1963 Corvette Fuelie Split Window Coupe

Just Toys Classic Cars has announced that the Raven black 1963 Corvette Fuelie Split Window Coupe they listed here was formerly owned by actor Nicholas Cage. They knew this car had been sold at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona in 2005. They have been able to confirm that it was the one the actor Nicholas Cage sold that year. It would be rare enough just to find a black on black ’63 Fuelie Corvette, but one that was owned by a celebrity, now that adds dimension to an already great collector car.

Just Toys Classic Cars of Orlando, Florida listed this rare original muscle car for sale in our Corvette Section. It is a dream come true for any true Corvette collector. They say it was restored sometime between 2003 and 2005, and remains a true #’s matching muscle car that comes with a shop manual and owner’s manual. Under the hood sits the numbers matching 327/360 hp Fuel Injected motor, as noted by J.R. Smith of Just Toys Classic Cars. Click through to the ad on this 1963 Corvette Fuelie Split Window Coupe to view photos which document this car, including photos of the numbers on the fuel injection, block number, engine stamp, alternator, starter, transmission and rear end.

Not only is this car black on black, but it also comes with a black leather interior.  Smith indicates that he is trying to verify if the leather was original. 1963 was the first year for leather interior in Corvettes.

Naturally, it is a T-10 4-speed, a body-off restoration in show quality condition (see video below.) The NCRS award you see in the video was won in 2014. They say it was optioned with 4.11 posi, AM/FM radio, fuel injection, off-road exhaust, seat belts, tinted glass, K.O. aluminum wheels, and white stripe radials. Corvette afficianadoes will want to know that it comes with most of its factory correct components including the spare, jack, jack tools, K.O. wheel hammer, washer system, shifter, shielding, air cleaner, alternator, distributor, spark plug shields, hoses, hose clamps, hood alignment blocks, F.I. unit, F.I. fuel filter, finned balancer, radiator, gas door assembly, bowtie mirror, glove box door and cookie tin (egg crate) hood.

This is one of the most desirable combinations of a fuel injected black/black split window coupe, just like the one featured in the 1963 sales brochure.

Production date on this car was December 15th, 1962 and delivered new by Malcolm Konner Chevrolet of Paramus, NJ (dealer code 184 in zone 35) per the official NCRS/GM Shipping Data Records.

Historical footnotes:
In 1963, Corvette introduced its all new Corvette Coupe and Convertible models called the Stingrays. The car incorporated a boat-tail taper that was common of sporting roadsters of the 1930s. Taking design cues from the Bugatti Atlantique and Bertone BAT, Chevrolet’s Larry Shinoda came up with the aerodynamic fastback and rear split-window look. The retractable headlights were an immediate success for buyers and became a signature for the Sting Ray. Race tested lessons learned from the  Q Corvette and Bill Mitchell’s  Stingray Special racer were incorporated into an experimental project. In fact, the independent rear suspension was an element of the Q Corvette. Chevrolet and Zora Duntov called the new experimental model the XP-720 during the time it was under development.

It was the first time you could buy a Corvette fastback coupe in addition to the more traditional convertible. The wheelbase was shortened by four inches. This, along with independent rear suspension, improved the handling and maneuverability. Hydraulically assisted power steering was also offered for the first time. Drum brakes were improved with optional sintered metallic linings, plus finned aluminum brake drums which could be purchased to allow for better braking ability with less fade and better cooling.

New plants in St. Louis, Missouri were opened to keep up with demand for the new Stingray C3 Corvette. Chevrolet produced around 21,513 Sting Rays that first year with 10,600 being coupes. 

Click the video window below to see a walk-around on this beautiful 1963 Corvette Fuelie Split Window Coupe:

So, who is the celebrity that owned this black/black 1963 Corvette Fuelie Split Window Coupe? J.R. of Just Toys Classic Cars said he would reveal that bit of information to us on Memorial Day, Monday. So stay tuned to this page to see who that fabled celebrity really is. Anyone care to guess? Use the “Comments” box below to show your auto knowledge.