The all-new second-generation Chevrolet Corvette debuted for the 1963 model year as the culmination of more than half a decade of research and development. An instant sensation with an aerodynamic design by Corvette masterminds Bill Mitchell and Zora Arkus-Duntov, it was christened the Sting Ray, after a racecar the two had developed.

A new ladder-type frame replaced the previous X-type structure, lowering the center of gravity while also improving handling. Solid, floating rear axles gave way to a fully independent suspension. The bodywork was in lightweight fiberglass as before, but the new Sting Ray was stiffened with nearly twice as much steel superstructure as on earlier models. Extensive wind-tunnel testing resulted in a radically different design, one that introduced what would become a Corvette staple: hide-away headlights. Another Corvette first, customers were offered the choice of a stylish coupe in addition to the usual convertible body style. The shapely fastback featured a raised “spine” running the length of the roof, continuing down the back and bisecting the rear window to terminate just above the cowl.

Customers clamored for a chance to own one of these new “split-window” coupes, sometimes waiting months for delivery. But after only one year, complaints of obstructed rear visibility reportedly prompted some dealers to offer a conversion to remove the rear-window “spine” and replace its two glass panes with a single piece of plexiglass. Meanwhile, Chevrolet revised the design for the 1964 model, adopting a single-piece rear windscreen. For this reason, the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray Coupe with its iconic, one-year-only split-window design has become one of the most sought-after American collector cars, renowned for its combination of stunning design and American brawn.

The example offered here left the factory finished as it is today in handsome Tuxedo Black over a Black vinyl interior, according to its trim tag. The 300-horsepower 327-cubic-inch Turbo Fire V-8 engine is numbers-matching, as confirmed by the serial number present in the engine stamping sequence. The SD suffix of the engine number further stipulates an automatic transmission, which this Corvette also has.

The consignor acquired this Sting Ray coupe in 2017 and had several minor issues immediately sorted, including adjusting the brakes and replacing the engine wiring harness, an invoice for which is on file. The turn signal switch, windshield wiper motor, and heater system were refurbished in 2018, and the carburetor and alternator were rebuilt in 2019. Invoices for the work and photos of the parts that were refurbished or replaced are available for review. Driven less than 500 miles under present ownership, the Corvette showed 61,461 miles at cataloguing time and has remained well preserved within the consignor’s collection, poised to be enjoyed by its next fortunate caretaker.