The release of the C2 was a game-changer for Chevrolet’s Corvette. The company focused more on handling to create a genuine driver’s car. However, the introduction of a Coupe variant made the Corvette a practical all-weather cruiser for the first time. This ’63 Split Window is a stunning car featuring a desirable drivetrain combination. The turnkey classic has generated significant interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Clermont, Florida. Bidding has raced to $110,100 due to intense action, and with No Reserve in play, this Corvette is destined for a new home.
Chevrolet effectively started with a clean sheet of paper when designing the C2 Corvette. Only the major drivetrain components found their way under the skin of a car featuring a new frame and a stunning body. The company took an unusual approach with its new generation. Buyers could previously only order a Corvette in Convertible form, but the C2 Coupe was the first of the latest models to have its body design finalized. One of its distinctive features is the split rear window, which received mixed reviews upon release. However, with negative comments significantly outnumbering the positives, this feature remained available for only one year. The original owner ordered this car in Daytona Blue, with the seller admitting it underwent a frame-off restoration at some point. It presents beautifully for its age. There are no significant flaws or defects, and the paint retains an impressive shine. The fiberglass panels feature their original bonding strips, and there is no evidence of accident damage or other problems. The underside shots confirm the powdercoated frame is spotlessly clean and structurally sound. The chrome is excellent, and the glass is flawless.
Buyers could choose from four versions of the 327ci V8 to power their new Corvette in 1963. This car features the L76 version, producing 340hp and 344 ft/lbs of torque. From a “bang for your buck” perspective, this motor was a genuine bargain. It added $107.60 to the Corvette’s sticker price, explaining why over 32% of buyers ticked that box on the order form. The power from this small-block feeds to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, allowing the Coupe to storm the ¼-mile in 14.3 seconds on its way to 139mph. It seems the owner has focused on preservation with this classic, removing the healthy original engine and transmission to protect them from wear and tear. The components fitted to the car are date-correct and also mechanically sound. The winning bidder could retain this classic untouched or return the original parts to restore the car’s numbers-matching status. The Corvette runs and drives perfectly and is a turnkey proposition needing nothing.
There isn’t much to criticize with this Corvette’s interior, trimmed in Dark Blue vinyl. The seller confirms this aspect of the car is original and unrestored, making its condition noteworthy. The carpet has slightly faded, and the needle has fallen off the tachometer, but those are the only defects. The jury is out on the shifter because, while it looks correct, the angle appears wrong in the supplied photos. This might be an illusion, but such questions are worth pursuing on any classic within this price range.
Some individuals within Chevrolet’s management structure harbored doubts about including a Coupe version in the C2 Corvette range, but doing so proved an inspired move. Sales results demonstrated this, with 10,594 people taking one home. That represents a take-up rate of 49.2%, which was unexpected. This one has received thirty-seven bids, proving that the Split Window is as popular today as it was in 1963. Any classic with bidding in six-figure territory can never be considered affordable, but are you tempted to exercise a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by joining the bidding war? I will fully understand if you do.
My favorite year C2. I know its hard to see out of but I just love the looks of a split wi dow. Great engine and trans combo. And one of my favorite colors too. This just looks terrific inside and out. Hope it goes to a good home and stays looking this good and gets driven and enjoyed as it should be.
One incredible looking Vette. I fell in love with the body back in the day, and still love it today. Has all the right buttons have been pushed, I’d love to have it in my garage.
I feel the same about this as I do the new Vettes. If I’m going to spend that kind of money, I’m going to get something along more exotic than a Chevrolet Corvette.
What exotic are you going to find for 100 grand?
If you can find a brand new vehicle that is more exotic than the C8 for the same price, have at it Jim.
It’s nice to see painted headers instead of rusted ones it just looks so clean!
yep….always have to wink at a low mileage body off restoration….lots of bad here to see….but hey if I had one and a just like it Z06 sold for big money – I’d go fishing with mine…..just like it…..
Very nice 4-speed corvette! I did notice the heater core is not hooked up.
Those heater hoses look like the ones in my 73 Corvette. Where I live we have snow and 8 degree temperatures, so no maintenance for awhile. This 63 is a beauty and yes 63 coupes brought insane money at the recent Mecum auction in Florida. But this is no ZO6. However, it is an American icon you can actually drive and enjoy. I guarantee you that $935,000 coupe will only see the inside of a trailer. Just too valuable to be on the road with how people drive today.
Barn finds? this is Barret-Jackson stuff!
It’s a pretty car, and Daytona Blue is a great color, but this car does have some issues.
To start with for a restored car the fit of the hood and headlight buckets is pretty bad. Under the hood parts of the shielding are missing, as are the a-arm flaps and the idler pulley that all 340’s came with. The tach needle’s missing and the heater hoses are disconnected which means it probably needs a heater core. The Chinese aluminum radiator is no where near correct either.
All of the above is minor compared to the suspension and frame. This no hit, low miles car may have a newer frame under it. The triangle frame gussets seen in one of the pictures were not added until 1965. Also the front steering has a stabilizer shock installed on it which was not used on 340 horse cars, because they don’t clear the 340’s larger 6 quart oil pan. It has an aftermarket front sway bar and adjustable tie rod tubes too, but they’re minor compared to the questionable frame.
It’s a pretty car but I hope any buyer laying out over $100K for it better knows what they’re looking at and buying.
Always amazed at the knowledge some of you guys have! Thanks for sharing!
Think this blue/blue has been on here before…..
I agree with the fitment and frame issues you mentioned, and I’ll add that the lower driver’s door fit looks a little off. But the mere mention of “split window C2” will elicit a frenzy among gearheads, and this is the latest case in point.
I own a split window coupe and a 69 Mustang Mach1 with louvers. Candidly, it is easier to see what I’m doing in the SWC vs. the Mach 1.
This one is great with the matching components pulled on this one: The owner of RK Motors in Charlitte does the same with all his vintage Ferraris, so that he can bang on them and enjoy them as they were intended, without the worry of throwing a rod through a matching numbers block. Best of both worlds, so to speak.
Strange that the owner didn’t fix the speedo. But as a 340HP solid lifter/ 4 speed, I still suspect this likely surpasses $150K.
Stowing away Ferrari drivetrain is not the best of both worlds. It’s madness. Does he swap the buckets out for a vinyl bench to keep the leather soft? Does he mount Cragar’s to deal with the curb rash? What do you buy a Ferrari for? For the drivetrain of course.
Why does someone remove the original engine and transmission? In order to preserve it doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.
vette 62 picky picky the car is 60 year old I’ve restored corvettes for over 40years
they were never perfect off the factory floor its fiber glass
If you read his post again you will notice that gbvette62 concedes that the fitment issues were minor. He then rhymed off a litany of woes that expose this car as the fraud it is.