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The Corvette Rondine concept was built by Pinanfarina and introduced at the 1963 Paris Motor Show. The car started life as a 1963 split-window Corvette, which is all the more unusual because Chevrolet introduced the split-window coupe at the same time that Pinanfarina was introducing a custom-built Corvette based on that very same platform.
The "Asteroid" started life as a 1963 Chevy Corvette.  It was ordered by mechanical engineer and renowned mid-century speed boat racer Bob Nordskog, sans any exterior paint save for a primer coat.  Instead, the car was shipped directed to Barris Kustoms with instructions for Barris to transform the brand-new Corvette into a more radical version of itself.
Red 1963 Corvette
The 1963 Corvette marked a new direction for America's sports car, with a striking design, gorgeous rear split-window, and a selection of four capable V8's. For the performance fan, the 1963 Vette represented a significant leap in ability, and for today's collector, the same can be said of desirability.
1963 Corvette Sting Ray Z06
The chassis featured an independent rear suspension with a single transverse leaf spring. 1963 was a big production year with the first year of the C2 Corvette seeing production of 21,513 units (and still demand exceeded supply).
1963 5.4L 327CI Engine in open hood of C2 Corvette
The 327CI small-block V8 was available to consumers in several distinct configurations, all of which produced varying degrees of output. Available in both carbureted and fuel injected forms, the 327CI small-block proved capable of producing anywhere from 250-360 horsepower, depending upon one’s choice of engine code.