Some project candidates tick so many of the right boxes for enthusiasts that it is easy to understand why they generate strong interest. Take this 1963 Chevrolet Corvette as a prime example. It is a desirable Split Window Coupe, although that isn’t the end of the story. Hiding under the hood is its numbers-matching fuel-injected V8 that appears to have received a rebuild. The car requires work to return to its former glory, but it will be one of the most potent classics to roll off the line in 1963 when the new owner lays down their tools. The Corvette is listed here on eBay in Richmond, Kentucky. Bidding sits below the reserve at $99,600, although there is a BIN option of $119,900 for those viewing it as an automotive must-have.

Chevrolet introduced the C2 Corvette for the 1963 model year, and apart from some mechanical components that saw service in the C1, the company developed the latest offering from a clean sheet of paper. One of the most profound changes was introducing a Coupe version, which proved to be an inspired move. Buyers embraced the new variant and its split rear window, with the Coupe accounting for an impressive 49.2% of total sales. This Split Window wears what might be its original Sebring Silver paint, although it looks pretty tired. The seller admits the car requires a complete restoration, but the buyer can commence that process from sound foundations. The fiberglass is in excellent condition, with no evidence of prior accident repairs or damage. They don’t mention rust issues with the frame or birdcage, and the lack of visible corrosion gives cause for quiet optimism. The existing trim is in good order, and the glass is crystal clear. The Corvette is a “what you see is what you get” proposition. Therefore, any items not visible in the supplied photos are not included in the sale.

One component carried over from the 1962 Corvette was the 327ci “Fuelie” V8. This range-topping powerplant produced 360hp and 352 ft/lbs of torque. The power was fed to the road via a four-speed manual transmission, allowing the Coupe to cover the ¼-mile in 14 seconds on its way to 144mph. One interesting fact about the C1 is that the final cars off the line were marginally heavier than the Split Window. The difference was relatively minor, but it produced a measurable difference in performance. The Fuelie option was extremely expensive, adding $430.40 to the sticker price of a C2. This was considerably more than the $107.60 for the L76 version of the 327. The additional $322.80 brought the buyer an extra 20hp and 8 ft/lbs of torque, making it easy to understand why the L76 outsold the Fuelie by a ratio of more than 2:1. The seller confirms the V8 under this Coupe’s hood is numbers-matching, but reveals no further information. Its spotless presentation may indicate a rebuild, but this doesn’t rate a mention. It doesn’t run and is missing a few peripheral items, meaning the winning bidder faces a shopping list to replace those items before the motor roars back to life.

The fuel-injected V8 may have been a relatively rare option chosen by buyers in 1963, but even fewer spent the $80.70 on leather trim. This only found its way into 1,114 Corvettes, which is surprising considering how competitive the price was compared to other options. An AM radio provides a perfect comparison, lightening the buyer’s wallet by $137.75. However, ten times as many people selected that feature than ticked the leather option on their Order Form. It looks like someone has commenced an interior refresh, with a new carpet set installed and new Saddle covers on the seats. However, the fit of the seatcovers is poor, and the winning bidder will undoubtedly try again to achieve a better result. The remaining trim and dash look nice, but the shopping list will extend to a new wheel, a few minor hardware items, and a clock to fill the hole in the dash.

The 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe is one of the most desirable and coveted vehicles in the classic market, with values climbing consistently above the market average. However, it only takes one option to impact the value dramatically. A pristine restoration of this promising project would leave the new owner with a vehicle worth over $150,000 if it featured the L76 powerplant under the hood. The numbers-matching Fuelie in this car could boost the price beyond $200,000. This ‘Vette needs work to reach that point, but there is no reason why it isn’t an achievable goal. Do you agree?