PROVENANCE
Bernard P. Choma, Dearborn, Michigan (acquired new via Dawson Taylor Chevrolet, Detroit, Michigan)
Jim L. Blakely, Colorado
Michael A. Patterson, California
Peter Klutt/Legendary Motorcar, Halton Hills, Ontario, Canada (acquired from the above)

THIS CAR
Dubbed “Stingray” in tribute to GM design Chief Bill Mitchell’s Corvette-based racing car of 1959 and rooted in the XP-84 Q-Corvette concept before it, the second-generation Corvette featured a sleek new body by Mitchell and Larry Shinoda. OfFered in convertible and coupe body styles, the coupe is coveted today for its split rear window, a one-year-only feature applied to the inaugural 1963 models. Of the four 327 V-8 engines available for 1963, the top 360 hp RPO L84 unit with Rochester Ramjet mechanical fuel injection provided incredible performance and ensured proper fuel delivery in tight corners.

Handling also took a quantum leap forward for 1963, thanks to a thoroughly redesigned chassis – spearheaded by Corvette engineering chief Zora Arkus- Duntov – incorporating the first use of four-wheel independent suspension on a Corvette. Released during late 1962 to great anticipation, the all-new Corvette generated immediate and almost universal acclaim with Motor Trend testers remarking, “We thought the old model cornered darn well, but there’s no comparing it to this new one.”

Finished in outstanding Tuxedo Black over black upholstery, this fuel-injected, split-window Stingray from 1963 ticks virtually all the boxes required for desirability in a second-generation Corvette. Accompanied by its corresponding NCRS Shipping Data Report, this example was shipped following assembly to Dawson Taylor Chevrolet in Detroit, where it was purchased by its first owner, Bernard P. Choma, of Dearborn, Michigan. Mr. Choma retained the original new car order form and Protection Plan Booklet. His handwritten logbooks fastidiously document – from the time the car was new until 1972 – what appears to have been each and every fuel stop, oil check and change, lubrication service, tire rotation, and fuel and operating costs. Subsequent owners lived in Colorado and California.

Prior to acquisition by Peter Klutt, the Corvette received a complete, photo-documented restoration with the body removed from the frame during the process. The tremendous care and detail taken is clearly evident throughout the car as now presented for sale. Incredible documentation – two binders’ worth – accompanies the Corvette, including the car’s original dealer-inventory stock tag; the Chevrolet Owners’ Protection Plan booklet listing the first owner’s name; an owner’s manual; the order form listing options selected, including the L84 “Fuelie” engine; photographs; and receipts. Additional items include the NCRS Shipping Data Report and CCAS Affirmations-supplied certification of the engine stamping confirming it is the unit this car left the factory with, plus certification of the trim tag showing this Corvette is indeed a factory black exterior and interior car. This, combined with its extensive photo-documented restoration, is extremely rare. Not yet shown, this car will provide a great opportunity to Corvette collectors.