1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray ‘Bunkie Knudsen’ Convertible
Closely patterned after the famous 1963 Sting Ray convertible built by GM for retired styling chief Harley Earl, this equally rare convertible was presented to Chevrolet Motor Division president Semon “Bunkie” Knudson. Finished in Rose Pearl with a full-length White racing stripe, it is outwardly distinguished by its chromed header-style pipes. The interior shares the unique upholstery, grated foot-well plates and custom color scheme as the Earl Corvette, and boasts a specially finished fuel-injected 327CI small block.
Story by Mecum Auctions
In Detail
| type | One Of |
| built at | USA |
| production | 1 |
| engine | V8 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natral |
| valvetrain | Pushrod OHV, 2 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | Fuel Injection |
| displacement | 5359 cc / 327 in³ |
| bore | 101.6 mm / 4.00 in |
| stroke | 82.6 mm / 3.25 in |
| compression | 11.25:1 |
| power | 268.5 kw / 360.0 bhp @ 6000 rpm |
| specific output | 67.18 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 251.92 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 477.25 nm / 352 ft lbs @ 4000 rpm |
| body / frame | Fibreglass over Steel Ladder-Type Frame |
| driven wheels | Front Engine / RWD |
| front tires | 6.70×15 |
| rear tires | 6.70×15 |
| front brakes | Cast-Iron Drums |
| rear brakes | Cast-Iron Drums |
| f suspension | A-Arms w/Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar, Tubular Shock Absorbers |
| r suspension | Half Shafts wLateral Struts, Radius Rods, Transverse Leaf Springs, Hydrualic Shock Absorbers |
| curb weight | 1429 kg / 3150 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2489 mm / 98 in |
| front track | 1430 mm / 56.3 in |
| rear track | 1448 mm / 57 in |
| length | 4453 mm / 175.3 in |
| width | 1768 mm / 69.6 in |
| height | 1265 mm / 49.8 in |
| transmission | 4-Speed |
| final drive | 3.70:1 |
| top speed | ~229 kph / 142.3 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~5.9 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~14.5 seconds |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~14.5 seconds |
