1963 Corvette Sting Ray

The second generation of the Chevrolet Corvette, which ran from 1963 to 1967, was born in the form of the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray. The Sting Ray represented an entirely new body design and was unique in 1963 for several reasons and the model produced several upgrades for the Corvette in general. But perhaps most fascinating about the car was how it became to be.

Designer Larry Shinoda used his distinct inspirations and developed the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray. Shinoda used ideas from many sources and when he put them together the legendary Corvette was born. Bill Mitchell, Shinoda’s boss, influenced the designer in many ways to help shape what would become the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray

1. Mitchell’s Previous Designs: Mitchell had previously overseen the design of an unproduced ‘Q-Corvette’ which Shinoda took careful notes of. 2. Mitchell’s Vehicle: Shinoda found more inspiration from his boss by way of what Mitchell drove, which at the time was a Jaguar E-Type. 3. Mitchell’s Adventure: On a deep sea fishing expedition Mitchell had caught and landed a Mako Shark. Shinoda took several key points from this majestic creature of the sea and incorporated them into the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray. 4. Mitchell’s Racing Involvement: In 1959 Mitchell sponsored a racing car called the ‘Mitchell Sting Ray’ because at that time Chevrolet had pulled out of factory racing. Though it had no top and did not give away what the eventual 1963 Corvette Sting Ray would look like, it is widely speculated that this was the biggest influence on Shinoda’s design.

The 1963 Corvette Sting Ray brought with it some new developments that were unique to the year. While some of the developments stayed, others did not. The 1963 Corvette Sting Ray was produced for the first and last time with a split rear window and non-functional hood vents. Both of these features were dropped the very next year for what was called ’safety issues.’ Because the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray was the only year that featured the split window, it has been dubbed the ‘Split Window Coupe’ and is a highly sought after Corvette among collectors.

One innovation that did stand the test of time however was the introduction of the independent rear suspension. While the technology was not new, it was to the Corvette and it proved to be a technology that would last. Other features that would prove to be a mainstay in the Corvette family were the implementation of the Wonderbar auto-tuning radio and air conditioning in mid 1963.

The 1962 Corvette Sting Ray was powered by a small block 327 V-8. The maximum output for horsepower was 360 in 1963 which increased in 1964. While not much by today’s Corvette standards, the output was quite significant for the time.

The C2 generation of the Corvette and later models will begin to take shape but it all started with the Larry Shinoda’s design on the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray. Bill Mitchell’s true inspiration helped shape the Corvette that is enjoyed today and will live in the hearts of Corvette lovers forever. The Corvette will always remain an iconic symbol for the now famous brand.

For more information or queries in regards to a 1963 Corvette please see us at www.smokinvette.com