1963 Corvette Rondine

Among car collectors, enthusiasts, even kids who’ve yet to master driving, the Chevrolet Corvette needs no introduction. Introduced in 1953, the fiberglass convertible (at that time, the only body style) was a surprising, but welcomed departure for the conservative Chevrolet division. GMs VP of Styling, Harley Earl, eagerly promoted the car internally, using his significant marketing influence against many of the resistant top brass.

For nearly a decade, the first version of the Corvette evolved around a rather dated series of mechanical components. Yet by the late ’50s and early ’60s, power train and suspension were advancing with the help of key racing programs. It was time for a new look and fresh mechanicals. The C2, or Stingray, arrived on the scene in 1963 with all-new independent suspension, disc brakes and a stunning body design from the pen of Larry Shinoda. Striking in both coupe and convertible forms, the C2 was a welcome addition to the Chevrolet arsenal of performance.