1963
Split-Window
The one-year-only coupe with a divided rear glass. The most collectible C2 ever built.
C2
Sting Ray
Five model years. Larry Shinoda's split-window silhouette. Independent rear suspension. And the arrival of the 427 big-block.
1963 – 1967
The Story
The 1963 Sting Ray was the first Corvette coupe — and the first with fully independent rear suspension. Bill Mitchell and Larry Shinoda drew the silhouette; Zora Arkus-Duntov made it handle.
The split rear window lasted only one year before Duntov insisted it be removed for visibility — making the '63 Split-Window one of the most collectible Corvettes ever built.
By 1965 the 396 big-block had arrived; by 1967 it had grown to 427 cubic inches and 435 horsepower in L71 trim — closing out one of the shortest and most beloved generations in Corvette history.
Specifications
- Layout
- Front engine, RWD
- Suspension
- Independent rear (first for Corvette)
- Engine (base)
- 5.4L 327 V8 · 250–365 hp
- Engine (L71)
- 7.0L 427 V8 · 435 hp
- Engine (L88)
- 7.0L 427 race V8 · 430 hp (underrated)
- Transmission
- 4-speed Muncie manual / Powerglide auto
- Production
- 117,964 units
- Years
- 1963 – 1967
The Lineup
1964
Fuelie 327
375-horsepower mechanical fuel injection — the apex of the small-block C2.
1965
396 Turbo-Jet
First big-block Corvette. Side pipes optional, hood bulge mandatory.
1967
427 L71
Triple-carb 435 hp finale to the Sting Ray era.
Member-Owned C2's
Mid-year classics in our club's garages
Owen & Betty
1966 427 Coupe
Ronald Hayward
1966 Sting Ray
Own a C2 in Nova Scotia?
Bring it out to the next cruise — we'd love to meet you and your Corvette.
Join the Club