1963 Corvette Stingray - Jay Leno's Garage
1963 Corvette Stingray: Master judge and restorer Mike McCluskey took this rare fuel-injected Sting Ray (that Jay bought sight unseen) back to stock perfection.
» Subscribe: bit.ly/JLGSubscribe
» Visit the Official Site: bit.ly/JLGOfficialSite
THE BEST OF JAY LENO'S GARAGE
» Exclusive First Looks: bit.ly/JLGExclusives
» Ultra Rare Supercars: bit.ly/JLGSupercars
» Jay's Book Club: bit.ly/JLGBookClub
JAY LENO'S GARAGE ON SOCIAL
Follow Jay: / lenosgarage
Like Jay: / jaylenosgarage
ABOUT JAY LENO'S GARAGE
A new video every Sunday! Visit Jay Leno's Garage, the Emmy-winning series where Jay Leno gives car reviews, motorcycle reviews, compares cars, and shares his passion and expertise on anything that rolls, explodes, and makes noise. Classic cars, restomods, super cars like the McLaren P1, sports cars like Porsche 918 Spyder and Camaro Z28, cafe racers, vintage cars, and much, much more. Subscribe for more: full.sc/JD4OF8
NBC ON SOCIAL:
NBC KZhead: full.sc/MtLxIM
NBC Facebook: / nbc
NBC Twitter: / nbc
NBC Google+: plus.google.com/+NBC/posts
1963 Corvette Stingray - Jay Leno's Garage
• 1963 Corvette Stingray...
Jay Leno's Garage
/ jaylenosgarage
What amazes me most about this car is that, after 51 years, it still looks futuristic. A truly timeless design.
Nice looks sure but what about all the fake gimmicks? An american car that can go really fast as long you don't have to make a turn...
Whether it handles good, or if the vents are real, doesn't effect the way it looks, it's rolling sculpture. I wonder what happen to all those fuel injection units that the mechanic removed?
@@user-mv6he6gl8m ... this car would spank a Ferrari back in the day!
I hope one day Gm will un-insert their heads from their butts and bring back the Stingray. Not the new stupid ferrari look alike nonsensical ones but the good old fashioned American made Stingray.
...and thanks to an ancient fish.
Jay is saving these cars for future generations to appreciate. I agree, stock is the best way to restore a car like this.
you're not preserving a classic if you mod the hell out of it. Once you mod it everything that made the car what it was is gone
@@thesteelrodent1796 If you want a car that drives like a modern car, go out and buy a modern car. Don't butcher a classic. I have a classic Grand Prix. Any part that goes on it is either an original new old stock or reproduction. To me the experience of owning and driving an old car is ruined by upgrading it to modern standards. Don't get me wrong, I still admire Jay for saving these cars.
😢😢😢😢🎉.
One of the most beautiful cars ever designed.
👍
I agree!
I contend it is one of the ugliest.
That body is timeless, it doesn't seem old at all.
In a way, Jay is like a rare art dealer. He buys rare and beautiful cars and pays out of his own pocket to have them restored. He's rescuing them, really.
He also has a ton of knowledge about all of his cars and cars in general. He's fascinating to listen to.
Exactly, not every rich guy with cars happens to be unfortunately.
He’s the mayor.
Jay has made a few mistakes relating facts about certain cars but then, just think how many different cars Jay knows quite a bit about. Cars of all types. Like steam cars, exotic's and big old monsters like Deusenberg and Hispano-Suiza.
Man, I still fascinated with that Chrysler turbine car. Love that thing.
Best looking Corvette ever made.
Nah
MrSuhkoi Twat
MrSuhkoi Its my dream car not even the cabrio is my favourite you got a bad taste in cars man?
I prefer the C3.
TonyisCreating Yes! They're both beautiful, but I love the C3 @_@
My dad was in love with the Corvette C-2's and was finally able to get one in 1967 ( coupe 427 side pipes) . Needless to say, he never got over it. Once you owned one you never get over it. My dad is 73 now still talks about it. Corvette is a true American icon.
I feel the same way about my 2000 Ws6. Lusted after that so hotly in high school, finally bought one in my mid 30's and I won't shut up about it. After I made one too many comments about the car, one of my family members said to me, "Wow, you sure are proud of that Trans Am." He doesn't understand the mixture of nostalgia, accomplishment, and joy a car you really love can bring you. I'm glad your dad got his C2.
I never really had an opinion of Jay until I received my Hagerty magazine and started reading Jay’s articles. His automotive stories are riveting and informative. His own personal stories are priceless to any real car guy. Thanks Mr. Leno.
This is easily one of the most iconic and beautiful cars ever made by any company.
nope
Albert Gérard yes...
jezuzfreek777 - Yes. Between this and the XK-E coupé, how do you decide?
jezuzfreek777 you bet. Absolutely.
@@ethanshell1144 Albert Gérard prefer a citroen lol
When I was a kid, my dream was to own a 1963 Corvette Coupe. 20 years later, my dream came true.
congratulations bro it's always great to see a car guy get his car
+Richard Persoage Are you rich? Those cars are insanely expensive.
+gmansplit I bought my 63 coupe project in the early 80's for $4000.
Richard Persoage Great find!
+Richard Persoage You lucky BAR STEWARD :-)
THE SPLIT WINDOW IS TOTALLY MAGNIFICENT ON THIS!
It’s so nice to listen to a knowledgable guy who appreciates specific automobiles and can communicate in a clear and concise manner the history of them.
1967 Corvette fastbacks and 1971 Corvette convertibles are the most BEAUTIFUL and GREAT Corvettes ever made!
I had a '67 Coupe and I like it the best of all the C2's because of few small differences. But why would you single out the '67 when all the C2 coupes had the same silhouette?
Car design definitely reached a high point in the 1960's and this car is near the peak
The '72 and the '74 Stingray are the most badass & sexiest classics ever made.
I had the greatest mom. She signed for me and we ordered a split-window coupe. Pretty exciting day when it arrived at the dealer and I went to pick it up. I was definitely the coolest nineteen year-old in my neighborhood.
The '63 split window Corvette was the best and everyone wanted one. Thanks for the great tutorial on your car and of course the ride! Beautiful restoration.
I remember exactly when I first saw a Sting Ray in 1963 or 64.. The street it was on, the time of day. It blew me away. It was a beautiful bronze color. I'll never forget the moment.
My gosh, the '63 Vette is an absolute work of art. Just beautiful!!
This is one discussion that is not boring.. My first husband had this same style Corvette split window.. I washed and waxed it.. and thought I would never drive it.. until he sprained his right ankle on a waterskiing trip and I had to drive it home.. it had a 5-speed and I drove it in the fast lane.. he was surprised.. so I got to take it on errands around town occasionally.
john thonig maybe it was custom
1963 brought us the Corvette and the Jaguar XKE, two of the most beautiful cars ever made.
Such a beautiful American car. Now that's a man who enjoys what he does. Thanks Professor Leno.
This car, the XKE, the Gull-wing are as timeless as it gets.
FYI from Corvette expert: The emergency brake didn't go to the middle of the seats until 1967. The two speed power glide was only std on a corvette after 1953-1954 and this was before manuals were available as an option. Once manuals were available they were std with a 3sp Manuel until 1970 when the 4sp was finally std! 1963 Corvettes Sebring Silver paint had real silver in the paint and was a $92+- dollar option. Route 66 used a 1961, 1962 and 1963 corvettes and never a 1960. The corvette was supposed to have been sentimental to Todd's and the last possession from his dad who died just before he left the east coast for his searching for what town him and Buzz want to settle down in. This is why its a little confusing when he shows up with a 1962 the third season or so. Finally found a category of car I know more about than Jay! Love this channel & think Jays & his show is a National treasure!
My dream car! My older Brother actually had a 1963 ‘Vette convertible. Had the red interior with a white top. Also had fuel injection, but I believe he told me that it had been modified because the ‘Verts didn’t come that way. It purred just like this one! My Brother had a hidden toggle switch installed in the inside top driver side of the glove box for the ignition circuit. He came out one morning to find the doors open, good open, but no damage. That extra ignition switch had saved the day!
I had one. The wheels did come up off the ground. This is the first time I've ever heard this. Now I have proof when I tell somebody. I remember I looked over at my friend and said, "Cause if I had a set of wings, man, I know she could fly." from the Beach Boys. We both had wide eyes and goosebumps. Incredible, after 55 years, I have proof. 👍 Thanks, Jay
I'm really surprised you haven't heard anyone else talk about this. My dad has a 69 Vette and always talks about the front end getting light over 100 mph. Lots of people talk about the C2 and C3 Corvettes being scary at high speed because the front end will lift. Regardless, at least you have a verified source in Jay now to back up your experience 👍
@@bradleylovej '69 isn't a' 64.
@@vasilii6417 Both generations C2 and C3 had this problem. Both commonly talked about. They also share the same frame.
@@bradleylovej well, it is what it is.
@@vasilii6417 True. Those mid-year Vettes are still on my short list of coolest cars ever made.
What a beautiful piece of American automobile history. We own # 30 which has never been restored and still looks new and drives like a dream. I think it should be in a museum myself.
I bought a ‘63 Coupe in 1975 from a guy in Hanford, CA when I was in the Navy. It wasn’t a fuelie, but it was fast! One of my biggest regrets is selling it. Beautiful car Jay!
that guy is too cool. it's amazing how knowledgable he is when it comes to corvettes. a lifetime of passion and it shows
Just a perfect American icon, the car too! We miss you Jay, don't stop doing these videos, a new generation is learning to appreciate American manufacturing.
I like it so much more when Jay shows his own cars. He has so many amazing vehicles.
He seems to go into more detail and seems to well love it a little i guess you can tell when its one of his own as to someone eles
My grandfather owned a ‘63 C2 convertible when I was a little kid in the late 80s/90s and it’s what made me a car guy from the age of 4. He’d take me to car shows in it, to Lime Rock race track where he raced it, it was just amazing. Such a special car, it showed me cars could be for fun and joy and forever will be my mental benchmark of sports cars. He sold it in the late 90s because he needed the money, and the split window really is the desirable car today like the Gullwing Mercedes, but we had no idea back then. They were just old cars then
I freakin LUV C2 Corvettes!!! I have a restored 1967 L79 Coupe. It’s a 3-time NCRS top flight award winner.
Looks wise, it's a perfect car. I'm glad he restored it like that. I wouldn't change a thing
Neither would I. With a good-looking car like that, there's no need for any modifications.
The '63 is one of the most beautiful and one of my favorite Corvette models. Gorgeous car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is one of those cars that is, and always will have, a classic and beautiful look.
It certainly is one of the best looking cars of all time. And might possibly be the best looking American car ever made.
Now they're 60 years old...time flies like that Sting Ray.
Always loved this split-window model. I also absolutely love the '71 buick riviera "boat-tail", that is one sexy car imo
Loved the talk. I had a 1964 in college. Memories.
talk about a timeless classic, what a masterpiece of art and engineering, an silver is the only color for that car.
Kudos Jay to bring back this Icon to its original condition. Just as you'd do on a Jag, Maserati, Lambo, or any priceless Art object, name it. I did exactly as you did when I saw it when I was 11 years old: froze right there. Couldn't believe what I was looking at ! The most beautiful thing I've seen in my young life. Timeless design, unique details like the cut out doors in the roof, the center console, AND that split back window and the center "rib" à la Bugatti. Oh Man ! I'm 65 now and still remember this!
This is a historic Corvette. I can imagine in the future this is a car that will keep the correct history of the Corvette alive for generations to come! Thank you Mr. Leno for your dedication to automotive history and the entire industry!
When it comes to cars Jay is a unique in a couple of ways: 1) he's that rare rich guy with genuine interest in cars beyond their status or investment potential and 2) he's that rare hot rodder who actually has good taste.
Absolutely everything you can possibly learn about the 63 vet thanks Jay
People these days still can't understand how beautiful it is that a car is at its best when it's still original and can only be once.
I had the pleasure of meeting Larry Shinoda years after this car. What a gentleman
In 1972 I was called out to a Chevy dealer's body shop to give them a frame repair estimate on an Olds, and there sitting right next to it was a totaled '63 Split Window. It was bad! When I got into the body shop office with my bid I saw a young man in a near full body cast, with another man next to him that was his insurance adjuster. The shop manager was on the phone with a wrecking yard, and when I heard him say "$200.00 is all you'll give for a wrecked Stingray?", I had to ask right away... "if that's all you get for salvage on that can I buy it?" Well, after a short discussion with the owner and adjuster, it was mine, for $200.00!!!!! I made sure I got all the pieces that were in the pile next to it. They told me what happened. The owner had stopped at a red light behind a bobtail truck, then a Peterbuilt coming up behind him lost its brakes and rear ended him, shoving him into the bobtail. You can imagine what it looked like after that. I got it home on 2 flatbeds, and for a month compiled a list of what I'd need to put it all back together. The hardest part to find was the full rear 'clip' from the windshield back, which I finally got when I went to another salvage yard searching for frame parts for a frame repair in my shop, and happened to mention what I was looking for. Having been one of his beat customers for several years, he shocked me when he said ... "boy, have I got a surprise for you!" Then took me to the back of his yard, and behold, there sat a full rear clip for a '63 split window, all intact including all windows, trim, doors, fuel tank, and complete interior. Then, he gave me the best surprise, I could have it all for $250.00! Needless to say, I jumped on that without any hesitation! A year and a half later, it was all restored, and I took it in to a master painter I knew, and had him paint it a dark pearl blue. The last thing remaining to be road ready was a new radiator. I found that when I took it into a muffler shop for exhaust repair. He had one upstairs that a customer had bought but never picked up. $30.00 later, and it was mine. I drove that 'vette' for the next 6 years until my divorce. It turned heads everywhere I went! I'd still have it but my divorce attorney sold me out and I was ordered by the judge to sell all of my cars except for one. Looking back, I wish I had kept the 'vette' instead of the '73 Lincoln MK4 prototype.
I'm a Lincoln guy, through and through, but I agree with your assessment. Should have kept the vette for sure! Horrible ending to your story, but regardless, thanks a bunch for sharing!
This is why I'm never getting married.
next time have a prenup.
Stingray III percent >>> Stop! have you no mercy? You're making a grown man cry! 😭 I'm so sorry for your loss! 😢
When you get married you don't own anything anymore, which is why I find it astounding that guys still get married.
Huge shout out to Jay Leno for allowing us to share in his amazing collection and meet people like Mike. I appreciate the effort involved to make all these.
My father owned a 1965 Stingray that I loved riding in, but to me this is the Holy Grail of all American musclecars!
Mike, the restorer, can't stop smiling riding with Jay. The man loves his job and the cars!
Truly one of the best design’s in all of automotive history..
I miss my 1963 Stingray convertable. It had a hardtop too! I also made a taneau cover that zipped down the center for a cool ride look. I attached it with screwed in snaps. I even drove it like that in the winter with a french beret and sunglasses. Of course the heat was on full blast. What fun to see people give me a stare and laugh. Those were the days !
You can always buy one, although 63s are a bit rare
Sold it for $6K. It needed a transmission (reverse gear would not go) maybe just a throw out bearing. Frame was rusting on the drivers side too. I still miss her and look at my pictures with longing to have her back.
This shape/design of Corvette Stingray is as good as any design gets. They say, "Good design is Timeless," and this Corvette Stingray proves the theory completely. It is as fresh and vibrant today, as it was 50 odd years ago. You are one lucky man Jay. People will still be lusting after your car in another 50+ years. Sincerely, M.
Jay, I was one of those 13 year olds as well. The first gen T Birds were really nice and then this came out. The WOW factor went out the roof. I want to be envious but just can’t do it since you have worked hard to get where you are. Thank you for sharing your collection with us. Sure wish you were late night entertainment again. There is nothing to chose from now days.👍🇺🇸🤙😃
My friend’s dad had two of these when I was in high school. I got to ride in his silver one and have been a fan since. Wish I could afford one, even if it was just driver quality. I couldn’t stand owning one and not driving it. Beautiful automobile.
The '63 Corvette is the car that I fell in love with. Especially with the split window. One thing I don't think they mentioned was it was the first year they sold a convertible and fixed roof Corvette. Just a beautiful car - "Jay" , I'd love to have it.
My brother in law had a 62, I loved the look of the dual head lights. One year he took it all apart to restore it, a great running car then and looked good too, but he never put it back together, and later sold in in boxes and the body that was down to bare fiberglass.
There is nothing that looks like those Corvettes. Beautiful. Thanks for sharing Jay!
hi Jay i also own a 63 split window and like you it was my dream car...last year i was 66 years old when i bought it and felt like a kid again..well after 4 corvettes previous to this one i had the money and one was available near me and i just had to buy it...it's such a great car thanks for sharing yours with me
Salleez_1 357 Yeah, Jay looks really short!!
william masotta if you want to sit there and talk about yourself why don't you make your own video let me tell you something Jay Leno doesn't read any of these comments
Dustin -- You have no idea what Jay does....William Masota has something you'll never own .... too bad for you...
@@dustinlewis24 a year later and people still think you are a butt.
@@dustinlewis24 And a year later your still a walking talking two legged MORON!
This design is one of my favorites. It is absolutely timeless.
I don't know too much about cars I've enjoyed your show mr. Leno and I will keep watching and learning awesome
I am so glad that Bill Mitchell won out against Duntov on the split window design. It made the 63 so unique. I use my my outside and inside mirrors to look with. The split window is fine to see out of.
I love the fine details they go into the explanation. I love learning stuff like this
That's a beauty. Looks great. I generally prefer a convertible when it comes to the Corvette but the '63 Split window is in a class all by itself! Looks great, well done restoration. Love it!
as per the set-up description....Mike will make you think. Jay shows off a car he finds, buys, and hands to Mike. Remarkable exercise in car passion. During the drive, you finally capture the essence of these serious car guys.....along the way, Jay showcases Mike. His 'Vette knowledge deserves much exposure, to be sure. We covet the Jay denim. We love the shop wanderings, restoration up-dates, and especially, videos that introduce the Guys, who are blessed, to work at the Big Dog Garage. Mike takes this Split-Window, and parks it in your driveway.
Were lucky to live our wildest car dreams through guys like the iconic Jay Leno Cheers big man A fan before the tonight show
That paint is amazing. Never saw a silver car that presented that color so well. Also, best looking Corvette of them all.
One of the most beautiful vettes ever made 63 to 66. Didn't Dennis Wilson have one of these with the 327 on one album cover and drove the crap right out of it
What a sweet car, a beautiful non-tricked restored/original driver, gorgeous in silver.
+TheFRiNgEguitars I love the 63, but I could never find one I could afford, but I did buy a 66 Silver coupe and I love it. Not fuel injection since 65 was the last year for fuel injection, but a great 327/350 HP car that runs and rides like it did in 66. I keep it pure stock except tires. No cross bias tires today. Radials are much better.
Split window is just great! Beautiful car. I remember touring the Corvette assembly line in St. Louis as a young kid and loving it. I think my eyes stayed big for several days after!! Thanks Jay for the great tour of your gem.
I only know Jay as a car guy. When I was younger I watched a few of his shows. His true passion is cars and what he does to keep old and new cars alike running and attainable for anyone to see and experience is wonderful. Thank you.
I remember when this car was new, its a beautiful car and great Corvette car guy (McCluskey) and great show, thanks.
What an absolute beauty of a car. Probably one of my all time favourites. Surely my favourite Corvette.
The degree of automotive innovation from the 1900's to the 1960's is mind-boggling!
If that's not one of the most beautiful automobiles ever made then I don't know what is.
I'm not really a Chevy guy, but this is my favorite Chevy.
Jay I watch your show every morning while I have my coffee. I am in Boise Idaho, your show is great and I really enjoy how you go into the history of the cars and their makers. I think you should do an episode about the 1970s Fiat 500l, my father has two of them and they are an amazing little car.
I remember riding my Stingray bike several miles to see one of these when they first came out. I was 6 and I thought it was beautiful. It still is.
I had one just like that when I was 20. I think it was the first one in Western Maryland. Driving that car made me an instant celebrity in our town.
This episode was really well done. I enjoyed all the finer details of the car.
To this day... the most beautiful car ever!
couldn't agree more check out the 64 corvette on my channel it has a LS3 in it the cleanest corvette I've ver seen
Jaguar XK-E.
@@fgb3126 that car is ugly
@@insanityhelps2800 to you
My uncle used to restore Corvettes in his shop in Highpoint, NC years ago. He had a 1963 split window that was blue and silver. Absolutely gorgeous. The day I visited his shop, he had 2 '67 vettes freshly painted. One had the Tri power 427. He was a true fanatic but driving to swap meets all over the country for original parts wore him out.
Finest Corvette of all time. Style, power and grace...
One of the sexiest cars to come out of America.
THEE sexiest car to come out of america
If this car would be produced today (with obligatory upgrades, including on safety and ecology), people would be buying in crazy numbers.
@@canadianclassics 'The' is spelt 'the', regardless of pronunciation.
17:43 and with fuel injection...
Absolutely gorgeous car Jay. Stock (as it should be) and just absolutely beautiful! And I love the fact that you drive these vehicles. I just don’t understand cars locked up in a vault by some. Enjoy these things and do what they are meant for ... to drive! Thank you so much for sharing your passion with us.
Perfect Colors, Silver and Black. The engine compartment! Eye Candy. 100%
The first 1963 I saw in person was in 1962 in San Diego. It was a mid-night blue split window coupe with the fuel injected 327 cu. in. V-8. Still my all times favorite car!
Jay is the man. This is a great showing of his cars!
Again great video with great information. That car can only be described by one word and that is STUNNING!
I remember the first time I saw a 1963 Stingray. It was at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, I was 11 years old and I ran as fast as I could to be the first one to touch it. It was Daytona blue. It was parked at the curb near the entrance to the Municipal Wharf and there was no one around. It was still early Saturday morning and the fog had not lifted yet and the ground was wet. The freshness of the air and the sound of the waves made the whole scene surreal.
Always loved this car… I vividly recall seeing one in sleepy, suburban Edgware (North London) around 1967 and being totally blown away by its stunning beauty. Amid the Minis, Ford Anglias, Zephyrs etc that were the typical cars you’d see on U.K. streets back then the Corvette looked like a futuristic spacecraft!
Excellent car, one of the all-time best. Great video Jay.
RamblinAround 1jjjjj
This is a historic Corvette. I can imagine in the future this is a car that will keep the history alive for generations to come! Thank you Mr. Leno for your dedication to automotive history in the entire industry!
U can really sense that Jay truly loves this one
Instablaster
Thanks for the ride in my favorite Corvette Jay!
Guest is pure class, wonderful
Jay Leno is a treasure, world over.
One of these started my love affair with the Corvette Sting Ray. I restored it with my father, Sebring Silver with Daytona Blue Interior! Great car Jay!
Damn I love that silver color.
The 1957 was the best Corvette ( the year I was born plays a role in it). That silver ids really impressive. Thanks for feeding my Corvette appetite.
It's beautiful from any angle.....incredible design.
Hope someday I can say "this is the Corvette section of my garage" :D
Best looking Corvette ever. Perfect! Chevy should have kept the design like Porsche did with the 911.
Silver is the perfect color for this car. This might be my favorite of all of Leno's cars.
This is the car that Glenn Ford, an actor friend of my father, took me for a spin around his home in Beverly Hills back in 1964. Ran thru Stop sign and we keep it within ourselves. Now I have a 2018 Stingray 3LT fully loaded with 530 horses. What a thrill.