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

1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray ‘Bunkie Knudsen’ Convertible

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