The C2 Corvette Sting Ray (1963–1967)

C2 Corvette history

The second-generation Corvette arrived for 1963 as the Corvette Sting Ray, its shape previewed by the Sting Ray racing prototype and the Mako Shark concept car. For the first time a coupe joined the convertible, and the coupe's two-piece rear window, now one of the most recognizable details in American car design, lasted only that one year.

Underneath, a new chassis brought independent rear suspension in place of the old solid axle, a design associated with Corvette engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov. Hidden headlights rotated into place, and the 327-cubic-inch small-block carried over with up to 360 hp in fuel-injected form.

Chevrolet kept adding performance. Four-wheel disc brakes and the 396 big-block arrived for 1965, the 396 grew into the 427 for 1966, and for 1967 Chevrolet offered the aluminum-head L88 for racing. In 1963, a special-equipment package for racers, the original Z06, started a name that is still on sale.[1],[2],[3]

Years and production numbers

Generations and key variants

Engine and drivetrain facts

• The C2 replaced the C1's solid rear axle with independent rear suspension.
• Four-wheel disc brakes arrived for 1965, along with optional side-exit exhausts and knock-off aluminum wheels.
• The 1963 Z06 package required the fuel-injected 327 and a close-ratio four-speed manual; Chevrolet lists it at 360 hp.

Sources:[1],[2],[3]

What changed, generation by generation

1. 1963Corvette Sting Ray launches with a new coupe body (split rear window, this year only), hidden headlights and independent rear suspension; Z06 racing package offered.
2. 1964Coupe switches to a one-piece rear window.
3. 1965Four-wheel disc brakes and the 425 hp 396 big-block; final year of the fuel-injected 327.
4. 1966The big-block grows to 427 cubic inches.
5. 1967Final C2 year; 435 hp Tri-Power 427 and the racing L88.

Sources:[1],[3]

What to check before you buy one

• Confirm that the engine matches the car's documentation; big-block and fuel-injected cars are worth far more than base cars, and engines were often swapped.
• A genuine 1963 split-window coupe is a one-year design; check that the rear window and roof structure are original rather than converted.
• Inspect the frame and the steel 'birdcage' structure under the fiberglass for rust, and check the body for crash repair.
• Check the rear suspension and brakes; the independent rear and four-wheel discs need specialist knowledge to restore properly.
• Have a marque specialist inspect any car sold as a Z06, L88 or other rare factory variant before purchase.

How to verify a C2 Corvette's factory options

Standardized 17-character VINs began with the 1981 model year, so no C2 Corvette has one. A Sting Ray is identified by its original serial number and the documentation that survives with it.[4]

For cars built before the 17-character VIN, identification rests on the car's own serial number, its body and trim tags, engine stampings and its documented history. The GM Heritage Center maintains General Motors' historical archive and publishes vehicle information kits for many past GM models.[5]

Researching another Chevrolet or GM model? Start at the Chevrolet history timeline.