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Barn Find Split Window: 1963 Chevrolet Corvette

Even as the muscle car landscape shifts and younger buyers begin to look at newer models, there are some cars that will survive the test of time. The split window Corvette is seemingly one of those models that will always be appealing to enthusiasts of every age as the looks are timeless and the rarity of cars equipped with the two-piece back glass will keep values high. Speaking of values, the seller is asking $90,000 or best offer for the Corvette here on eBay and located in Medina, Ohio. 

In addition to the limited production nature of the split window models, this particular Corvette also left the factory with a leather interior, power steering, power brakes, power windows, and an automatic transmission. So, from an options standpoint, it could be considered well-equipped – which may entice some Corvette collectors to make a run at that lofty asking price. More important, however, are the seller’s claims that the drivetrain is numbers-matching and that the rust-prone birdcage is in good shape.

The color isn’t exactly exciting, but it’s also not common, either. I’m a big believer in rare colors being a very realistic consideration when assessing value, so even if it’s not the more popular red or black, at least it’s not a shade you see every day. The “Saddle Tan” paint job may be tired, but hopefully the next owner will repaint it in its original colors. The Corvette has been in storage for 20 years, but some of that time had to have been outside given how rough the paint is. The seller also admits he hasn’t attempted to spin the motor, and he doesn’t know the condition of it or the transmission.

The interior also bears the scars of years’ worth of outdoor exposure. Not that the windows were down, just that the sun beat on the leather seats for quite some time along with the rest of the cabin. However, with the seller claims of a solid structure underneath, restoring a car like this given the wealth of aftermarket and OEM-grade parts resources means putting the interior back to new won’t be a monumental task like repairing the birdcage would be. The asking price is strong, but the “best offer” option usually indicates the seller is willing to entertain offers. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Troy for the find.

Comments

  1. bobhess bobhess Member

    That’s one dirty car. Contrary to Jeff’s comment I’d say you don’t get that much dirt in the interior if the windows weren’t down for a significant period of time, especially in the baggage area. No do it yourselfers on this car with that asking price but it’s well worth restoring. Still one of the best designs ever put on the road.

    Like 13
    • Avatar PJ

      I see one listed on ebay for $160,000. It’s already restored. It’s a manual. Just sayin…… I think I’d pony up for the running and driving car.

      Like 22
  2. Avatar Mono

    Denumber its asking price to 5% and you have the real price.
    For a parts car. Why do people estimate their crap is worth
    just 100k, with a cracked dashboard? I dont understand it.

    This is too far gone. Is this not daytona gold? Wheel caps
    with faux knockoff.

    What engine? KM, mileage if you want?

    Like 4
  3. Avatar Mike K

    #1 why would a car like this sit in the sun for as long as it took to do that to the interior?
    #2 who in there right mind would spend $90,000 just to have the honor of putting another $100,000 to make this, formerly rare beauty, right ?
    Better have some deep pockets.

    Like 24
  4. Avatar Srt8

    In my honest opinion (which by the way is worthless) there will be a market correction on these cars. It probably will not be in my lifetime but based on my observations of the classic car market over the last 50+ years the cycle peaks and then declines (not flattens).
    I say this as I watched my auto shop teacher in the late 70’s pay crazy $$$ for a ’57 T Bird as their value was skyrocketing. Today he could buy that same car for what he paid for it then if not slightly less. My Grandfather had a mid ’30s Chevrolet that he sold in the 40’s. During the same time frame (late 70’s) he wanted to buy it back but it would’ve cost more then than what he could buy it for today (well if he did buy it today it would freak folks out as he died 10 yrs ago).
    This is not taking into account 1979 dollars vs today either. As stated above, this is my opinion based on what I’ve seen and in no way uses any real data.

    Like 9
  5. Avatar Anthony Macaws

    When this 63 Corvette was listed on eBay a few days ago it looked very familiar. Do a search on this website, barnfinds, and see if the same vehicle wasn’t posted here SEP 13, 2014. At first glance, it doesn’t appear the exact same car. However, certain marks on body, the folds in the drivers seat cover, dealer sticker/decal on rear, etc., indicate its the same car. I recognized it immediately, as I have been fascinated with “Barn Find” vehicles for a very long time. I’m curious.

    Like 6
  6. Avatar JohnfromSC

    @Srt8, I said the same thing a year after the 50th anniversary of the Jaguar Etype. They made tens of thousands of them.Yet a good ( not great) series one that was $150 K tops is now $200k. I think some designs are simply notable, clearly distinct from the crowd. And they only made 10,000 of these, with fewer surviving.My guess is the biggest dip we’ll likely see is 10% for quality SWC examples, and that will be temporary.

    With that said, this one isn’t any $90K car in my book, and I own a 327/340 Hp 4 speed in my garage.

    Like 12
    • Avatar Srt8

      Yeah, I’ve seen anomalies to that trend. I should’ve done a better job explaining my stance as reading it now looks like I was referring to the SWC exclusively instead of the market for 60’s to very early 70’s cars in general. I do agree with you that some should and will hold, to your point on the E types; they have a very large following which should help for a while.
      The SWC is my all time favorite ride and I’m a Mopar guy so that says something, not sure what but it’s something. When I was younger I rented an apartment over a hardware store and the owner’s son had one that he treated like a red headed stepchild (no offense meant to either) and even then it just amazed me. 2nd on my list is the ’67 427/435 hp tri power. I worked for an auto mechanic when I was in Jr high and he had one, I spent as much time checking it out as I did sweeping and cleaning tools.

      Like 3
  7. Avatar Frank Sumatra

    I think the owner should have asked for $1,000,000. He would have as much chance as getting that as he will getting $90K.

    Like 8
  8. Avatar GuernseyPagoda

    I live in Medina(same town), so let me know if anyone wants me to go take a look at how they can way overspend their hard earned money.😄

    Like 15
  9. Avatar Big C

    You ask $90k, and you can’t take the time to see if the engine turns over? I’ll never, ever, deal with these car flipping vipers.

    Like 14
    • Avatar Dave

      He didn’t want to break free the original rusted cylinders

      Like 9
  10. Avatar Joe Haska

    I agree with most of the comments, especially Srt8, we could have a serious conversation sharing our views, even if they are un popular and we know it. Sometimes you just have to be real and honest, even when it goes against, what you want to believe. However 90 k for this project, not im my world.

    Like 9
  11. Avatar Chris Member

    Somebody’s been watching too much Barret Jackson

    Like 5
  12. Avatar Jon

    Heck, this guy must think he has gold. Last week a good car friend of mine was watching Mechum auctions and a 63 coupe went for under $70,000. That’s not a typo with a 1 in front of the 7 missing. And he said it was a very nice presented SWC.

    Like 2
  13. Avatar dogwater

    Well we will see when the time run out if 90k holds up
    I think its about a 50k car

    Like 2
  14. Avatar Arthur Courchesne

    At what point do we just call the pricing of these old classics just shear stupidity. The only one driving the prices up on these are the ones buying them! It is all about people trying to make a quick dollar preying on those who can’t see themselves passing up what they think might be the last chance to own one of these cars. I owned 3 C-2’s and really could not see myself owning any other type but it will never happen given the exotic prices now being asked for a project car. Think of all the cars you can buy with 90g’s today that you just have to jump in and turn the key!

    Like 2
  15. Avatar Carbob Member

    A seller is entitled to ask whatever they want for something. If this seller finds someone that’ll pay the crazy asking price then hip hip hooray for both the buyer and seller. Personally I have given up trying to apply logic to the collector car world anymore.

    Like 5
  16. Avatar Curtis Sloan

    Take a look… This corvette was listed on this website SEP 13, 2014. Current eBay listing says, “just pulled from sitting for over 20 years”. Look closely at both listings, same marks on body, same wear/folds in seat cover, 56K miles, same original dealer decal/sticker on rear, etc. Red flags and at $90,000?!

    Like 4
  17. Avatar george mattar

    Seller is not stupid. He must be watching current pricing on 63 coupes. It is out of sight with base 300 hp coupes in top condition selling for $150,000 and thereabouts. The 63 coupe is the hottest C2 on the market today. While most, including me consider the 67 the best one, they are selling for as low as $50,000 in driving condition. I have had the good fortune of driving a Bloomington Gold 63 SW fuelie and it was a thrill to say the least, but try seeing out that back window. The good thing about this car, while in terrible shape, is that a Powerglide car wasn’t likely raced or hammered to death.

    Like 1

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