As a passionate enthusiast, it breaks my heart to see a classic like this 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe reduced to this state. Fire is indiscriminate and will happily consume a boring daily driver or a desirable iconic automobile with the same ruthless enthusiasm. Such has been the fate of this Corvette, and there isn’t much left. With that thought in mind, the seller has decided to dispatch the Coupe to a new home via a No Reserve auction. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this American icon listed here on Bring A Trailer in Denison, Texas. You would probably be surprised by the interest this Corvette has generated, as bidding has already reached $25,000.
When Chevrolet unveiled the C2 Corvette in 1963, it brought a welcome surprise. The range included a Coupe variant for the first time, which proved an inspired decision. Over 49% of buyers laid down their cash for a ‘Vette providing all-weather protection. The defining character of the first-year Coupe was its back window. Rather than using a single piece of glass, Chevrolet added a fiberglass center divider, creating the iconic Split Window. It proved distinctive, but not particularly popular. The company returned to a more conventional approach in 1964, making it a one-year-only design feature. Interestingly, some owners found the Split Window so irritating that they handed their cars to dealers who removed the windows, cut away the strip, and installed a ’64 window. Had those owners known how much these cars would eventually be worth, they probably would have lived with the problem. This Coupe would have looked stunning in its original Saddle Tan, but fate has dealt it a cruel hand. The circumstances are unknown, but fire has ravaged this classic. What remains of the fiberglass is heavily compromised and is beyond salvation. The frame has an accumulated layer of surface corrosion, but appears to be structurally sound. Given how little of this car remains, I suspect that it has generated interest due to its intact frame, Tags, and the Texas title.
We’re flying blind regarding this Corvette’s original mechanical specifications because the engine, transmission, and rear end are gone. It would have featured a 327ci V8, because Chevrolet didn’t introduce a big-block until 1965. The company offered four versions of the small-block, with power ranging from 250hp for the entry-level unit to 360hp for the mighty Fuelie. It can be confirmed that the transmission was manual because the interior shots show the clutch pedal is intact. Heat from the fire has likely damaged the steel on any remaining mechanical items, so they are almost guaranteed to end up in the scrap heap.
The first owner teamed the Saddle Tan exterior with an interior trimmed in vinyl of the same shade. It would have looked stunning, creating a very classy appearance. Considering the state of the rest of the car, the interior probably holds the most intact components. The steering column, pedals, seat frames, and e-brake mechanism are visible. Surprisingly, the wiring hasn’t melted, and appears to retain intact insulation. Personally, I wouldn’t trust it because who knows what might be hiding inside the bundles that have been exposed to intense heat.
The bidding on this 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe hasn’t been intense, but the current high bid figure is still pretty impressive. Some readers may question why this is the case, and the answer is pretty easy. Almost any spotless, original Split Window will command a six-figure sum in the classic market, while a Fuelie can hit $200,000 on a good day. This Coupe can never be original or numbers-matching, but a refurbishment performed to a high standard could still generate a sale price of $100,000 or more. That leaves a lot of room to move on a project build, particularly if someone already has an intact drivetrain to bolt into the frame. It might get a second chance at life, but would you consider taking that chance?
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1963-chevrolet-corvette-coupe-192/
In February, something similar sold on BAT for US$70K and while a “matching numbers” restoration won’t be possible, expertly-built restomod 63 coupes can attract over US$500K so the right tags and titles can be valuable. A 1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial in much the same shape (albeit with a non-original engine included) in 2023 realized US$1.875 million.
This is easily worth $45000 with numbers and title.
Not familiar with Vettes, but I assume the VIN numbers are stamped somewhere on the main frame members, so having the correct VIN to prove it is a real split window would allow someone to construct a car around the frame.
63’s were all split windows, which is clearly intact on the first 2 photos here.
Unless it is a convertible, figured everyone would have known that. All hardtops WERE splits!
The only vin number is on the bird cage under the glove box
While the actual VIN tag is spot welded to the reinforcement behind the glove box on 63’s, the VIN is also stamped in two places on the driver’s side (left) frame rail. Which is what gippi was asking above.
All 63 vetts were not split windows.
Figured everyone realized I was referring to the hardtops and not convertibles!
Please share my nightmare with me, it’ll only cost you 25K to begin………..lol
You can not be serious! Somebody is actually willing to drop 25k on a title and two frame rails?
To get this pile of crap to a 100k vehicle would cost well over that.
Only thing that makes any sense to me is that someone has a stolen one and needs the documentation!
Crazy town.
Might be easier just to build one from scratch LOL. I mean, I *love* split-window Vettes, but this is so devoid of components, I think it’s a stretch to call it a car.
Not a car, doesn’t have to be one, but a means to an end: Make a split-window coupe out of a convertible.
I think somebody could use the roof and doors to make a split-window coupe out of a roadster.
Anybody know the legality of salvaging the s/n from the frame?
Re-use the frame and use the convertible as a parts car?
The Corvette’s VIN number identifies whether the car is a coupe or convertible. A “37” in the forth and fifth position of the VIN identifies the car as a coupe, and a “67” in the forth and fifth position indicates the VIN is for a convertible. Adding a coupe roof to a convertible body with a convertible VIN will quickly be revealed by checking the VIN. The trim tag which is found next to the VIN tag behind the glove box, also identifies the car as a coupe or convertible.
It’s illegal anytime you move a VIN from one car to another, or tamper with a VIN in anyway. It’s not say that both (mostly) honest people and crooks regularly move VIN’s around on cars, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s prohibited by both federal and most if not all states laws.
100$ for the title
How much in excise tax will the state want
How much is average retail on a split window?
They couldn’t care less if it’s a fried marshmallow, like the 427 on Saturday, how much is the state going to want?
Thousands of dollars just to complete the title?
Maybe a replica car would be cheaper
Poor baby looks like a fish that has been deboned. Better off buying one that is already well sorted………..it would be cheaper than what this one will end up costing to restore.
Okay, is everyone on crack? This is garbage. 100%. I guarantee the opening bid is the owner themselves trying to find a sucker.
Garbage like TRUTH said. 40 years ago, this would have been crushed
Wow…!!! Nope…
I’d put it on a rock crawler chassis. I was betting the seller was Beverly Hills Car Company…they always have sketchy (pulled from a swamp, barn, etc) ads for vehicles that are overpriced.
Exactly my thoughts – owner using burner phone & fake account to bid up prices.
The Half shell is Worth max 3k$
Engine cradle is junk – it’s only good to be dropped on a old Blazer Frame & run it as a Baja Blaster – plexiglass windshield & rear pieces
Don’t need the doors & a cheap 1 piece front shell can be dropped on from Drag race suppliers
Possible to build it out for 25-35k with good 400 marine small block.
Exactly my thoughts – owner using burner phone & fake account to bid up prices.
The Half shell is Worth max 3k$
Engine cradle is junk – it’s only good to be dropped on a old Blazer Frame & run it as a Baja Blaster – plexiglass windshield & rear pieces
Don’t need the doors & a cheap 1 piece front shell can be dropped on from Drag race suppliers
Possible to build it out for 25-35k with good 400 marine small block.
You can say that again!
Zora is spinning in his grave……
This one will be at Mecum in a year and will bid to $500k, a fool and their money are soon parted.
I’ve never seen a sunroof in a 63 before
It was a popular add on to split windows, back in the ’70’s….page 248 in the JC Whitney catalog….
Good one Big C … yuk yuk
There must be some real magicians out there !
Heck, would make an easy father/son (or father/daughter) project, take up a few weekends, perhaps. Get it running and drive as-is, yes? Show up at cars-n-coffee by August!
If I still had my Chevy store out in Dakota with full body shop & all the needed tools – 3k max for these parts & I’d put the shell on a 4×4 Blazer frame & make it a Mud Dragger – Dune Blaster BAJA racer – Full out Race suspension & Monster Marine 400 Sm Block EFI 30k in parts less than 35k invested
Engine cradle is junk – no front end – don’t NEED the Doors or Rear glass.
Plexiglass good enough for windshield & rear pieces.
Cheap paint with a Logo on Side & run it as Dealer sponsored mud & sand dragger & Baja Blaster
No other possible build unless you drop 150k in parts & labor for a non original 63 Worth 70k – so it’s a money loser on a stock build.
Owner is using burner phone to bid up w/fake accounts it’s a pig
63 vette needs a lot..no motor. Tranny to validate the car numbers..put a 350 in it hope for the best…I’d be really cautious with no front end…its been.wrecked..would never drive right and pull badly..body really rough..not gonna paint out.lots of body fiberglass bondo..it’s just to rough. To invest.in..
Well now, that’s an understatement if i’ve ever heard one.
No gas cap. I’m out.
Sold for $30,500. Disgusting
Boomers be Wilding thinking that trash is worth a DIME.
A Same year CENTURION BODY KIT – on a custom frame-it has Grand Sport Vette styling but better – a full build would run 125k done proper – it’d sell for 175-225k.
As it is these Boomer prices are about to CRASH OUT BADLY.
absolutely no reason to pay 25k for a Junk badly damaged shell and busted up parts.
I’m thinking GHOST BIDDERS are trying to make it SEEM as if it has value – the owner using a Burner phone setting up fake accounts & bidding his own JUNK up in hopes a SUCKER jumps