In 1963, Corvette introduced its all new Corvette Coupé and Convertible models called the Sting Rays. The car incorporated a boat-tail taper that was common of sporting roadster of the 1930s. The back featured a Bugatti Atlantique and Bertone BAT inspired split rear-window. This styling was replaced in 1964 with a single piece because of drivers complaining about visibility problems. The headlights were concealed in the front and would 'pop' out when in use.
New plants in St. Louis, Missouri were opened to keep pace with the vehicles popularity.
This was the very first time Corvette was available as a hardtop coupe model as well as the traditional convertible. The wheelbase was shortened by four inches to 98 inch. This, along with independent rear suspension, improved the handling and maneuverability. The steering ratio decreased from 3.4 to 2.9 turns-to-lock. Hydraulically assisted power steering was also offered for the first time. The drum brakes were still used. The optional sintered metallic linings and finned aluminum brake drums were offered and allowed greater fade resistance and better cooling.
During the development process, the car was called the XP-720.
-Luigi
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Interesting that the photo used with the article is actually a 1964 - note the functional vents behind the side windows and no split rear window.
BTW, the XP-720 took many of its styling cues from the Sting Ray Racer, pictured below in the foreground: I couldn't find a picture of hte XP-720, but this is the clay styling buck. You can see the nose and tail lines of the racer, plus the signature fast back shape of the 2nd generation Corvette.
BTW, the XP-720 took many of its styling cues from the Sting Ray Racer, pictured below in the foreground: I couldn't find a picture of hte XP-720, but this is the clay styling buck. You can see the nose and tail lines of the racer, plus the signature fast back shape of the 2nd generation Corvette.
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Jonstr
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And, as long as we're on the subject of the genesis of the 1963 Corvette, here is a prototype known as the Q-Corvette from 1957, proposed for a 1960 release. This is even a predecessor to the Sting Ray Racer. Not only can you distinctly see the lines of the 1963 Corvette, the design also featured a rear-mounted transaxle, a concept that would not see the light of day in a Corvette until 1997.
This particular project was cancelled in 1958 due to a recession in the auto industry, but the ideas clearly carried on.
Clay buck
This particular project was cancelled in 1958 due to a recession in the auto industry, but the ideas clearly carried on.
Clay buck
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Jonstr
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While the 1963 coupe was the first Corvette coupe available to the public, it was not the first Corvette coupe. That honor belongs to the Corvette fastback coupe concept car displayed at the 1954 Motorama exhibit. The car was based on a 1954 Corvette, but was called, of all things, the Corvair!
For photos and the full story, see http://www.examiner.com/x-31734-Fairfax ... he-Corvair
For photos and the full story, see http://www.examiner.com/x-31734-Fairfax ... he-Corvair
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While the 1963 coupe was the first Corvette coupe available to the public, it was not the first Corvette coupe. That honor belongs to the Corvette fastback coupe concept car displayed at the 1954 Motorama exhibit. The car was based on a 1954 Corvette, but was called, of all things, the Corvair!
For photos and the full story, see http://www.examiner.com/x-31734-Fairfax ... he-Corvair
For photos and the full story, see http://www.examiner.com/x-31734-Fairfax ... he-Corvair
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Guys - here is a 63 SWC Resto Mod I built. Let me know if you'd like to see detailed photos of the engine bay, interior, chassis, etc.
Mike Haluska
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Mike Haluska
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Very nice!!!!!
We always like to see more photos!!!
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What color is that? Love it!!
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Thanks for the compliments - this car was featured in Corvette Enthusiast magazine and has every feature imaginable. The chassis is an SRIII Motorsports steel tube frame with C5 front & C4 rear suspension. The custom interior is all leather and suede and the engine is an LS6 coupled to a C5 push button selectric automatic transmission. Oh - the color is a Burgundy Wine - a Lexus color if I remember correctly.