Modern Classic: '63 Corvette Stingray

Editor's Note: Ken Gross is a well-known and respected automotive journalist whose expertise extends from new cars to vintage hot rods. He may be best known for his knowledge of classic cars. We asked Ken to select 10 "affordable" classics and tell us a little about them and why we should consider owning one. This month's selection is the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray.


Its lusty, fuel-injected V-8 made a racer out of a boulevard sports car, helped jump-start Corvette into world sports car contention, gave GM a racing head start and powered a whole new generation of hot rods. Larry Shinoda's adaptation of a Bill Mitchell concept car gave the Corvette Stingray a look of its own—especially in the highly coveted split-window coupe.


Corvette outgrew its Motorama styling cliches and now it had the looks to match its obviously world-class mechanicals. Sadly, the split window lasted just one year. Enthusiasts updated some cars with the later coupe's one-piece window, then converted back when they realized this version was the most desirable one.


Defying a new generation of overhead-cam power plants, the latest Corvette engine shares a variation of the older Vette's still-effective overhead-valve format. Many enthusiasts covet the early solid-axle Vettes. Unfortunately, by today's standards, they are antique cars. The '63-'64 Stingrays, if you can forego the premium for a split-window coupe, represent great value for a vintage American classic sports car. Spares are available from a host of Corvette suppliers. Split-window coupes are in the low $40s if numbers match. Figure on a loss of $5 grand if the split has been removed—a not-uncommon modification years ago. '64 coupes and convertibles run from the low $30s. Add $6,000 for 327/340-bhp, $17,000 (!) for 327/360-bhp ('63) and $20,000 for 327/375-bhp ('64) fuel injection.

Resource
CPI, Cars of Particular Interest, (www.cpivalueguide.com)