The ’63 Corvette could be the most iconic American car ever built. Sure, the ’57 Chevy and GTO were good but the one year only split-window Corvette has attracted the attention of collectors for decades. Current values prove that fact and even projects go for big money. This particular project is going to need a lot of work but if the reserve is realistic here on eBay, it might be worth some consideration.
As you can see, this one has been completely disassembled. The color scheme was originally red over red. That’s nice but I’d be tempted to paint the outside white or silver since it’s all apart anyway. I’m all for originality but when a car needs everything, one shouldn’t feel too bad about making it their own. Right?
Luckily, the original red interior is still with the car. Replacing that dash and all the gauges could get expensive. Where are the seats though? If a lot of parts are missing, it would be hard to return this car to exactly how it left the factory. There are repops out there but it still wouldn’t be 100% original.
The seller mentions that the frame has been replaced with one from a ’65 or ’66 Corvette so that’s another strike against doing a Concours level restoration. A solid frame from another year might be fine for a driver but I’m sure the judges would be able to tell the difference.
And here’s the third strike. That’s a non-numbers matching engine and the seller doesn’t even mention what size it is. The displacement can really affect the value of these cars but if the engine isn’t original, you might as well pick what you want. What route would you go? Small block, 454, LS?
This is going to be a big project no matter how you look at it but as I mentioned, the ’63 Corvette is one of the most iconic cars around. This one deserves to be saved. So the real question is, how do you go about doing that? Do you attempt to restore it to factory specs or do you make a few tweaks along the way and create more of a restomod? Let us know in the comments below!
This car would be perfect for the person, that wants that iconic 63 Split Window ,but can’t afford the price of admission, for that 100 point matching numbers car.
Actually, I would prefer this car, It dosent set the bar,but its close and can really be enjoyed!
Part it out or go crazy with it. NCRS is out of the question as the frames are stamped. NOM, color change, etc make this nothing more than a “Driver” forever. Having said all of that, it is still, and always will be a 1963 SWC.
I agree. The motor and frame are not original so it will never be original again. Build it like you want it to be built and enjoy driving it. Having an original one would be great but driving it would be limited. This way your imagination, pocketbook, and the highway system would be your limit
This car was relisted probably because some idiot had to ask his wife if he could buy it. A project for sure. I am Corvettr owner and total OEM freak, but the fact it has a different frame does not bother me. Only a real expert could tell the difference. The VIN on a mid year frame is almost impossible to see without lifting the body. Who cares. Restore and drive before the Corona BS kills you. I took my 50 year old Corvette out yesterday with my wife for a 100 mile cruise. That is living.
I guess with it not being a numbers matching car, despite its rarity, I’d love to restomod it!
Why would anyone strip it down to this degree?
Correct me if Im wrong, but I see some carbuncles on the frame painted army green? Gimme a grinder. its up to 36 large, reserve not met.. Would need an expert to give his opinion on this one. Part of it looks good but that frame scares me. Could be lipstick on an oinker. Good luck, caveat emptor. Stay safe.
Cheers
GPC
This one is the makings of a resto-mod, to what degree it is up to you. Personally, I’d lean towards a mostly stock appearance, but with a full chassis swap, LS series engine and a 6 speed, AC and a few other concessions to drivability, but keep that body as stock appearing as possible, they are truly timeless.
I am amazed by the bids up to this point. Currently at $38K. Ebay ad talks about a GM front clip. That sounds a lot like a real hard front-end hit. Somebody REALLY wants a 1963 Corvette, because they are going to be so far under water their next door neighbor answers to the name Andrea Doria. Once again, I would take the $68K that will be spent on this in total and buy a C8. And as always, each to his/her own.
38K for a Frankenvette!! Wow!!! Could be a really nice driver!!!
All I see is $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!
Sorry Corvette Lovers, I have owned 3 (69-70-78) in my life time including restoring 2 of them frame off, the 69 and 78. The 2 I restored was matching number, and very beautiful, instead of painting the myself, like all my other cars, I had a guy in Columbia Missouri who was know for being the best when it came to Corvette paint jobs. After I sold them, I barely broke even, the hours and cost eat any profit you can make for somebody in SE Missouri to want to buy them. I always told that my 69 was good enough Barrett Jackson, but never had the money or time to take it to a show. I think I would pass on this even if it has always been one of the dream cars for my 63 Chevy collection!!
$40,000.00 current bid, with reserve not met, for a 63 body shell only, since everything else will have to be replaced at a cost of probably $100,000.00. I would think you could buy a Top Flight restored, matching numbers car for $150,000.00 or less. And I thought us Chevelle guys were nuts.
Would be a fun car for sure, but hey, no one can bust the sellers balls on this one in my opinion. He clearly states the car is a mixed matched cocktail of GM, even encouraging potential buyers to look. Different note, I’m wondering how badly the front-end impact damaged mounting holes in body, hence the reason it is “just setting “? Not interested in it,just curious why someone just threw in the towel after all the work? Maybe health, or just plain old life….. best of luck to new caretaker 😁
Uall couch jockeys shoulda bid on that 63 last month here on Barn finds. All together w/327, 4spd, white, a california car found in storage shed, 50,000 mi, think it went 4 around $25,000? & Uall were whineing about a worn clutch pedal & sun faded carpet under back window. Get real
Get a dictionary.
And a new couch… He’s probably getting glare on the screen from the Budweiser neon light because of the height of the beer stained,cigarette burned, cat urine laden towels that cover the lime green and orange floral print that once housed a cushion.Get real