I couldn't resist grabbing the full story about this 1963 Corvette discovery from Chris DeLapp as posted on Facebook... Read on, it's fascinating...

If this story is too lengthy I apologize but a friend suggested it was worth telling to you folks.
Back in 1966 the first week my uncle Greg returned from Vietnam (infantry radio operator) he bought a 1963 split window numbers matching corvette. He wrecked it the first week he had it, had it repaired and wrecked it two more times over the next 3 years, having it fixed each time. In 1969 he tired of the corvette and sold it to a friend of his. The car lived in Mauston, WI for a few more years until the owner relocated and took the corvette with him. I was born in 1972 and growing up I remember my dad and my uncles talking about that car and regretting ever selling it. Hindsight is 20/20. I recall seeing pictures of the car as it was candy apple red. Sweet car. For the next 41 years all we had were stories and a few pictures.

Well over the past 10 years I have developed a passion for 1960's Allis Chalmers garden tractors. About 2 weeks ago I posted a wanted ad on Craig's list and got a call from an older guy who said he was retired and selling off his stuff so he can move out of state. I went down to his place in Stoughton, WI and we made a deal on a few parts. Starting talking and found out he was from Mauston, WI and new my dad, uncle Greg and uncle Jeff. He was good buddies with uncle Greg. Once that common thread was discovered and we figured who knew who he made the unforgettable comment; "I have your uncle Greg's corvette in the garage". Needless to say I was dumbfounded. I asked if I could see it and of course he said yes.

We talked about the stories I had heard and he confirmed them and he went on to explain that after he left Mauston, WI with the corvette he opened his own body shop and had recently retired and hand not had time to finish restoring the corvette.

When we walked into the garage the corvette body sat in primer on stands with the frame fully complete and ready for the body. It was awesome to see the corvette and could only wish my deceased uncle Greg could have seen the car. It sent shivers down my spine. I called my dad and uncle Jeff and they couldn't believe I had found the car all because of some old garden tractors.

My uncle Jeff is a car guy, restored Charger and a restored Challenger T/A, I can only hope he goes after the corvette.

Here is a picture of the car as it sat in the garage, sorry don't have any original photos. I know it isn't abandoned or neglected but to me sure makes a cool story.