refinished in factory original code 923A, Riverside Red. Paint quality is uniform, smooth, and buffed to a mirror gloss. On the whole body, there is one minor flaw. There is a hairline crack in the driver side rocker area, in the door jam, directly above the rocker molding. Cause is unknown, but it is in the direct path of the driver’s foot as he/she exits the car, so it could be from that. There is a clear photo of this minor crack in the additional interior photos. All chrome and stainless is in very nice condition. Rear mount antenna. Single sport mirror. Hideaway headlights function properly. Reproduction KO wheels were installed for safety. However, the original steel wheels and spinner hubcaps are with the car. Glass is in very good condition. The one exception is the driver side window. There is a slight scuff across the top of the window, about two inches down from the top. A glass shop may be able to compound this and improve it. Dayton Daytona redline radial tires- P215/65R15.

ENGINE AND DRIVE TRAIN:

PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR ADDITIONAL PHOTOS: https://flic.kr/s/aHskYmesTk

The heart of this Sting Ray is the 340 HP, 327 Cu. In. engine. Completely rebuilt in 2001. This was a purpose built engine. External components in the engine bay are OEM or date coded correct replacement. The internals, however, have been upgraded for reliability, performance, and ease of maintenance. All machine work was done by Moritz Machine in Tulsa, OK., including balance of the rotating assembly. The engine was built by a well known engine builder that the owner knew personally. He was an engine builder and crew member of the Fred Parkhill McLaren team, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Carburetor is a Carter AFB, #3721SB, dated E0. This was the warranty replacement for the original AFB, and has been on the car since the 70’s. Original #3794129 aluminum intake manifold. Currently has a set of Trick Flow 23* aluminum heads. 2.02” intake and 1.60” exhaust. A pair of #3782461 heads were with the car when purchased and are still with the car. However, they are date coded K171, so they do not appear to be original. It is unknown when or why head change was made, or if it was an off the shelf dealer replacement. Block is original to the car. Engine code- F0125RE- Flint engine plant, January 25 assembly date- RE- 327, 340HP, 11.25:1 compression, manual transmission, four barrel carburetor. Original double pulleys.

As stated, the internals have been upgraded for reliability, performance, and less maintenance. TRW forged domed pistons. Federal Mogul Sealed Power moly rings. ARP bolts and fasteners. TRW forged I beam rods. Clevite bearings. Factory crank was turned and polished. Comp Cams roller timing chain. The Duntov solid lifter cam and lifters have been replaced with a Comp Cams hydraulic roller cam. .460” gross lift intake; .482” gross lift exhaust. Crane hydraulic roller valve train. Springs, lifters, roller tipped rockers, pushrods. Borg Warner T10 D-1 four speed transmission. 3.70:1 rear differential ratio.

INTERIOR:

CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR ADDITIONAL INTERIOR PHOTOS: https://flic.kr/s/aHskXdKxmf

Trim tag:

F2- Second week of February scheduled build date

STYLE- 63 837- 1963 Coupe

BODY- 4524- Sequential Body Number, A.O. Smith

TRIM 490L- Red Vinyl

PAINT- 923A- Riverside Red

Every component in the interior has been restored or replaced. This includes seats, cushions, door panels, headliner panel, carpet, padded dash, trim accessories, weatherstripping and seals, sill plates, pedal covers, seat belts, steering wheel, and dash housing and bezel. The original dash housing and bezel are with the car. 160 MPH speedometer. 6500 RPM redline tachometer. Water temperature, oil pressure, amp, and fuel gauges. All gauges work, but water temp gauge needs a new sending unit. Clock works. AM/FM radio. Console with four speed shifter and power window switches. Paint quality in door jams is very good.

CHASSIS:

CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE:

https://flic.kr/s/aHskYJk5Df

The undercarriage was redone by previous owner in the late 90’s. The bushings and components are still in good condition, due to low mileage and controlled climate storage. Everything is fully functional and tight. Could use some light cleaning from storage. Manual drum brakes. Manual steering. Rear spare tire and mount.

Any questions, please call Randy at 847 456 7726. Buyer is responsible for all shipping arrangements and shipping costs.

BANK WIRE IS THE PREFERRED METHOD OF PAYMENT. IT IS SAFE, SECURE, AND PROTECTS BOTH PARTIES. OPTIONAL PAYMENT METHODS INCLUDE BANK OR CASHIER'S CHECK, PERSONAL OR BUSINESS CHECK WITH BANK LETTER, AND CASH(IN PERSON). VEHICLES PURCHASED WITHCHECKSWILL NOT BE SHIPPED OR PICKED UP IN PERSON UNTIL FUNDS HAVE CLEARED THE BANK. All other payment methods must be agreedupon by both parties before end of auction.

A deposit of $500 required within 24 hours of auction end, unlessother arrangements are made.Please contact me via telephone or emailimmediately after end of auction to discuss payment arrangements.Payment in full due within one week of auction end unlessother arrangements are made.

Please follow all the terms of sale for this auction, including deposit and final payment requirements.BUYER MUST ADHERE TO AND ABIDE BY TERMS OF SALE THAT ARE CLEARLY STATED IN THE PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RENDER THE SALE NULL AND VOID.

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BUYER TO CONFIRM ALL DETAILS IN THIS DESCRIPTION. I REQUEST AN IN PERSON INSPECTION OF THIS VEHICLE PRIOR TO BIDDING. IF IN PERSON INSPECTION IS NOT POSSIBLE, I RECOMMEND A THIRD PARTY INSPECTION OF VEHICLE. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS DUE TO A “SIGHT UNSEEN” PURCHASE. SOLD AS IS, WHERE IS, WITH NO WARRANTIES OR GUARANTEES. ALL SALES ARE FINAL, NO RETURNS OR REFUNDS. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BID.