Hydraulically assisted power steering was also offered for the first time. The drum brakes were retained but optional sintered metallic linings and finned aluminum brake drums were offered that allowed greater fade resistance and better cooling. The 327 cubic inch, 250 HP engine drove the Sting Ray to a top speed of 130 mph. Sting Rays can go 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds with a 14.6 second quarter mile.

This 1963 Sting Ray series, 2-door, Fastback Coupe, Corvette carried an original price of  $4,257. Initial demand for the attractive Sting Ray was so great that adding an extra shift at the St. Louis plant couldn't help keep up with demand. Sales soared to 50% over 1962; up to 21,513 or more than 6000 units over the previous year.

The Corvette débuted in 1953 at the Motorama display at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City. Another Harley J. Earl concept, it was a two seat convertible built by GM aimed at capturing the small car market from manufacturers like Jaguar and MG. During the development process, the car was called the XP-720. During production it was designated the Corvette C2. Today the car is known as the Corvette Sting Ray thanks to the nickname of Bill Mitchell's 'Mako Shark II' concept vehicle. Larry Shinoda's adaptation of the Bill Mitchell concept car gave the Corvette Sting Ray a look of its own, especially in the highly coveted split-window coupe. The 1963 Sting Ray incorporated a boat-tail taper that was common of sporting roadsters of the 1930s. The back featured a split rear-window. 

1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray