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Greatness in a car is measured in camshaft and 11.25:1 compression
- - - many ways, but one sure indicator is ratio separated it from the entry-
IT’S EASY TO SEE WHY THE OWNER WOULD if an owner simply can’t let the car level 327s. The finned valve covers
get away. That’s the story behind the
were used exclusively on the L76
PUT IN THE DETECTIVE WORK TO TRACK 1963 Chevrolet Corvette 327/340hp and the L84 fuel-injected 327.
DOWN HIS LOST RIDE AND BUY IT BACK. Split-Window Coupe shown here The best way to ride that V8 up
- - - that will be offered with No Reserve to the redline is with a manual
at Barrett-Jackson’s 2022 Scottsdale transmission, and this Sting Ray
Auction January 22-30. It is being has that welcome 4-speed shifter
consigned by the original owner, between the seats.
but the road from there to here has Once back in his possession, the
many interesting twists and turns.
consignor was eager to give the car
After purchasing the car new, the a new lease on life. He sent it to
consignor used the red Sting Ray as Zane Finney Corvette Restoration
family transportation during its early Company in Hancock, Maryland, for
years. Upon entering service in the a full makeover, and the Sting Ray
Army, however, he made the practical has been sent back there periodically
move and sold the car. But as we over the years to keep the car in top
said earlier, great cars grab hold of condition. After the restoration and
the imagination and never let go, up until the mid-90s the Corvette
and such was the case here. Years was a high-profile regular at East
later he tracked down the Corvette Coast and Midwest car shows. Its
in Cincinnati by way of Vette Vues collection of awards is impressive.
magazine, and repurchased it in It was certified number 1,500 at
1983. He’s owned it ever since. Bloomington Gold on June 28, 1987.
It’s easy to see why the owner would The buyer will receive a number
put in the detective work to track of mementos from the car’s life,
down his lost ride and buy it back. including the original Window
Besides the personal angle with Sticker, and a photo of the car in
this Sting Ray, the 1963 Corvette the Bloomington Gold Certification
has long-since carved out a place Lane plus certificate from their
among the automotive elite. It was board. Fitting for a piece of rolling
the first year of the ground-breaking automotive art, this red blast of
C2 generation Sting Ray, and the Americana comes with a numbered
only year for the split-rear-window 1963 Giclee print by Scott Jacobs,
coupe. A favorite feature of GM a limited-edition autographed
styling chief Bill Mitchell, the split print #63 by artist Lee Self of Zora
window was a controversial styling Duntov, and one of Larry Shinoda
decision at the time. But as the also numbered #63/1992.
decades have passed, opinion has This Sting Ray will have a new
reversed on the one-year design owner come January, but we have
quirk, and the cars have risen to the a feeling the winning bidder will
top tier of collectible Corvettes. likewise be determined to own it for
The L76 327, rated at 340 the long haul.
horsepower, was the most powerful – Steve Statham
carbureted engine available in For up-to-date information on this vehicle,
the 1963 Sting Ray. A solid-lifter visit Barrett-Jackson.com
VISIT BARRETT-JACKSON.COM FOR THE COMPLETE DOCKET 141
