By Shawn Henry 
The second-generation Corvette, produced from 1963 to 1967, is often hailed as the car that cemented Chevrolet’s place in sports car history. Known simply as the C2 Sting Ray, the model represented a bold leap forward in both styling and performance, bringing the Corvette from a stylish cruiser to a serious contender on road and track.
While most enthusiasts recognize its distinctive split-window coupe or the muscular lines of the convertible, there are plenty of details that remain little known outside of Corvette circles.
For instance, the 1963 Corvette split-window coupe—one of the most sought-after American cars today—was actually controversial when new. Drivers complained that the rear window’s dividing bar obstructed visibility, prompting Chevrolet to abandon the design after just one year. What once frustrated owners has since become one of the rarest and most collectible Corvette features.
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Performance was another hallmark. The C2 introduced independent rear suspension, a major step forward that drastically improved handling and gave the Corvette sharper reflexes than its competitors. Beneath the hood, buyers could select from small-block or big-block V8s, with the 427-cubic-inch engines in later years pushing the limits of street performance.
Chevrolet also experimented with weight-saving materials and aerodynamics in this generation. Hidden headlamps, first appearing on the C2, became a Corvette signature for decades. Meanwhile, lightweight racing variants, such as the Grand Sport, were developed to challenge international competitors on the track, though only five were produced before General Motors halted the program.
From engineering breakthroughs to styling gambles, the C2 Sting Ray blended innovation and ambition in a way that reshaped the Corvette’s legacy. Sixty years later, it remains a symbol of American performance and design daring—one that continues to surprise even seasoned enthusiasts.
Steven Symes 
Mike Johnson