The long-awaited second-generation Chevrolet Corvette arrived in 1963. And it brought a fully enclosed coupe for the first time. With a split rear glass, Chevy engineers had no idea they had created a future collectible because it was only offered for one year (it became a single wraparound piece of glass the next year). Located in Richmond, Kentucky, this well-worn project is available here on eBay, where $64,850 is the current bid, the reserve is unmet, and the Buy It Now price is $69,900.
An all-new Corvette was what the market wanted, and sales increased by 50% in 1963 over 1962. That included nearly 10,600 copies of the new coupe, the rest being convertibles with an optional removable hardtop still on the checklist. Complaints soon emerged that the rather wide split between the rear glass panes created visibility issues for drivers, particularly those who were using the new ‘Vette for racing. So, Chevy modified the rear glass and body in 1964, and the split window was gone.
We’re told that the 327 cubic inch V8 in this Corvette is numbers-matching. Freshly painted, you’d think the 300 hp engine would be ready to rock, but the seller says it doesn’t run and needs to be rebuilt. The 4-speed manual transmission also needs work. This must have been a looker in the day with white paint over the fiberglass body, spotted by a black interior. The car isn’t 100% complete, so what you see is what you get.
The seller says the frame is rust-free, but we don’t know how much attention the body guys will have to give to the curvy exterior. The seller suggests that you can buy this car and restore it for less money than buying a ready split window for $150,000. Do you agree with that assessment based on what we see here?
Whoa…”build you a split window and way you want if you don’t have 150k to put out and buy one.”
But ya better have (at least) $80k to put this thing together…to be a $150k car. Or, have a pile of parts, copious quantities of beer, a high limit credit card, and a hunger to bring back stuff from the dead.
It sold for $60k and it will return as a $300k restomod or a $450k genyouwhine fuelie coupe.
Still amazes me that anyone would pay so much for a car like this, yes. It’s a split window corvette, but that’s all you get for 69k? Even when it’s done and you have to part ways with it, just waiting for someone else to pay your asking price can take years
It gives me hope that someone can butcher the English language and still sell something for nearly $70K.
I am pretty sure I’ve seen this listed before on various sites.
Its ruff…
This ermine white SW needs much to complete and yes its likely to me a resto Vette with LS big horse power ..
The smaller 327 sits in dog house offered in 1963 with the breather visible .
So put it all together around 100-120 including purchase with paint and sweat equity (free labor) and bring 170+ if done correctly…
Me i would rather pass and get a better SW.
Once someone’s dream now a nightmare. Trying to find someone to take on their pipedream. Good luck.
It sold for $69.9 for the BIN price. Those split window Vettes have a large following but am I the only person who would rather have a convertible than one of these?
I’ve owned 2 C2 coupes but I am a convertible guy. If I had to choose between 2 FREE ’63 vettes, coupe and convertible, I would take the coupe purely due to value. For ultimate driving pleasure give me a ’67 BB convertible, 4 spd and sidepipes.
Another SWC from “whiteviper”. I still wonder how he finds all of these.
only 1 I enjoy lookin @ B side the ’58/60 (interior/exterior) or
’56/60 exterior. Dont like the DA’s rear after ’60 cept when
blended into this ‘the ’63 “splittie”. Thnx Russ.
After reading your post three or four times, I think I got the gist of what you are trying to communicate. Maybe try actual words next time. Or not. Up to you.
Well step up or step back It looks like a good project someone had the money to buy it they have the money to bring it back to life
Better have plenty of time and money. Places like Corvette Central love it when people buy basket cases. The sad part is when it’s done it will never get driven.
A lot of money and the engine parts on top such as the intake and valve covers have one or no bolts holding them on.
I really like the freshly painted engine that doesn’t run and needs to be rebuilt.
Yeah, I didn’t understand why they would paint an engine that needs overhaul’n.
Wierd!
Probably looked really filthy and rusty, now it looks more appealing to the eye.
69k is a lot of money to pay for any car vette or not to bring it up to par. Free labor doesn’t usually work out well for the builder. As a builder you have to allow something for your labor.
It said the split caused “Visibility Issues” for racers? Not if you just worry about driving it down the track & what’s in front of you, screw what’s BEHIND you, If that little strip of metal causes you to lose a race I guess all I can say is,,,,,, Racing, you’re doin it wrong.
Someone got a pretty good deal there.
Yeah, I didn’t understand why they would paint an engine that needs overhaul’n.
Wierd!