C2 – Second Generation (1963 – 1967)

Production began in 1963 for the mid-year Corvettes, it is also the model that ushered in the name "Sting Ray". The 1963 model was the first year for a Corvette coupe and it featured a distinctive tapering rear deck. Only the 1963 Corvette coupes featured the rare split rear window. The Sting Ray featured hidden headlamps, non-functional hood vents, and a Corvette first, independent rear suspension. Maximum power for 1963 was 360hp and was raised to 375hp in 1964. On 1964 models the decorative hood vents were eliminated.

In 1965, four-wheel disc brakes were introduced, as was a "big block" engine option: the 396ci V8. Side exhaust pipes were also optionally available in 1965, and continued to be offered through 1967. The introduction of the 425hp 396ci big block in 1965 spelled the beginning of the end for the Rochester fuel injection system. The 396ci option cost $292.70 while the fuel injected 327ci engine cost $538.00. Few people could justify spending $245.00 more for 50hp less, even though FI could deliver over 20 mpg on the highway and would keep delivering fuel despite high G-loading in corners taken at racing speeds.

       
        Another rare '63 and '64 option was the Z06 competition package, which offered stiffer suspension, bigger, multi-segment lined brakes with finned drums, knock-off wheels and a 36 gallon fuel tank. Only a couple hundred coupes and ONE convertible were factory-equipped this way in 1963.



         With only 771 fuel-injected cars built in 1965, Chevrolet discontinued the option at the end of the '65 production, having introduced a less-expensive big block 396 engine rated at 425hp in the middle of the production year and selling over 2,000 in just a few months. For 1966, Chevrolet introduced an even larger 427ci Big Block version. Other options available on the C2 included the Wonderbar auto-tuning AM radio, AM-FM radio (mid-1963), air conditioning (late-1963), a telescopic steering wheel (1965), and headrests (1966).

1967 was the final year for the C2 generation. The 1967 model featured restyled fender vents, less ornamentation, and back-up lamps which were on the inboard in 1966 were now rectangular and centrally located. The first use of all four taillights in red started in 1961 and was continued through the C2 line-up except for the 1966.