1963 Corvette - R&T

[John G.]

Here's a Road and Track article from back in the day. Seems there was a lot of excitement with the new model release. .. From the first time I saw a C2 my head was on a swivel every time one passed by! .. The 'disease' set in shortly thereafter.






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[John G.]

Re: 1963 Corvette - R&T

Looks like the first two pages are way too small to read. I'll try to resize them.

[Stuart F.]

Re: 1963 Corvette - R&T

John;

That's a great story in R & T, and I have a number of others and everything since practically. I ordered my new 63 based on such articles back in April 1963, took delivery in August and have had it ever since. I never grow tired of it. I often stand back and think to myself; "damn, that's a great looking car!" Lately, I say it out loud as I don't care if anyone hears me or not. At 70 I have that senior licence.

Stu Fox

[William L.]

Re: 1963 Corvette - R&T

John here is the same picture of the 63 with headlights open that's a little clearer. Picture is from my Ed Tesky file.

Back of the picture reads.

[Michael H.]

Re: 1963 Corvette - R&T

John here is the same picture of the 63 with headlights open that's a little clearer. Picture is from my Ed Tesky file.

Back of the picture reads.

Interesting shot. That's a pic of a pre production build. If I remember correctly, it didn't run and was built on a 62 chassis. (I don't know what they did to correct the difference in wheelbase)

How many items can we find in this picture that never made it to production, or were much different on the actual pilot/assembly line cars?

[Stuart F.]

Re: 1963 Corvette - R&T

Michael;

Guess your eyes are better than mine. The only possible items I would question would be the appearance of the fresh air intake grills and the passenger side headlight surround looks strange - almost like chrome. Now I'm referring to the front shot only. The other pictures are too small for my eyes to pick out details.

Stu Fox

[William L.]

Re: 1963 Corvette - R&T

Interesting shot. That's a pic of a pre production build. If I remember correctly, it didn't run and was built on a 62 chassis. (I don't know what they did to correct the difference in wheelbase)

How many items can we find in this picture that never made it to production, or were much different on the actual pilot/assembly line cars?

Micheal
That's very interesting. I have had this picture a long time and have looked at it a lot. I always thought something was weird about it.
The left front A Frame looks to have more of an arch to it, not as flat like a Stingray.
That A frame also looks like its got a grease zerk at the swivel point?
The R/H headlight bezel looks like it's chrome and the L/H bezel look's to be painted?
Any idea of what kind of tries? They look a little weird to me!
Bill

[William L.]

Re: 1963 Corvette - R&T

I forgot the windshield wiper grills are molded in. Not removable.

[Stuart F.]

Re: 1963 Corvette - R&T

Ok, I understand the "A" frames, as that would be indicative of the 62 chassis.

As for the tires, they look familiar with some of the special "appearance tires" of the day, including a couple models of U.S. Royals and Dayton Thoroughbred Blue Ribbons. I believe U.S. Royal was one of the first 1" white, but they also had plain side walls (no tread) and I bought some of them for my black 56 Chevy show car. They were cool. The treads on these look more like the Daytons, which I also had on for awhile - all for looks.

Stu Fox

[Joe R.]

Re: 1963 Corvette - R&T

Guys,

Take a close look at the first two pics of the roadster and coupe. What do you think about the hubcaps?

I have that copy and believe you me they are not production for a 63 but are production for another year. What year?

JR

[William L.]

Re: 1963 Corvette - R&T

One other thing that caught my eye is there is no license plate bar and no slots in the bumpers for it.
Bill

[Sydney G.]

Re: 1963 Corvette - R&T

A few years back someone said the parking lights in this shot were different than production. I don't see it?
Also, does the rear view mirror seem to hang really low?

Syd

[Michael H.]

Re: 1963 Corvette - R&T

A few years back someone said the parking lights in this shot were different than production. I don't see it?
Also, does the rear view mirror seem to hang really low?

Syd

Yup, the parking lamps appear to be rotated 90* from the position used in production. (lens screws 3 & 9 O'clock instead of 12 & 6)

I thought the inside rear view mirror mount looked a little long but I'm not sure.

How about the lack of lower center bumper brackets?
No grill mounting fiberglass tabs.
Lack of grill vertical brackets on horizontal bars.
W/S/Wipers, drivers side above pass side.
Grill corner mldg's appear to have a curved/hook at the top.
The front suspension and front frame section look nothing like 63.
Windshield outer vertical mldg's appear to have square corners instead of rounded.

Not really visible in the pic but the rear corners of the hood are probably round.

[Bob J.]

Re: 1963 Corvette - R&T

How many items can we find in this picture that never made it to production, or were much different on the actual pilot/assembly line cars?

Dash pad grab hole on passenger side tooks different (wider).Bob

[John G.]

Re: 1963 Corvette - R&T

John;

That's a great story in R & T, and I have a number of others and everything since practically. I ordered my new 63 based on such articles back in April 1963, took delivery in August and have had it ever since. I never grow tired of it. I often stand back and think to myself; "damn, that's a great looking car!" Lately, I say it out loud as I don't care if anyone hears me or not. At 70 I have that senior licence.

Stu Fox

That's really something, Stu - that you still have an original 'original' purchase car! .. Not many can say that. The timeless design of the Corvette speaks for itself, sure. Not that I'm biased, or anything. .. ..

And yes, perhaps some of the youngn's talk about 'old age' as being some kind of curse. Racking up the years, at some point one can brag about it. No license required! ..