Determining the value of an original and Immaculate classic car can be a reasonably straightforward undertaking. However, life becomes more complicated when the vehicle in question has been modified. That is the case with this 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe. The current owner has performed a drivetrain upgrade, and while it offers the promise of a spectacular performance increase, it could compromise the vehicle’s ultimate value in the eyes of some purists. The good news is that the buyer doesn’t need to maintain the status quo, as the opportunity exists to return this ‘Vette to its original specifications. If you’re now intrigued, you will find the Corvette located in Springfield, Missouri, and listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set a BIN of $125,000, although he does leave the door open for interested parties to make an offer. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting another fantastic classic for us.
There’s a lot to unpack with this Corvette, and the first thing to note is that the Split Window version is one of the most desirable in today’s market. Perfect examples can command some pretty spectacular prices, and potential buyers tend to snap them up quickly. The seller indicates that a previous owner parked this classic in the 1970s, and it remained untouched for decades. It seems that it was at that point that they stripped away the original Ermine White paint in what appears to have been the start of a cosmetic restoration. However, that work stalled early and hasn’t progressed any further since. The buyer will face the choice of applying a fresh coat of the original shade or selecting a different color to suit their taste. The seller also suggests that it may be worth leaving the car as-is because it would undoubtedly turn heads. The fiberglass looks to generally be in good order, with no serious flaws or defects. There are no underside shots, so the state of the frame is unclear. The owner doesn’t mention any problems in his listing, so there is reason to be cautiously optimistic. It seems that any trim or chrome that is not currently attached to the car is included in the sale, so it appears that this classic is complete. As far as exterior presentation is concerned, this Corvette is a blank canvas for its next owner.
Lifting the hood brings us to the business end of proceedings with this Corvette. The owner has performed a drivetrain upgrade, and it should make this classic run like a startled rabbit. What occupies the engine bay is an LS2 V8 that should be churning out an impressive 400hp. That power finds its way to the rear wheels via a 700R4 transmission. The seller has attacked this as a total package and has upgraded the brakes with slotted discs to help arrest the increased performance potential locked away in this beauty. Rounding out the work, the next owner will find a new radiator, headers, a Borla exhaust, and many new suspension components. Determining a ¼ mile ET would be pure speculation, but the buyer could expect a figure somewhere in the low 13-second region. The mechanical rebuild on this Corvette is complete, and the owner indicates that the motor and transmission have 35,000 miles on them. The car is ready to be driven and enjoyed, and the seller supplies this YouTube video which allows us to hear the LS2 running. It sounds tough and crisp and should command respect wherever it goes.
For potential buyers more focused on originality, the news is pretty good. While the owner has treated this Corvette to a drivetrain transplant, its original L75 version of the 327ci V8 and Powerglide transmission are included. With 300hp on tap, this Corvette would have covered the ¼ mile in 15.2 seconds in its prime. There’s no doubt that the new engine and transmission will deliver far better figures. Still, given the increasing values for Split Window Corvettes, the new owner may decide to maximize their investment by returning the car to a factory-fresh state.
The interior is one aspect of this project build that will require little attention. The owner has treated it to a retrim in stunning red leather, with a matching carpet. The upholstered surfaces appear perfect, while the dash and console are in good order for a survivor. The glove box door is not attached but is included in the sale. There is no center on the wheel, but it may be hidden in the boxes of parts and merely require reattachment. If the buyer reapplies Ermine White to the exterior, it will provide a stunning contrast to this trim combination.
As I said initially, determining the value of a vehicle like this 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe is a difficult task. Once a classic car has been modified, all the rules seem to go out the window. It becomes a case of the vehicle in question being worth whatever somebody is willing to pay. If our feature car were an unmolested and spotless survivor, its value would be somewhere around this seller’s BIN. That leaves the question of what it would be worth in its current mechanical configuration once the panels and paint are returned to a pristine state. This is a case where I am unwilling to stick out my neck, so it will be interesting to read your feedback to see what you think. Over to you.
Based on what I’ve seen on the auctions the last few years the upgraded split window cars have held their own against their stock condition brothers. One thing I like about this car, which includes all of it, is that it’s not jacked up with gas shocks to get big rubber on it. Put the paint on it and maybe it will be worth close what the seller is asking.
What bobhess said. Truth be told, restomod C2s bring more money than NCRS restored cars. And to properly restore a C2 today it will set you back about $125,000 if you take it to a high end shop like Corvette Repair in Valley Stream, NY. That’s not including what you pay for the car. I have restored my 50 year old Corvette mechanically. My stack of receipts is thicker than a 1970s New York City phone book. Remember those?
I agree if you’re talking about a full blown restomod build using an SRIII, Rod Shop, Corvette Correction, etc custom frame, with all modern running gear, rack & pinion, coil overs, power windows, AC, etc. But from looking at the pictures, I don’t see any of that on this car. This isn’t a modern build restomod, but instead just a stock 63 frame with an LS motor and automatic dropped in, new shocks, poly bushings and a disc brake conversion. To me, this is just somebodies overpriced, unfinished hot rod build.
I think Kevin gets more than $125K for his restorations these days. Fortunately, there are still some professional shops out there that can do a high end, NCRS type restoration for under $100K. There are even a few of us left that can do much of our own work.
I bought a 63 split window in about the same condition. I paid 2500 for it and I put about 2000 Dollars into it. It had a later 250 in it ran good and had a great interior. Sorry I sold it.
The price seems right for a finished car with an original drivetrain. Nothing against the LS2, just price it accordingly.
I will happily stick my big fat neck out and state you would have to be out of your mind to pay $125,000 for this crossbreed when you could put a 2023 Z06 in your garage at the same price.
That is 100% true…
To me, this site and everyone on it seems to have lost sight of this fact and it holds true for classic motorcycles as well. For the same money and in most cases a lot less. You can have 10 times the car and performance or bike and performance for a lot less and the dependability to go along with it as well as creature comforts etc, My daily bike ride is a 30 year old ZX1100 kawasaki Ninja. These bikes still had carbs but could turn the 1/4 in 10:20’s at 132mph. I can buy one any day for $2500 and to buy an old Kawasaki Triple it would cost me $25,000. I feel like the robot from Lost in Space, “It does not compute”!!!
Steve, I would have to agree. Totaly
Looks familiar:
https://barnfinds.com/stored-50-years-1963-chevrolet-corvette-split-window/
Comments suggest the car was offered on eBay in March 2021 with a BIN of $65k and sold before auction end.
Overpriced then. Rediculous now.
This car asking price notwithstanding , I have seen modified C2 sell in excess of $225k . Plenty of room to pour cubic bucks and improvements. Rest guys need to step away from this one. But if you want a car to drive? This could be the one. Pay and play!!!
I’ll agree that this car is a little over priced. But to the one saying that you could buy a 2023 for the same price you might be right. Remember that the 2023 will only depreciate and this one will stay the same or appreciate. They aren’t making any more splits and will make almost as many 23’s as they can sell.
@Dennis- No guarantee on my prediction or yours. I will guarantee the 2023 Z06 will outperform the 1963 in any category imaginable.
Very interesting listing here, and I couldn’t agree more with you (quote) …
“It becomes a case of the vehicle in question being worth whatever somebody is willing to pay” .
It would take a particular type of buyer, one who has the vision for the final out come. Oh, and also deep pockets if they decide to go the “Purists” route. Nice one tho’.
I am not a purist
I repeat
I am not a purist
But this rare car in great condition should be left stock
If it were a pile of parts with a split window glued on , one could choose any direction
But in this case , its half modified , half done and 50% overpriced
Claudio, your appraisal was off the mark….it sold and it was a fair price.
Wow, i really am out of tune !
How do so many people want to pay sooo much for a car ?!
If i stopped giving money to non profits and stopped helping others in need , i could buy half of it or i could pull myself out of retirement to pay for a car !
Nah , it would be too difficult to get back in the beat …