In Corvette circles, the 1963 Stingray coupe is perhaps the “Holy Grail”. It featured a fixed roof with a large back window that was split down the center with a body-colored bar. That would be a one-year styling cue, replaced by a full wraparound rear window in 1964. This nice example was a one-owner car before the seller bought it and got it roadworthy again after a 20-year hiatus. Located in Stockholm, New Jersey, this ‘Vette is available here on craigslist for $115,000 (these are routinely six-figure automobiles). Thanks for the Bowtie tip, Pat L.!
The second-generation (C2) Corvettes were the brainchild of Zora Arkus-Duntov who convinced GM management to add independent rear suspension to the sports car. The autos maintained the set-up where the engine/transmission would sit behind the front wheels’ centerline, providing a better weight ratio (47/53) for improved handling. The headlights were twin hideaway headlights for the first time, offering better aerodynamics. Almost everything about the car proved popular with buyers, who bought 10,600 of the coupes that year (plus an equal number of convertibles). Though sought after today, the split-window coupe design was not a favorite with some buyers who thought it blocked the view out the back.
When the seller bought this car, it had been off the road for two decades, so some work was required. The checklist of things done to the Chevy included flushing out the entire fuel system, replacing the battery and alternator, rebuilding the carburetor and all the brakes, plus a new exhaust system and tires, just to name a few of the items taken care of.
The paint is original and is said to be in good condition, though the limited photos don’t help. There are a few chips and scratches that you’d expect after 60 years and 65,000 miles. On the inside of the Corvette, the seats have been recovered yet the seller provides no photos of them. We assume the interior either matches the Saddle Tan paint or it’s black. The engine compartment is quite tidy and one of six 327 cubic inch V8/manual transmission combinations was possible. If you’ve got the bread, this might be a nice addition to your collection.
A true survivor car that wears its patina with honors. Even with the lower spec V8 this car is still going to make all the right noises and have decent acceleration. Beauty doesn’t come cheap but it’s worth the price of admission if you can afford it. My friend has owned several C2’s over the years. He tells me the split window rear visibility issue is overblown.
I was invited to a gathering at a persons house with an extensive Corvette and muscle car collection tomorrow. I think I will need a bib and handkerchief to be respectful of the drool! Rumor has it he has a split window in the collection. Maybe I will be able to drive one as well. That would be a real treat.
Who needs to see out the rear window anyway? That’s why they invented exterior mirrors! Whiners!
This is one of the few times I rue my proclivity for not chasing the big bucks. Who knew?
Wouldn’t those sixties guys worrying about the split window have a cow driving a modern Camaro, or Corvette, at least the no rear vision C7 has cameras.
Not a single thing to dislike about these cars. Pure art on wheels.
This is the color of the one on the dealer sales pamphlet which is usually my favorite for any car. The original paint is a huge rarity and bonus for me. Drive it!
The first 1963 I saw back then was the twin to this beauty. It made quite an impression on a 10 year old. Of course the owner was a pilot.
That’s the first Corvette I remember, in 63 parked every day at the train yard I walked by on the way to school. Same color as this one and I have always wanted one. Passed on a nice one in 76 for $6,500, and another one in mid nineties for $32,000. Screwed up both times!
I own one like this but with the 327/340 HP and 4 speed. This one is missing all the radio shielding behind the engine.
This just looks too crisp to be a survivor. For 115 large you would think the seller could spring for a new emblem on the hood. One would need to find a C2 expert to inspect this, identify what matches or not, and what else is missing. Everyone trying to cash in on accelerating values of these now. Caveat emptor.
I looked at the CL ad. I rarely do that, so bear with me- Do all CL ads list your address and include a map to your house? Why would anyone do that?
Most people will list the main intersections near their house, not their actual address. This way buyers can decide how far they want to travel to look at an item for sale.
There is a lot wrong on the exterior and under the hood of this car.
“Patina” only goes so far and for this Corvette it is not far enough.
Overpriced based upon condition shown in the pictures.
One man’s opinion who has not seen the car in person so I am no different that any other “Arm Chair Appraiser”!
This is a nice car without a doubt, but 115k and no NCRS or Bloomington gold awards to back it up.
FYI: on CL you can show your specific location- or not. As a longtime CL Junkie, I choose not.
Back in the day (1967) I had a chance to buy a red split window with 150k miles for $1500. My wife thought I lost my mind so I never bought it. $13 k in today’s money.
I drove a Saddle Tan 63 FI coupe 15 years ago. Bloomington Gold and all the other NCRS accolades. What a thrill. Yeah who looks out the back window? I didn’t. Stop rhe whining. As mentioned here, $115,000 large and nothing but crappy photos. Beware. Garden variety 63s are now bringing more $$$$ than 67s. People are growing weary of the 20,000 matching number 435s for sale.
Saddle Tan and a 63 vette, It don’t get no better. Often wondered how many 63 are out there with a later model full window installed as some guys did not like the visibility. Just thinking
…or how many ADDED the bar on a post-63 C2??
I won’t comment on the condition of a car I haven’t actually seen but I’ve seen enough to agree that “buyer beware” is critical to a purchase like this. 2 or 3 hundred is money well spent to have someone inspect and photo all the missing area’s if you can’t do it yourself.
Removed from CL
Sold?
Missing the cross-bar hood badge. I’m out! What else is missing?