With the 1963 split-window coupe being one of the most desirable ‘Vettes from the C2 era, it’s not surprising that demand is high and supply is short, so to own a pair of them is one of the joys in life most people won’t get to experience. The seller here has no less than 4 of the Chevy two-seaters in his garage, plus a first-generation Camaro that appears to be set up as a drag car, or maybe that one’s more of a showpiece. However, he’s looking to part with the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette in primer, so if you’ve always dreamed of owning a split window model, this one’s probably worth considering. It can be found here on Facebook Marketplace in Manchester, Maryland, with a price tag of $98,500. We’d like to say thanks to Barn Finds reader T.J. for the tip!
The seller mentions that his Corvette has been stored for three decades, and it also comes with documentation from the previous owner going all the way back to 1971, when he bought it. We’re also told the original color was black, with the seller already having a paint job scheduled after December, but he’s considering letting it go now while still in primer. All of the panels here seem to be in fine condition, so I’m guessing this one’s had most of the necessary prep work done and is close to ready to be driven into the booth.
The red interior is said to be original, and other than a missing turn signal stalk appears to be pretty much complete. To have this much age and remain in such nice shape leads me to believe this Corvette has been well cared for its entire life, and I would likely choose to just continue preserving the components inside the way they are for as long as possible, that is unless something needs to be repaired in the future.
It would be good to have the numbers-matching engine still in place, but this one’s powered by a 1966 date-code 327, which is said to be running well. A new gas tank, aluminum radiator, and mufflers have been installed, along with new brakes and a master cylinder. The seller invites potential buyers to come inspect the car on his lift and offers test drives, so it sounds like he’s confident in this car, and I’m sure it won’t take very long for this 1963 Chevrolet Corvette with the dual rear glass to find a new home. What do you think?
Normally I don’t like cars in primer, claimed to be “ready for paint”. I much rather see a car in bare glass or one needing to be stripped and prepped so I know exactly what the body looks like, instead of taking a chance that it’s not just a quick primer job to hide a lot of sins. That said, I’d probably be willing to take a chance on this car if the seller is who I think they are. I’m pretty sure this car is being sold by Rod Saboury, the builder of the 63 Corvette called the world’s fastest street car, a “street legal” 6 second 53 Corvette, as well as many other restored and racing Corvettes. It’s a shame the original engine is gone.
You are right, I thought so too and Googled his name and Camaro.
Steve R
He has been nationally known since the 1980’s. I believe his first nationally known car was the 69 Z/28 Camaro that he had in high school. He built it into a Pro Street car and won a lot of national awards back in the day.
I’m partial to original 69 Z/28s but I’m also of the opinion that “It’s your car and you can modify it however you want to.” I have a 57 Bel Air that I modified with a 302 DZ Camaro motor, Turbo 350 transmission, variable ratio power steering and power brakes.
My nephew will eventually inherit it, and he intends to go back to the stock 283/PG. He’s happy that I did it all without drilling one hole in the car and kept all the original parts. I’m sure it will go to a good home, but not sure about him undoing a lot of engineering and fabrication that went into it.
Buying this car from Rod Saboury is like buying a 69 Z/28 Camaro from Jerry MacNeish. When the seller is an expert who likely knows a lot more than you do, just take his word for it and decide if you want to pay his price.
Too much money for so much left to do.
I agree 👍
find a cheaper one that’s ready for paint and mechanically sound and I’ll agree with you. Hasn’t been one sell on BAT for under $125K in over a year and they list one every week.
I’m with you I think that price is a good one
In 1963 I was in Nam at 31 years old with extra holes in my body. ALWAYs loved that split window coupe, but under my recent circumstances it will still be just a dreamed Would enjoy all that needs to be done..
Thanks for your service !
Thank you for your service!
I’m constantly appalled at the prices these C2 vettes are bringing nowadays. I’ve got a 65 that I paid a dollar a pound for…$3500. Of course I got it in 1970, but the idea it may be worth 30 times what I paid for it just boggles my mind!
And I also purchased a 66 with a 300 hp 327 w glide for $3,900 in 1976. Woulda coulda shoulda kept it. Wished I wouldn’t of listened to my 2 year younger brother to sell it because they for sure will be going down in value. Yeah right!!! Although I did sell it for $10,000 in 1988.
I remember working the summer in a body shop to get my 62 repaired. All I can remember is that all day I sanded on corvettes. Fender flairs, and the occasional 63, that came in because the owner wanted his 63 to now become the newer 64, without the split window.Boy to be back in the day, now. Still no $$, and we didn’t know any better.
I don’t understand why you wouldn’t go ahead and paint it now someone has to remove all the trim etc
By the pictures provided it looks to be a very rusty car?
It still needs too much work for that kind of money. Given the condition of the engine compartment, this little darlin’ needs a rotisserie goin’ over. Personally, other than the relative rarity of a split window, I don’t get the prices. If you’re looking for a “trailer queen” then one of these is the ticket but if you want something you can drive on a sunny day, I would look elsewhere. I’ve owned 11 Corvettes and one of them was a ’63 coupe. Only kept it for one year. They ride like a buckboard, and the inability to see clearly behind you is maddening. Some “collector” will probably spring for this kind of money, drop another 60 or 70K in it (at a minimum) and have the “satisfaction” of knowing that they own a ’63 split window. If that’s the case and they have the extra dollars floating about then more power to them. Personally, every Corvette that I have owned was bought to be driven. After all, that is what they are designed for.
like O.R I’d drop the price (20K$?). Additionally…
nota body guy but they tell me primer aint meant to be exposed like this
(UV light damage?, open/rough coat? not sure).
May B the splitie goes for that much more $? Only vette I’d go for besides the
’58/’60 (dash board and rear deck) anyway.
1963 split windows are the biggest sellers in the C2 world. Today, a black 63 coupe was sitting at about $140,000 with 1 hour to go on BAT. Sold for more than $210,000. Last week a red 63 coupe sold for $230,000. No fuel injection on either. Yes, this seller wants a ton. I’d rather have that Goodwood 67 convertible.
And just like I said, they will both sit in a climate controlled environment and never be driven. Even if I had the money (and I don’t) I would never buy a “driver’s car” and park it. They were designed to be driven.
That’s a lot to pay for a silly strip of fiberglass. Crazy prices that are sure to come crashing down, one day. I prefer the same car with disc brakes and the newer style interior, 1965-67, and for 1/3 the price. 14 years ago I was interested in a decent SWC in Redding, CA asking price of $42k, but I had just purchased a 1965 coupe with factory AC, pw, ps, pb, telescopic steering wheel and leather that I paid $35k for so mine seemed like a much better deal than this nice but little optioned coupe.
As O.R. said, something doesn’t look right here. Rod Saboury’s reputation is good, but nobody puts a quality paint job on a 63 split window with the engine compartment in the condition that’s shown. What goes on there?
The ad states that the frame is solid, but I would worry about what’s under that primer. If Rod Saboury saw the fiberglass before the primer went on, I’d take his word that it’s good. But if he bought in in primer intending to build it some day, there could be anything including a bunch of Bondo under there.
The ad suggests looking at it in person, so he’s confident that it’s good. For the asking price I’d do some research on who did the work that’s been done on it. Just going to his shop to look at it (and the other stuff) would be worth the trip if you’re interested in it.
I’m with you I think that price is a good one
hoh man , life is a b!tch !
As a young gearhead father , i was able to build a nice 69 rs camaro to my liking , i couldn’t have a 2 seater cause of 2 kids but had enough money to buy one , now that i am older, kids are gone but replaced by grandchildren, too lazy to work full time and do not want to pick at savings , i still have to pass on these …
Yup, life is a b!tch
YOLO
And a happy new year