Frame Off Restored Corvette Split Window Coupe L84 FI 327/360 HP V8 4 Speed

SUMMARY

* 2-year restoration completed in 2008
* Correct 327 cubic inch L84 V8
* Correct Borg Warner T10 4-speed manual transmission
* Correct Sebring Silver paint
* Correct Dark Blue interior
* Rochester mechanical fuel injection
* 15-inch knock-off-style wheels

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Being a classic car fan, you've probably heard plenty of talk about automotive 'holy grails'. For MoPar guys, owning a Hemi 'Cuda is likened to a lifetime achievement award. Most Ford buffs would saw an arm off to find a real-deal Boss 429. And when it comes to the GM camp, incredible Corvettes like this rare Split-Window keep getting hotter and hotter. While classic Corvette culture may have started with big block cars, their small block siblings are beginning to command serious respect. And this blue chip Sting Ray, stunning from its correct silver paint all the way to its fuel injected 327/4-speed drivetrain, is at the very top of the value curve. If you're in the market for a killer C2 that looks good, drives great and can stand its ground on any show field, they don't get much better than this!

BODYWORK/TRIM

The beneficiary of a 2-year restoration that was completed in late 2008, this slick Corvette features a glossy, correct appearance that highlights solid, attractive bodywork. Take one look down the sides of the car's sinuous body and it becomes very obvious that great care was taken to ensure every panel is aligned to better-than-new condition. Step closer to that body's mirror-like paint and check out its straight and ripple-free surfaces, which are a product of both clean OEM fiberglass and high quality replacement pieces. Grab the pivotal pieces of that well-adjusted resin and experience the kind of excellent fit and finish that's right at home reflecting a summertime car show. Then step back to admire one very well done classic that was built to cruise.

ENGINE

Tilt the car's lightweight hood and you'll find a 327 cubic inch small block that, in addition to displaying a familiar 3782870 casting number and correct “RF” suffix code, has been stamped with a matching partial VIN. Holding the title of “World's most powerful, naturally aspirated single-cam V8” until the debut of the 2001 Corvette Z06, Chevrolet's impressive L84 utilized wide-bore casting, a forged steel crank, forged pistons and a hot cam to turn stout 11 to 1 compression into an advertised 360 horsepower. At the top of the spry mill, a big, AC-branded air tube funnels wind in to a vintage Rochester injection system that's threaded onto a small AC fuel filter and clean stainless fluid lines. Below that era-correct juice box, a clean Winters intake perfectly complements finned Corvette valve covers. At the back of that intake, chrome-cased ignition shoots spark past correct exhaust manifolds via chrome-sleeved wires. At the front of those manifolds, a Harrison-branded radiator circulates coolant through pliable hoses and authentic tower clamps. And details like a rebuilt alternator, a Harrison overflow tank and a reproduction Delco battery ensure this Chevy runs every bit as good as it looks.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Peer under this well-planted coupe and you'll find a Satin Black chassis that's straight, solid and ready to pound the pavement. The L84 sends power to a date-correct Borg Warner 4-speed, which spins a 1966 GM axle. In front of that transmission, a double A-arm suspension employs an authentic-feeling manual steering rack. Opposite that rack, a transverse leaf suspension does an excellent job of increasing grip. In the middle of the car's bare floors, aluminized, true-dual exhaust pipes shuttle spent gases through fresh, rear mounted mufflers. At the corners of the car's suspension, traditional drum brakes mix firm stops with solid handling. And all that fully sorted hardware rolls on handsome knock-off-style wheels, which spin 6.70-15 US Royal Safety 100 whitewalls.

INTERIOR

Slip in to this Vette's correct interior and settle on one of its comfortable, Dark Blue buckets. Those seats are as original, with correct lap belts framing stainless trimmed bracketry. From the driver's perch, stock gauges bleed onto their bordering panels in a march toward a center-mount clock, a Delco AM/FM radio and an aluminum-trimmed glove box. Below that clock, like-new carpet floats heavy-duty sills and color-keyed floor mats at the sides of a factory console that's fitted with a small armrest and chrome shifter. Opposite that console, stainless-trimmed door panels hang opposing armrests between traditional handles and stylish accents. And in front of the driver, a satin-spoke steering wheel laps a classy cross-flag emblem.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

Before we wrap things up, here's a quick look at the car's VIN and Data Plate:

VIN: 30837SXXXXXX

* 3: 1963 model year
* 08: Chevrolet Corvette
* 37: 2-door sports coupe
* S: Assembled in St. Louis
* XXXXXX: Production Sequence Number

DATA PLATE

* K3: Assembled during the third (3) week of July (K), 1963
* 63: 1963 model year
* 837: 2-door sports coupe
* 9929: Sequential body number
* 490J: Dark Blue vinyl interior
* 941A: Sebring Silver paint

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OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

* An Owner's Guide
* A factory radio tag

According to the experts, Chevrolet built roughly 10K Split-Window coupes. But, given how rarely the cars appear, that number seems a bit optimistic. With its correct paint, correct interior and exclusive 'fuelie' drivetrain, this Sting Ray is a first class example of America's favorite sports car. Don't miss your opportunity to own one of the most coveted Corvettes ever!