From http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z221/default.aspxIn 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.
Source - Canton Classic Car Museum
The Corvette was completely redesigned for 1963 incorporating independent rear suspension and all new styling. The 1963 Sting Ray coupe featured a unique split rear window that is unique only to this year. In 1964 the center bar was removed from the window.
Source - Lemay Museum
When the 1963 Corvette was introduced in late 1962, it featured an all new body style derived from a race car built by GM styling guru Bill Mitchell. The new styling was a big hit, its angular body, with a minimum of bright work and a distinctive split rear window on the coupe version. This was the first year that Corvette offered both convertible and coupe body forms, nonfunctional vents were featured on both the sides and the hood and it was the only year for the split window. There are fewer split window models today compared to how many were original produced because many owners, who found the look controversial, removed the split and installed a one-piece, 1964 rear window.
The body was mounted on a new chassis with independent rear suspension. However, under the hood was the familiar 327 cid V-8 from the previous year. The standard engine produced a somewhat lackluster 250 horsepower, but the top fuel-injected model would produce up to 260 h.p.
The name Corvette, with the extended name 'Corvette Sting Ray', would prove widely popular. Base price for the coupe was $4,257.00 while the convertible ran $4,037.00. The 1963 model year would produce 10,594 coupes and 10,919 convertibles.
This remarkable styling statement by Bill Mitchell was offered for only one year with the split rear window. More importantly, the fiberglass-bodied sports car gained an independent rear suspension. Under the hood resides a fuel-injected 327 cubic-inch V8 producing 360 horsepower.
The 1963 Chevrolet Corvette is famous for its split rear window and are among the most sought after and prized Corvettes.
This 48,000 mile Corvette with its original interior is painted the correct Tuxedo Black and features such rare options as: C60 air conditioning system, L75-300 horsepower327 V8 engine, N40 power steering, J50 power brakes, A31 power windows, A02 tinted shaded windshield, G81 Positraction, N34 wood grained steering wheel, M20-4 speed transmission, U69 AM/FM radio, and P92 white wall rayon tires.
