Extra Chrome on 1963 Coupe (Original?)

[Patrick P.]

Hi All,
I'm a new member to NCRS and this forum. I'm hoping to learn and get schooled by you guys!

Here's my first question:
I'm looking at this 1963 FI Split Window Coupe, and the description from the dealer is suggesting that this car came with extra chrome from the factory. Specifically, it looks like the alternator and air intake are chrome plated. Can anyone steer me in the right direction on determining if this vehicle in fact shipped from the factory with this extra chrome plating? I'm in Orange County, CA and the car is in Houston, TX. I'm having an inspection/appraisal done on the car on Weds. When I mentioned the chrome to the gentleman hired for the inspection, he was pretty skeptical that anything would have left the factory like this. Just looking for suggestions on how and where to do the homework.

Here is a link to car listing with photos.

Cheers...

[Mike M.]

Re: Extra Chrome on 1963 Coupe (Original?)

the dealer is blowing chrome up yer rear end. the alternator was raw and the air cleaner was semi-gloss black. mike

[Sydney G.]

Re: Extra Chrome on 1963 Coupe (Original?)

the dealer is blowing chrome up yer rear end. the alternator was raw and the air cleaner was semi-gloss black. mike

As Mike said.

However, this Coupe #7,115 is supposed to be the NY Fair show car.
Is it possible that in the day it was prettied up, so to speak, for the event?

Syd

[William C.]

Re: Extra Chrome on 1963 Coupe (Original?)

Not unless you have documentation to back it up, and then it would by likely a local dealership job, for a mid-model "Fair" showing rather than a GM delivered creation.

[Patrick P.]

Re: Extra Chrome on 1963 Coupe (Original?)

As Mike said.

However, this Coupe #7,115 is supposed to be the NY Fair show car.
Is it possible that in the day it was prettied up, so to speak, for the event?

Syd

I understand that an original '63 is like Mike said, and that's what I would expect to see. I was more looking into the possibility that this could have been done up a bit by GM for the show. There's no documentation to support that GM did the extra chrome, just a pitch from the dealer. I was just curious if it's even possible to find out through GM, NCRS or any other archives, if this vehicle # was shown by GM, and if they did anything special to this vehicle.
Thanks...

[Alan S.]

Re: Extra Chrome on 1963 Coupe (Original?)

Hi,
The wording in the ad seems to imply that the 4-speed transmission and postraction were added to this "SPECIAL" car too.
Regards,
Alan

[Stuart F.]

Re: Extra Chrome on 1963 Coupe (Original?)

Pictures are not too clear and I'm sure others have better eyes than I, but I do see a replacement Master Cylinder (64) and the drive belt configuration looks strange, i.e. two belts to the alternator (?) As for the M/C, it took me years to find a correct dated 63 manual brake M/C, FWIW.

Stu Fox

[William C.]

Re: Extra Chrome on 1963 Coupe (Original?)

Without Documentation, I'd regard the claims as worth the cost of the air they were transported on...

[Rich G.]

Re: Extra Chrome on 1963 Coupe (Original?)

I also think if the car was prepared for an auto show it would have had 2 bar knock offs........unless the NY Auto Show was later in the model year.

I agree with the other posters, probably not all things the dealer says are true. I know many of you may be shocked to hear that, but I'm just sayin'

Rich

[Don H.]

Re: Extra Chrome on 1963 Coupe (Original?)

I see the dealer claims a FI rebuild by a Pasadena CA specialist, who could only be Chris W. It is possible Chris might know something about the car. I have his contact info, pm for further. As for the claims of show car explaining the extra chrome, I dismiss that instantly as normal dealer hyperbole without some supporting docs. And I am sure there is none. This car appears to be priced at the highest tip of today's market, if not higher, due to its rarity, restored condition, and low mileage. All of which need to be verified by a very knowledgable 63 expert. This could be a supreme car, or could be a pig in a poke. Be cautious.
Otherwise, welcome to the club and the TDB! Hope you find the vette of your dreams.

[Patrick P.]

Re: Extra Chrome on 1963 Coupe (Original?)

I also think if the car was prepared for an auto show it would have had 2 bar knock offs........unless the NY Auto Show was later in the model year.

I agree with the other posters, probably not all things the dealer says are true. I know many of you may be shocked to hear that, but I'm just sayin'

Rich

I agree, and I'm skeptical, that's why I've inquired here and have a professional inspecting the car. I appreciate eveyone's input.

[Loren L.]

Re: Extra Chrome on 1963 Coupe (Original?)

I'm curious as to where and when the "New York Fair Car Show" is held. In the 50s, the New York Auto show was in Sept/Oct long before this car was built. I would also expect to find 4 hood guides/wedges on this car; the '64 master cylinder and the beat-up headliner are not what one would expect; I'll bet that there isn't a 5th KO in the spare well; I'd want a better picture of the 60 lb oil gauge; they must be claiming original carpet - at least that would explain the rusty ring in the jack cover.

[William C.]

Re: Extra Chrome on 1963 Coupe (Original?)

Sounds like you would be better off saving the money It would take to hire an "expert" and add it to your "poke" to buy a better car.

[Sydney G.]

Re: Extra Chrome on 1963 Coupe (Original?)

This car has been up for sale for awhile now. I think I saw it on eBay numerous times from this dealer over the past year or so.
But I've also had it in my '63 file for a long time prior with the notation that it was the show car from the NY Fair....with a ? mark after because I know nothing about this Fair.
I would have to dig to find my copy of the Brooks '63 registry but the notation of the show car might have come from that source, or from someone before this dealer who was selling this coupe.
I think this dealer is just passing on the info that came with this car, ie NY show car.

Syd

[Don H.]

Re: Extra Chrome on 1963 Coupe (Original?)

I see the car shown here as Sold at $148.5K at B-J in Scottsdale AZ in 2004. Looks like it has not changed much, and the seller now is trying to get his top of the market money out of it.

http://www.barrett-jackson.com/application/onlinesubmission/lotdetails.aspx?ln=657.1&aid=48