Decisions, decisions. Imagine for one moment that you were the person who discovered this 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe hidden away in a barn. You’ve performed a mechanical revival, returning the car to a roadworthy state. That begs the question of what you would do from there. Those are the choices facing the buyer once they have taken delivery of this classic. It runs and drives well, offering scope to preserve this Corvette as a proud survivor. Alternatively, it is a prime candidate for a restoration that could recapture its youthful good looks. The seller has listed the Corvette here on Craigslist in Tustin, California. They have set their price at $100,000, meaning that this isn’t an affordable project candidate.
When Chevrolet introduced the C2 Corvette for the 1963 model year, it added a Coupe variant for the first time. It proved an inspired decision, with the Coupe accounting for over 49% of total sales in the first year. The new model also introduced a split rear window into the mix, a decision that divided opinions among owners. Some liked the quirky appearance, while others found the additional strip of fiberglass prone to blocking rearward visibility in some circumstances. It appears that Chevrolet was listening, because that feature disappeared permanently the following year. The history of this one-owner ’63 Coupe is unclear, with the seller describing it as a barn find. Certainly, the tired Saddle Tan paint supports that claim, making a cosmetic restoration appear the most obvious choice moving forward. It will be a major undertaking, because with plenty of checking and other flaws, stripping the body entirely would seem to be the only option. However, the fiberglass looks good, and if the car has spent its life in its current location, frame and birdcage rust may not be an issue. Any cosmetic refresh would involve sending many of the chrome trim pieces to the platers, but the glass looks okay.
It would be best to describe this Corvette’s Saddle interior trim as serviceable, because there is evidence of deterioration and UV damage to many surfaces. A retrim would seem the obvious solution, although much will depend on the buyer’s approach to the exterior. The parts required are readily available, making restoration a viable option. The seller supplies no engine shots, and the information regarding the car’s mechanical specifications is sadly lacking. It should derive its power from a 327ci V8, and it features a manual transmission. The entry-level transmission was a three-speed in 1963, although with over 83% splashing the extra $188.30 on a four-speed, the odds are that this car features that unit. Whatever the truth, the seller performed a revival that involved replacing the exhaust and tires. This beauty is registered, roadworthy, and appears to be a turnkey proposition that can be enjoyed immediately.
If I were a betting man, I would wager that this 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe will divide opinions. Some would argue that the best course of action would be to perform a cosmetic refresh, while others will contend that since they are only original once, preservation is a better option. Honestly, I don’t know which path I would choose. The seller’s price is far from what many would consider affordable, but with values climbing, purchasing and restoring this classic might make sound financial sense, especially as a long-term investment. Do we have any readers willing to rise to that challenge?
Nice find but, for me, to answer you last sentence question, my reply is “No.” For the $100K I could buy three Pontiac Solstice GXP manual trans and all options, coupes. Low to no miles. Sigh, neither is going to happen.
But I can imagine driving the ’63 to cars ‘n coffee and install a driver controlled “oil drip’ on the exhaust so it looks like it’s on its last gasp, then open the hood to reveal a completely concours detailed motor and engine compartment!
To each one’s own…
If I were around in 63 (close, but not quite) I would have been amongst those who were happy to see Chevy ditch the split window.
Today I don’t see spending the uncharge for what many considered a flawed design.
Obviously, many disagree with me and that’s perfectly fine. I don’t tell other people how to spend their money.
Gone….
If this is worth $100,000, there is a $200,000 NCRS “Survivor” in the town I live in.
A hundred grand doesn’t leave any room to play…
Well, $100,000 ain’t what it use to be so spend it while it’s worth something!
OVERPPRICED
Stick a shadow on a car for sale!!!
The listing is gone. Too much $$ for this car.
Way out of my league, but it would be interesting. I’ve heard 1st year C2’s have many unique features, not all good… probably rare and expensive to restore.
Older Vettes develope the same hairline cracks as older speed boats and for the same reason, fiberglass vs. vibration. I would deduct the price of a complete body off resto and offer that. I can’t tell from the pictures but there could be cracks all over this car.
Older Vettes develope the same hairline cracks as older speed boats and for the same reason, fiberglass vs. vibration. I would deduct the price of a complete body off resto and offer that. I can’t tell from the pictures but there could be cracks all over this car.
I was 13 when my future brother in-law drove up in a brand new white 4sp ’63 ‘Vette. Back in the day you put newspapers all over the floor of a car and sprayed a tint coat on windows, the excess dripped off. Bob, my brother in-law sold the car for $3,200. He then came over w/a ’64 black, w/red interior bucket seat Ford Galaxy 500, 4sp. I remember the engine went fender to fender & had two huge carburetors. All his cars were always completely spic&span. He was hugely muscular. Meeting my Dad for the 1st time, leaving he stood & held out his hand. Saying nothing, my Dad glanced at his hand, turned back to the TV. Bob angrily said; ‘Mr. McKahan I’m so damn glad you finally got to meet me!’ Stormed out the door slamming it. My sister burst into tears, ‘Daddy! How could you?’ and ran to her bedroom crying. Bob smoked both tires all the way down our street slamming gears. I sat petrified, Dad turned to me and calmly said; ‘I think he’s going to be alright.’ Dad passed the same year, Bob passed about six years ago. Best brother in-law a guy could ever have wished for. Seeing this ‘Vette brought back so many great memories, thanks.
Thanaks for sharing those memories with us. I could almost hear the tires as the squealed and smoked with protest as the propelled the car.
sold sold sold
The console shows automatic trans. 2 speed power glide, yuck.
Oh ! Look another Holy Grail !
I paid 3500 for a saddle tan 63 spilt window with factory air in 68 or 69 4 speed car
I was at a used car lot one summer weekend in 1970, and they had a white ’63 Corvette convertible with blue vinyl. Their asking price was $2,495. The mileage was around 70,000 miles. I could have afforded the physical car, but not the insurance. I was only 21 at the time.
The average sale price for a nice, (or nicely restored) split seems to be about $130k. So, unless there were some serious chassis issues, buying for $100k and doing some interior work and a nice paint job for $20k wouldn’t put it over-value. Unlike some other classics where the value fluctuates by generational preference, these Vettes are only subject to the economy, (like every other car) and will continue to out-perform the S&P 500. Speaking of economics, this car was $4200 new in ’63, which, (at 954% inflation) equals $44k today. Sobering comparison to a base 2025 C8 at $68k, or a 65% premium to purchasing power.
The paint work alone would use up your budget.
My betting eye would say this is a 3 speed by the looks of the shifter.Either way for 100k your upside down from the Jumpstart. If you’re talki ng fuelie & 4 speed then you might find some interest.
Gone off craigslist
$100,000 to much for a project? Depends on who you are. There are folks (not in my circle) to whom $100,000 is chump change. If you are that person and want a split window then by all means go for it (somebody did,it sold). More power to ya. :-) TJ
It’s 2025 and seemingly undiscovered Split window Coupes are still rolling out of barns. How many more can there be?
I had a 62 and a 63 back in 1968. Oddly both 3 speeds…never saw another one in person. On this 63….i could see myself using it as is..a driver….when finally done with that it will still be worth a bunch…but 100k now…pass
you will probably never a split with a body like that you might be able to find one around 80 but chances are it wont be a body like that the reason it is not on craigslist anymore is it is sold one like that is so rare to find in the first place 100,000 is not to bad its only money
I was at a used car lot one summer weekend in 1970, and they had a white ’63 Corvette convertible with blue vinyl. Their asking price was $2,495. The mileage was around 70,000 miles. I could have afforded the physical car, but not the insurance. I was only 21 at the time.