Small towns were once the lifeblood of our country. Talent, ingenuity, and a strong work ethic were fostered in small towns all across America and usually followed the highway into the aspiring markets of the larger cities. Lately, many folks have been finding the appeal of small-town America and reinvesting their time and efforts into bringing back that thriving small-town atmosphere.

Nocona, Texas is one such town that has a thriving auto scene as well as the requisite theater, diners and mom-and-pop shops that exude a small-town flavor. The town holds the title of “Classic Car Capital of Texas” and holds the annual Cruisin’ Nocona event, where enthusiasts converge on this small Texas town for three days and enjoy all things automotive. There are cruises, car shows and the Vicari Auctions event, where folks can enjoy their cars, or find a new one.

This ’63 will cross the block at the Vicari Auction during the Nocona event.

Case in point is this 1963 Corvette offered as lot number S491. Beyond the split-window, this car has all the goodies that make it great, but also has a few upgrades that make it even- greater!  This particular car is a numbers-matching restoration, but the restorer took a few liberties that we feel, make the car even more appealing.

The date-coded 327 cubic-inch engine has power steering, and also features an Edelbrock intake and carb. The four-speed transmission now uses a Hurst shifter to choose gears and the ride has been improved by the addition of radial tires on those knock-off wheels.

These additions would make this split-window coupe into a great driver. We’d love to fly in, swoop it up at the two-day Vicari Auction being held right in Nocona during the event, and then enjoy the rest of the event in the car and drive it home. Sure beats bringing just a commemorative mug home from an event!

A split rear window and knock-off wheels keep the sporty, factory vibe going while radials make the miles melt away on the drive home. And, yes, if we bought this car, we’d DRIVE it home!

Whether you’re simply looking for something to do during the first weekend in May, enjoy car shows in small-town America or are looking for a new acquisition for your collection, the Cruising Nocona and Vicari Auctions event has something you’ll truly enjoy!