The '63 Chevy Corvette Stingray C2

Perfectly blended speed, design and aerodynamics in motion

Chevy Speed

           In just 10 years Chevy had managed to go from the under powered ‘53 Corvette to the ultimate in speed and power the 427 L89 Big Block V8 which came under the hood (in some models) of the ‘63. Featuring a shorter wheelbase the big block V8 was a perfect fit along with the 4-Speed manual transmission which seemed to place the power in the hands of the driver, excellent suspension and superb handling.

Back in 1963 the Chevy Corvette Stingray C2 was designed as an intended glimpse into the future, the future of sportscars. 1963 was the 1st year production run for the C2 which ran from 1963-1967 before it was replace by the C3. Although it did have a some what short production life, the C2 was for its time, the futuristic 1960’s, a very successful model indeed. Developed to stay one step ahead in the ultra-competitive super fast world of 1960’s sportscars. The ‘63 Stingray did just that.

Corvette Design

           At first sight the ‘63 Stingray is a beautiful car. But what makes it truly unique is the fact that it’s a beautiful automobile both inside and out. The interior of the ‘63 Stingray was not only one of the most the technologically advanced for its time but also one of the most beautiful. Once sitting inside the ‘63 Stingray only then could one feel its complete blend and balance of speed, design and aerodynamics. The dash motif was designed entirely different than before. It featured racing-style rounded gauges with the speedometer purposely over-sized and dead centered. Coupe-style seating comfortably enveloped both the driver and passenger, making it a true 2-passenger cockpit. The ‘63 had recaptured the lost art of “Driving”.

 



Stingray Aerodynamics

           It was the 1960’s and a lot of today’s automotive technology was still unknown. Most of the major car makers where in fact in various stages of experimenting with the many aspects of the sportscar. Still trying to improve speed, handling, control and more most automakers made changes early and often. Aerodynamics eventually became one of the most popular areas of research, especially when it came to speed. It seemed the two, speed and aerodynamics had a normal natural relationship and worked together perfectly. The study of aerodynamics, although intended to improve speed, led to some of most popular design features ever created. Features such as hidden head lights, curvy windshieds, and so much more. 

           

          The competition was extremely fierce, Jaguars, Porsche’s and Ferrari's’ at the time were considered just as unique, just as beautiful and of course just as fast, if not more. Chevy, it seemed,, had a lot of ground to cover. And the competition was getting even more fierce. The carmakers of the 1960’s it seemed, not only wanted to build cars of the future, but from the horsepower being placed under the hood, they wanted to build cars that could possibly be driven into the future as well. 

           Better known as the second generation “Stingray” the ‘63 Stingray was from an aerodynamic standpoint, a beautiful car. Especially the “split-rear” model. In spite of intense world-wide competition, when it came to fast cars General motors had succeeded in getting ahead with the ‘63 Stingray. 

 

          

The ‘63 was the 1^st year the Stingray offered “independent rear suspension greatly improving handling and decreasing wheel-spin as well. Chevy, with its production of the 1963 Corvette Stingray C2, now had an official entry in the world-wide competition of fast cars. A superfast sports car able to compete on a world-wide scale. A perfect blend of speed, design and aerodynamics...in motion. Before the ‘63 Stingray no one had ever seen such a unique balance of beauty both inside and out offer such a superior ride? 

 

           General Motors had successfully gotten it right! With the introduction of the ‘63 Stingray, the competition had been both blindsided and put on notice. After a decade of tinkering Chevy finally had what it wanted, a fast Corvette, a Stingray. A Corvette that could easily crack 100 miles an hour and manhandle the ¼ mile or cruise comfortably along the beach at 30! Either way...the Chevy Corvette was here to stay.