1963 Corvette Resources

Equipment or products directly related to this car. Click to view:

Need New Springs or Shocks?
Get the Exact Springs for your Corvette

Click Here for

• Corvette

1963 Corvette Split Window “Fuelie” Poster

Want it on your wall? It’s Huge!
Click HERE

1963 Corvette Facts – Body Paint Color Mix Codes

Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:

1963 Corvette:

1963 Corvette Facts and Specifications

General Year Information – 1963 Corvette Facts

The Corvette received a complete restyle in 1963. Also, the chassis was changed from a “live” rear axle to independent suspension. Although the rear deck treatment resembled that of the 1962 model, the rest of the car was totally new.

Quad headlamps were retained but hidden behind rotating doors – the first American car so equipped since the 1942 DeSoto. The headlamps were mounted in rotating housings that blended with the sharp-edged front end when “closed”. Hidden headlamps would be a feature of the Corvette until the C6 model debuted in 2005. Coupe doors were cut into the roof, which made entry/exit easier in such a low-slung closed car. Faux vents were located in the hood and on the coupe’s rear pillars; functional ones had been intended but were cancelled due to cost considerations.

The Sting Ray’s interior carried a re-interpretation of the twin-cowl Corvette dash motif used since 1958, but a more practical one incorporating a roomy glove box, an improved heater, and the cowl-ventilation system. A full set of round gauges included a huge speedometer and tachometer. The control tower center console returned, somewhat slimmer but containing the clock and a vertically situated radio. Luggage space was improved as well, although due to the lack of an external trunk lid, cargo had to be loaded behind the seats. The spare tire was located at the rear in a drop-down fiberglass housing beneath the gas tank. The large round deck emblem was hinged as a fuel-filler flap.

Corvette Production almost doubled this year, with over 20 thousand made. 83.5 percent of all Corvettes came with four-speed manual transmission. A Fuel Injected Corvette could go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.9 seconds; from 0 to 100 miles per hour in 16.5 seconds. A rare option in 1963 Corvettes is air conditioning. Only 1.3 percent of the cars were so-equipped.

1963 Corvette Facts – Powertrains

• Transmission Ratios
  
  • Three-Speed Manual Transmission – First: 2.47:1, Second: 1.53:1, Third 1:1. Reverse: 2.80:1.
  • Four-Speed Manual Transmission – First: 2.20:1, Second: 1.66:1, Third 1.31:1, Fourth: 1:1. Reverse: 2.26:1.
  • Two-Speed Powerglide Transmission – Low: 3.82:1-1.82:1, Direct 1.82:1- 1:1. Reverse: 1.82:1.
• Rear Axle Ratios
  
  • Manual Transmission. Three Speed: 3.36 (11-37) Four-speed: 3.70:1 (10-37).
  • Powerglide Transmission: 3.36:1 (11-37).
  • Available rear axle gear ratios: 3.08:1, 3.36:1, 3.55:1, 3.70:1, 4.11:1, 4.56:1.

1963 Corvette Facts – Powertrain Options

Engines:

• • V-8 327 cubic inch 250 horsepower four-barrel carburetor engine (standard).
  • L75  V-8 327 cubic inch 300 horsepower four-barrel carburetor engine ($53.80).
  • L76 V-8 327 cubic inch 340 horsepower four-barrel carburetor engine ($107.60).
  • L84 V-8 327 cubic inch 360 horsepower fuel-injection engine ( $430.40).

Other:

• • Automatic transmission ($199.10).
  • Manual floor shift transmission Four-speed ($188).
  • Off-road exhaust system ($37.70).
  • Positive traction rear axle ($43.05).
  • RPO Z06 Special performance package (coupe only): metallic power brake shoes; heavy-duty shocks; stabilizers; knock-off type aluminum wheels; Posi-traction rear axle; four-speed manual gear box; 360 horsepower fuel­ injection V-8 ( $1,818). (See Page 19A of the AMA Specifications Sheets for more information).
  • Sintered metallic brake shoes ($37.70).

1963 Corvette Facts – Significant Options

• • Air conditioning ($421.80).
  • Aluminum knock-off wheels ($322.80).
  • Blackwall Nylon tires ($15.70).
  • Detachable hardtop ($236.75).
  • Electric windows ($59.20).
  • Heavy-duty brakes with metallic facings ($37.70).
  • Leather seat trim ($80.70).
  • Power brakes ($43.05).
  • Power steering ($73.35).
  • Paint, Sebring Silver ($80.70).
  • Radio, AM-FM ($174).
  • Radio, Signal-seeking transistor ($137.75).
  • Tinted glass ($16.15).
  • Tinted windshield ($10.80).
  • Whitewall tires ($31.55).
  • Wood grain plastic steering wheel ($16.15).