It is said that there are only two certainties in life; death and taxes. Well, I’d like to add a third to that list, and that is the increasing value of Split-Window Corvettes. Anyone who bought one of these classics when they were new and has retained it would have to be laughing all the way to the bank. Even today, they seem to represent a pretty solid investment, and unlike a Share Certificate, this is an investment that you can derive a great deal of enjoyment from between the time you purchase it and the time that you decide to “cash it in.” This Split-Window isn’t perfect, but it is in nice condition, and it is a car that could be used on a daily basis with ease. If that sounds like a winning combination, then you will find it located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set a BIN of $85,000, and given the fact that there are 142 people who are watching the listing, it would seem that there are a few people who feel the same way that I do.
The Corvette is finished in Sebring Silver, and the owner acknowledges that it has received a repaint in its original color at some point in the past. The paint still looks quite good from around 10″ away, but closer inspection does reveal that it has a few flaws. None of these are horrendous, but they are there nonetheless. The worst of these is a crack in the right rear deck, and you can just see it in this photo. The rest are the sorts of stone-chips that tend to accumulate over time, and unless the next owner is seeking perfection, they aren’t something that requires urgent attention. The frame is said to be solid, but the owner does admit that the rear end caps have both been professionally repaired at some point. The trim and chrome appear to be in good order for a driver-quality car, while all of the original glass is free from any obvious flaws. One bonus is that the motors for the headlamps have been recently replaced, and these new motors come with a lifetime warranty.
The interior of the Corvette is finished in Black vinyl, and while it once again isn’t perfect, it is fine for a driver-quality vehicle. The most obvious flaws are a 2″ crack in the dash cap on the passenger side, and some stretching of the vinyl on the base of the driver’s seat. The carpet is slightly faded in spots, and someone has attached a set of box speakers in the rear of the cabin. Otherwise, the interior is quite presentable, and while the original radio doesn’t work and will require attention, the clock has been recently rebuilt, and it now functions perfectly. It is worth noting that the Corvette is fitted with power windows, which was a $59.20 option when the car was new. Of the 21,513 Corvettes that were sold in 1963, a mere 3,742 featured this option.
The Corvette is a numbers-matching car and is fitted with the L75 version of the 327ci V8, producing 300hp. The rest of the package includes a 2-speed Powerglide transmission, power steering, and power brakes. From a “bang for your bucks” perspective, the L75 engine was a pretty decent option for buyers to choose back in 1963. It delivered an additional 50hp over the standard engine, and cost buyers $53.80. The owner says that the engine received a rebuild whilst the car was under the stewardship of its original owner, and this included the block being decked. He doesn’t wax poetic about the car, but does say that it runs, drives, and stops as it should. The Powerglide is a tough transmission, but it does sap the ultimate performance of the car a bit. Still, this is a classic that should still be capable of producing a 15.2-second ¼ mile pass, so things aren’t that bad. Putting that into perspective, if this same car had come equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission, then that journey would be covered in 14.5 seconds. The gap isn’t enormous, but it is definitely measurable. However, unless this Corvette is destined for a life on the drag strip, its performance should be sufficient to keep most people happy.
If you own a 1963 Corvette Split-Window Coupe and it is in pristine condition, then you are also talking about a car that will easily realize a six-figure value. Just how big that number actually is will depend on how the car is specified. A fully restored example with similar specifications to this one could conceivably command a sale price in excess of $140,000. Driver-quality cars will still fetch anywhere from $80,000 to $90,000. That tends to indicate that this car is probably priced about right for its overall condition. However, values keep increasing, and we’re talking about figures of 15% or more over the past 3-years alone. If you took a Stock Certificate to a Cars & Coffee, no-one would care. If you took this Corvette instead, everyone would care. That has to make cars like this a satisfying investment.
When I was in the market for a ’63 in 1983 I came across one with a driver interior and the common mod of 6 taillights. I passed for $11k when I got a ’58 for 6. Now I want that ’63.
Frame has had some work, good inspection needed. Powerglide. Looks like a nice one to cruise in, but do you guys think its worth 85 large??? Good luck, seems pricey but I’m just an ol grey hair. Stay safe.
Cheers
GPC
85K? I can think of so many awesome rides for a mere fraction of that. The investors need to get out of the hobby so more of us car lovers could get back into the game.
Funny, when new these were so unpopular, Chevy only made them a single year.
Popularity had less to do with the one year for the split than safety concerns did.
Once again you said it like it is Adam.
However, as a driver quality car, every time I take it out, I would be thinking of the $85k that would be returning to my bank account someday, and a bit less on the drive.
My humble opinion is, a classic car is to be fully enjoyed……..
Automatic? Boring especially at that price.
This car is a little pricey…and a bit more. And, my usual criticisms apply. And I won’t get into it. I love the ’63’s. I just can not afford them. It’s that simple.
GLWTS.
As stated in some ads. I’ve had two nice 1969 gtos and a 69 RS/SS. I’ve owned a 97 SS Camaro ragtop, a quick car with low production numbers. I am under invested in an IROC ragtop. An amazing pre production car. But my big comparison is to contrast my 09 Aero Viper to this. I am in it for much less than this car due to Canadian money being even with usd at the time of purchase. It’s orange , has a big wing, ice cold air conditioning and pretty stupid fast. I don’t think I would go back.
In 1969 I was told of a ’63 fuel injected coupe [injection was missing] that could be bought for $900. I went and spoke to the seller and he said that he wanted $1100, I offered him $950 and he turned me down. I had second thoughts and went back two days later. He had sold it for $900. You snooze, you loose. I’ll never forget that car.
Turned down $950, but sold for $900? I wonder what persuaded him….. :-)
Have owned some nice muscle cars. I’ll take my 2009 Aero Viper rag over this. Lesser investment, wickedly faster. Ice cold air conditioning. Drive anywhere. Crazy orange. Big wing. Silly attention.
I thought it was the perfect 63 vette til I saw it has a power glide!!!
This looks like an older, body on restoration. Considering what the a-arms look like, and that the frame needed repair, I’d want to get a good look at the rest of the frame and the birdcage, before bidding on it.
I know the seller of this car. He is in the Corvette parts business, and also flips a lot of cars. He’s usually selling projects, a number of which have appeared on Barn Finds in the past. He usually gives a pretty honest description of his cars, but they’re also usually over priced, and I don’t think this ones an exception.
From what I’ve seen, the split window marked has cooled a little in the last year. $85K for a Powerglide car, with a obviously restamped block, seems pretty strong to me.
85k
Soooo many other choices …
🦠😷