1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Convertible

Registration No: LCL 140A
Chassis No: 30867S117634
MOT: Exempt

• Restored in its original colours of Riverside Red with Black upholstery
• Former award winner
• Desirable four-speed manual gearbox and 'Stinger' bonnet

“One glance at the new Corvette tells you that it is faster and sportier than its predecessors. And when you drive a Corvette Sting Ray, either the Convertible or the fastback Sport Coupe, you find that excitement is far more than skin deep” (Car & Driver, October 1962).

Arguably the most iconic Corvette, the ‘Sting Ray’ (or C2) variant was introduced for the 1963 model year. Heavily influenced by GM Design Chief Bill Mitchell’s XP-87 ‘Sting Ray’ racer not to mention Chevrolet’s striking XP-720 fastback prototype, the newcomer’s styling was primarily credited to Larry Shinoda. A clean sheet design, the C2’s ladder-frame chassis sat on an 8ft 2in wheelbase and featured five cross members, all-round independent suspension (a Corvette first) and large-diameter drum brakes. Differing states of tune and a choice between carburetion and fuel injection meant that the small block 327 cu in V8 engine fitted to all debut season ‘Sting Ray’ cars was quoted as developing anywhere from 250hp – 360hp. Although the two-seater could be specified with automatic transmission, some eighty percent of customers chose the more responsive four-speed manual gearbox. Thanks to the efforts of Zora Arkus-Duntov, Kai H. Hansen, Carl C. Jakust, H.F. Barr and E.J. Premo, the ‘Sting Ray’ was not only lower, narrower and shorter than its forebear but also faster, better balanced and more aerodynamic. Priced at $4,037 and $4,252 respectively, the ‘63 Convertible and Sport Coupe accounted for some 21,513 sales (10,919 open vs. 10,594 closed).

Manufactured in St Louis, Missouri, during the third week of June 1963 and originally finished in Riverside Red with Black upholstery, this particular left-hand drive example – chassis number 30867S117634 – was imported to the UK during 2009. Upgraded at some stage with a later Chevrolet 350 cu in (5.7 litre) V8 engine, the Convertible is understood to have been treated to a ‘body off, chassis up’ restoration by Bob Malcolm. A leading light in the Classic Corvette Club UK for many years, Mr Malcolm become known for his expertise with C2 and C3 models. Indeed, when his obituary appeared in the CCCUK magazine it included a photograph of him proudly holding a trophy beside ‘LCL 140A’. Subject to some engine bay dress work and fettling of its uprated brakes and suspension in 2019, the Sting Ray has more recently formed part of an impressive private collection. Thought to be running a performance camshaft, the vendor tells us that the ‘Vette possesses an impressive turn of speed even in comparison to its thoroughbred Italian stablemates. Riding on a new set of Torque Thrust alloys shod with fresh tyres and sporting a desirable ‘Stinger’ hood / bonnet, ‘LCL 140A’ remains highly presentable. Among the nicer C2s we have encountered, it is offered for sale with UK V5C Registration Document and history file.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737