1963 was a great year for the Chevrolet Corvette, as it marked the first model of the second generation plus also introduced the name “Sting Ray” that came to be associated with the vehicle. It’s also the first year that the Corvette was available as a coupe, but probably the most iconic detail that the ’63 is remembered for is that split rear window design that the coupes got in the back. Cool as it was, safety concerns emerged quickly due to the pillar between the glass causing rear vision to be difficult, resulting in this being a one-year-only design with even some cars eventually having their dual glass panels replaced with a single glass unit. That’s a no-no for a 63’s desirability these days, and fortunately, the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette coupe for sale here on eBay has not succumbed to this treatment. The car is located in Churubusco, Indiana, and would be worth a look if you’ve been in the market for a C2. The current bid is at $92,300.
The seller says that this Corvette has been in the care of a long-time owner who has had the car since 1983. The car is finished in a Daytona Blue color which is said to be an older paint job, showing some minor bumps in the finish and a few imperfections in the body such as this one. The Corvette has also received a body repair on the right rear quarter, according to an invoice that was found with the car, but overall the car looks pretty good and shouldn’t need all that much attention to bring to better driver-quality condition.
The Saddle interior presents well and is said to have only minor wear, with a nice condition instrument cluster and dashboard. The gauges are all working, except for the mileage and trip odometer, and the instrument panel lights are also not functioning due to a faulty headlight switch, although the headlight doors and all other lighting is in working order.
The engine is a non-numbers matching 327 with a 1/64 date code. It’s stated to run well and doesn’t smoke, but there is some forged piston noise, and while the latter is said to not be excessive it does raise an eyebrow over the internal component integrity. Idle oil pressure is 60 pounds, and the car has had a recent oil change, The bell housing and transmission appear to be original, with a matching VIN stamp on the manual transmission.
The Corvette runs and drives but the seller recommends that it be checked over for service needs prior to a long drive, and also mentions that the tires need to be replaced due to their age. What are your thoughts on this 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window coupe?
If I had the cash I’d have it.
Regardless of the small issues, can’t find these very often on the market. It will only appreciate in value.
Unless you try to add value with the matching numbers as original. All it takes is a future buyer to prove otherwise and you will be giving much of your appreciation back. Car needs to be sold as is with no claims to originality. If the seller knows it is a restamp they need to divulge that because a buyer can find out otherwise.
Tire manufactureres were not stingy with the size & number of white tire letters/digits in the ’80s. lol
I think this gen may look better with thin whitewalls.
These wheels should have been avail on ’68-’81 models too.
Even a brand new car’s odometer shows more miles than this one’s!
Dump the obnoxious side exhaust for the optional N11 off road exhaust and drive. Beautiful. Believe me, after an hour on the road with that noise, you will be screaming to get out of the car.
High Horsepower redline tach
Something is always mentioned about the single rear glass conversion on these, but I wonder how many were actually done?
Yup. Like I said last time; Has anybody ever seen one?
Original engine or just a restamp? So many matching number engines these days which show how prevalent restamps are. Almost none of the c2s back in the day (when the cars were worth $500) kept their original engines. They were either blown up or replaced with 350’s.
Looks like a rust bucket frame to me. Bet the birdcage metal in general and
the birdcage metal under the front windshield base and dashboard outer edge are crispy too. Sorry, wouldn’t touch it with a 10-foot pole.
I don’t remember side pipes being an option in 63. Hmmmm.
Ended:Mar 28, 2022 , 9:27PM
Winning bid:
US $99,100.00
[ 36 bids ]