1963 Chevrolet Corvette

1963 Corvette Roadster

VIN # 308675114991063

Engine Casting # 378270

Engine Serial # 311491

Engine Code F0506RE 327/ 340 HP

M20 4 speed Muncie transmission

Owner History:

1.     1963-1983 – unknown original owner in Mt. Clemens, MI

2.     1983-1983 – Tom Pletcher, Mt. Clemens, MI

3.     1983-Present – Michael Schlitt, Charlevoix, MI

Vehicle History:

In 1984 Michael Schlitt had the car cosmetically restored and mildly customized in a manner common at the time.  The work was performed by a restoration shop in Flint, MI and involved stripping the body of the original paint and adding the mild wheel flairs, removing the front bumpers and parking lights, smoothing the fenders and adding the ’67 hood.  As a low-mileage original car, there was no evidence found of any previous accident damage or repairs.

In 1965 the Corvette side exhaust was added along with a later model Carter carburetor.  New interior trim and top were installed as well.

In 1999 Great Lakes Motor Works of Boyne City, MI was commissioned to repaint the car, update the wheels and tires and detail the engine bay with the proper engine ignition shielding.  Suspension upgrades were made to improve the handling of the car along with the new radial ply tires.

In 2000 Time Machines Unlimited was commissioned to design and install a custom interior.  Dave Draper designed the black and silver interior in the theme of the custom Corvette interiors he had done under Bill Mitchell when he was at GM Design Staff.

In 2001 the front brakes were updated to discs maintained by DTS/Time Machines Unlimited.

Summary:

The car is a low-mileage matching numbers 1963 Roadster mildly customized.  The car has the metal headlight cans and metal glove box door and does not have the height adjustable seat cushions so along with the June 5th date on the engine it would appear to be a late 1963 car.  None of the body modifications made are irreversible and the car remains a solid driver with above average mechanicals and paint.  The L76 340 HP 327 cubic inch engine was the highest horsepower engine offered without fuel injection and coupled with the 4-speed Muncie transmission, and it is a very desirable and drivable combination, offering excellent performance and balanced handling.

Mid-year 1963-67 Corvettes with original engine, frame and drivetrain remain very desirable and continue to appreciate in value.  Resto-rods with these modifications including body and interior trim sell for between $75,000.00 and $100,000.00. The fact that the mechanicals of this car remain original and all of the numbers match is a true asset to any buyer.