Category: 63-67 Articles
C2 Corvette (1963-1967) – By the early 1960’s, as Chevrolet introduced the last of the first generation Corvettes, there was no doubt that a second generation Corvette was imminent. Designed by Bill Mitchell and Zora Arkus-Duntov, the second generation Corvette debuted in 1963, along with a new body style known as the Sting Ray, named after an earlier race car project headed and funded by Mitchell. Smaller and sleeker than its predacessor, luxury amenities such as air conditioning, power steering and leather seats were available for the first time. 1963 was also the first year for the Corvette coupe and the ONLY year for the split-window coupe. (In 1964, the split-window design was eliminated because it impeded visibility.) Available exterior colors included Tuxedo Black, Silver Blue, Daytona Blue, Riverside Red, Saddle Tan, Ermine White and Sebring Silver.
The 1963 model was highly successful. Corvette sales increased from 14,531 in 1962 to 21,513 in 1963 and demand quickly exceeded supply. Some buyers waited several months for delivery. The Sting Ray’s list price was $4,252.
In 1965, big block engines made their debut. Four-wheel disc brakes became standard. Instruments were restyled with black, flat faces. The area around the radio and speaker bezel was painted, rather than vinyl-covered.
The 1966 Corvette’s styling was similar to the previous model, but included the addition of the Corvette script to the hood and a plated, square-mesh cast grill. Holley Carburetors, used with some engine applications previously, were standard in 1966. Sunfire Yellow, Trophy Blue and Mosport Green joined the exterior color options.
The 1967 model introduced the legendary L88 cast-iron big-block engine. GM rated it at 430 hp, but it routinely topped 500 hp in independent testing. The exterior was the least adorned, as much of the exterior trimmed was removed or restyled. Somewhat ignored at the time, the 1967 Corvette is now an enthusiast favorite.
C2 Corvettes saw production volumes hover between 22,000 and 28,000 units. The C2 Corvette was as much a race car as it was a cruiser.
The last 1967 Corvette Sting Ray produced was purchased, restored and sold in 2006-2007. It sold for $660,000.
