Description
The Corvette Sting Ray Convertible equipped with the 250-horsepower 327 V8 represents the entry-level performance model of Chevrolet’s groundbreaking second-generation sports car, produced from 1963 through 1964. While the coupe offered the one-year-only split-window design in 1963, the convertible featured a single-piece rear window that enhanced rear visibility and preserved a graceful fastback profile when the soft top was raised. Its combination of open-air freedom and refined engineering made it an instant favorite among drivers seeking both style and substance.
Under the long, sculpted hood sat the 327-cubic-inch small-block V8 fitted with a single Rochester four-barrel carburetor and hydraulic lifters. Rated at 250 horsepower, this engine provided smooth, responsive power throughout the rev range. With peak torque arriving low in the rpm band, the Sting Ray Convertible felt eager off the line, especially when paired with the optional close-ratio four-speed manual transmission. An automatic gearbox remained available for those prioritizing relaxed cruising over shifting engagement.
Chassis and handling improvements carried over from the C2 coupe, with independent double-wishbone front suspension and a transverse leaf-spring rear setup delivering a nimble, composed ride. Four-wheel coil springs and front disc brakes were standard, and power steering and power brakes could be specified to tame the car’s growing performance. The convertible’s lightweight fiberglass body and relatively short wheelbase helped it feel particularly agile, even when carving through tight corners.
Inside, the cockpit balanced driver focus with increasing comfort. Deeply bolstered bucket seats offered support during spirited driving, and the twin-cowl dashboard placed large, easy-to-read instruments directly in the driver’s line of sight. Options such as air conditioning, an AM/FM radio, and a removable hardtop for cooler weather allowed owners to tailor their car toward touring as easily as track days.
Today, the 250-horsepower Sting Ray Convertible is prized for its blend of classic design, capable performance, and open-top experience. As the modestly powered member of the C2 lineup, it offers an accessible entry into early Sting Ray ownership without sacrificing the distinctive styling or engineering innovations that defined the era. Whether enjoyed on coastal highways or shown at vintage-car events, it remains a testament to Chevrolet’s ability to marry everyday usability with genuine sports-car character.