When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
My dad passed away this year and left me his 1963 Corvette and I am trying my best to care for it, baby it and just enjoy it like I know would make my dad happy. Decided to take it to a car show but I have to select a classification out of - Corvette stock, corvette custom or G.O.A.T or simply classic. I am just learning and not sure which one to pick and was hoping someone on here could help me make a selection. My dad loved this forum and he would tell me to ask you all I am sure of it
Last edited by Reneerose; Aug 27, 2025 at 04:14 PM.
My dad passed away this year and left me his 1963 Corvette and I am trying my best to care for it, baby it and just enjoy it like I know would make my dad happy. Decided to take it to a car show but I have to select a classification out of - Corvette stock, corvette custom or G.O.A.T or simply classic. I am just learning and not sure which one to pick and was hoping someone on here could help me make a selection. My dad loved this forum and he would tell me to ask you all I am sure of it
Sorry for the loss of your Dad. It looks like he left you a beautiful car. Since I'm not familiar with the "GOAT" classification, I'd probably enter it in the Corvette Custom category.
Just about every club, organization, or entity that puts on a show has their own idea of how to classify cars for judging. Your best bet is to ask the people putting the show on what their particular standards are for determining a car's classification.
Stock is easy. Stock is usually how it left the factory, with maybe an exception or two for something like an aftermarket radio, and/or Vintage Air.
Modified can be be a car with just "bolt on" modifications such as mag wheels, a chrome air cleaner or a hood swap. Other groups may base modified on the number of modifications, such as three or five items or modifications.
Custom is sometimes considered to be cars with body modifications like removed emblems, six tail lights, or a custom scoop molded onto a hood, but another group might say more than three or five modifications make a car a custom.
With the engine swap, mag wheels and whatever other modifications may have been made to it that we can't see, whatever class the show organizers determine the car belongs in, I'm sure it won't be in "stock".
It's a beautiful car and a great treasure to have to keep your father's memory alive.
Very Nice car. If those are the four categories for a certain show, I would go for GOAT. In general, it would always fit Corvette Custom. Sorry for your loss. - Rob
Sorry for the loss of your Dad. Hopefully the cherished memories will out weight the pain of his loss over time. When you sit in that beautiful '63 SWC he will be proudly smiling down on you.
As far as what class your car is in I agree with gbvette62 let the show people decide but it's certainly not stock.
Condolences ... It's been over a dozen years ago, and while it doesn't sting as sharply as it once did, I still miss my Dad.
Your Dad had great taste. It is a gorgeous car, and definitely not stock, but I love how the wheel choice compliments the silver, and agree that many car shows have differing criteria.
I know he'd be proud to see you carrying on his tradition of caring for his car...
I will say this. Who cares what a club calls the car. Everyone and club has a slight difference of opinion on a class. Just enjoy the car and have fun. If you enter it in a car show with classes then let that club put it where they see fit. I for one never been to a local show and shine with classes. So keep enjoying it put a smile on your face when you smash the go pedal and think of your dad often while doing it.