‘63 Numbers-Matching Convertible with Hard Top
This looks like a super-clean original C2
The ad description for this C2 states that it is a “Low mileage Restored Barn Find.” The seller has spent the past eight years transforming this roadster from its barn find status into a very presentable early C2. The car has undergone an extensive restoration that includes “a high quality repaint to its original Sebring Silver color.”
The ad description further states: “The paint and body are nearly flawless, and the car has no rust. Both the hardtop and convertible top are in excellent condition.” I can’t find any deficiencies with the overall condition of this almost completely original mid-year. It seems to me like it would be a turn-key driver for the next owner.
It’s a numbers-matching car, although a couple of nice reversible upgrades have been implemented. The brakes have been upgraded with front disc/rear drum units with dual-circuit power assist. But the original parts are included in the sale if somebody wants to convert the braking system back to the original configuration.
This first-year C2 is one of the 10,919 Convertibles sold in the 1963 model year. It’s very difficult to find anything to criticize pertaining to the restoration results. Even the original one-year-only wheel covers have been retained. The color-matching factory hardtop and a Black soft-top are supposed to be in perfect condition. All the exterior trim, chrome, and glass appear to be in excellent condition.
The interior restoration work of this Corvette included a complete refurbishing of the seats in the original Dark Blue vinyl. The seats look very good, and I assume that the door panels and carpeting were refreshed as well. I’m not a fan of the aftermarket Hurst shifter, although I know from personal experience that it was “a thing” back in the day. If the original chrome shifter with reverse lock-out (which I’ve always loved) is included in the sale, I would immediately reinstall that unit.
I do find it strange that the car was ordered by either the dealer or the original buyer without a radio. Even though they were a somewhat pricy option in 1963 dollars, both the AM and AM/FM radios were very popular options. For some perspective, 20,546 ‘63 Corvettes were ordered with radios and only 967 buyers chose to pass on this option.
The major drivetrain components were carried over from the 1962 to the 1963 model years. This car has the 250 horsepower version of the 327 cu. in. engine sending power through a Muncie M21 four speed transmission. While not a powerhouse, I think this engine provides satisfactory performance when coupled with the manual transmission.
Although the introduction of the coupe version was big news for the ‘63 model year, about 300 more convertibles than coupes were sold. But with the factory hard top, this car offers the best of both worlds - a hard roof over your head or the sense of freedom that comes with open top driving, which could make it an enjoyable sports car for the next owner.
The current asking price for this California car is $58,000.
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/d/el-granada-1963-c2-corvette/7841514768.html
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Again, I love the look of C2 convertibles with the auxiliary hardtop in place. I think the '67 so adorned is the best-looking American car ever made. Such a car would be the basis for a restomod build for me...if my wonderful wife and I won eight figures-plus in the lottery.