No Reserve: 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe

Regardless of its desirability, at what point does a classic reach the stage where it is deemed beyond salvation? That is the question posed by this 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe. Its desirability is unquestioned, but time hasn’t been kind to this Coupe. That hasn’t prevented people from making a play for this project, and it will be fascinating to see what someone is willing to pay to take what is left of this classic home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Jeff H for spotting the Corvette listed here on Bring A Trailer in Edgewood, New Mexico. Bidding sits at $6,000 at the time of writing, and with no reserve in play, it is days away from finding a new home.

Many enthusiasts believe that the release of the C2 in 1963 marks the moment when the Corvette came of age. Apart from a few mechanical components, Chevrolet started with a clean sheet when designing its latest model. The approach included a new frame and upgraded suspension, and the improvements that resulted made the Corvette a more “complete” driver’s car. The company also introduced a Coupe to the range, a move that proved inspired. It was breaking new ground, but almost half of all sales during that first year were Coupes. The desirability is heightened by the split rear window design, which the company discontinued after one model year. It makes cars like this among the most desirable C2 Corvettes. However, this classic has fallen on hard times. The Trim Tag confirms that it left the factory finished in Riverside Red, a shade chosen by 4,612 buyers. There is barely a trace of the original paint, but that is the least of the buyer’s problems. The entire front clip is missing, as are both rear quarter panels. The seller scrapped the frame due to damage, though it is unclear whether the damage was accidental or due to severe rust. On a more positive note, the glass and associated trim are intact, and the doors open and close properly. I acknowledge that I’m grasping at straws with those observations, but it demonstrates that it isn’t all bad news with this classic.

The first owner ordered this Corvette with an interior trimmed in Black vinyl. They also ticked the box beside the AM/FM radio on the Order Form, and that item is intact. The seats aren’t bolted down, but are included. The dash is complete, although it is worth noting that the speedometer and tachometer may have come from a ’65 Corvette. The loss of the frame means that, apart from minor suspension and brake parts, the original V8, four-speed transmission, and most steering components are also gone. We can speculate which version of the 327 originally powered this classic, but it would have delivered at least 250hp and 350 ft/lb of torque. However, with so much of this classic now AWOL, anyone wishing to return the car to active service would be forgiven if they choose to pursue a non-original path to create the Split Window of their dreams.

I’m sure some readers will scrutinize the seller’s image gallery and conclude that this 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe has run its final race. However, it seems a few people saw something, because after opening at $1, fifteen bids pushed the price to $6,000 in seven hours. That’s pretty impressive action, and the listing statistics suggest that things are far from over. There is almost a week remaining before the hammer falls, but what do you think someone will eventually pay for this Corvette?