One cannot help but feel a little disappointed looking at the pictures of this 1963 Corvette Stingray 327, not because it’s not spectacular, but out of disillusionment with today’s car industry. Why is it they can’t design cars like this today?

I realize nowadays there are tons of rules and regulations for new cars, every one of which invariably affects the styling. But if they can make cars with 1,500 horsepower and top speed of 460 km/h, surely they are capable of designing cars of stupefying beauty…

… cars like this 1963 Corvette Stingray.

Mind you, this particular example is a bit of tall order even for today’s technology and sense of style. 1963 was the only year they produced a Corvette with split rear window which is defining feature of the Stingray and the main reason it is such a mesmerizingly beautiful thing. This car, part of Bruce Canepa’s extensive collection of exotics, also benefits from other desirable options such as a top of the range 327 V8 with Rochester Ramjet mechanical fuel injection (360 hp), Borg-Warner T-10 close ratio 4-speed transmission, and Positraction limited-slip differential. This classic doe 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds which is quick even by today’s standards.