Split Window Project: 1963 Chevrolet Corvette

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It took 10 years for Chevy to redesign its sports car, the Corvette, but it was worth the wait. Also co-termed Stingray for the first time, the 1963 ‘Vette was a vast improvement over its predecessors and the public would respond by buying more than 21,500 (up 50%), half being the all-new sports coupe. This was the first instance when anything other than a convertible was offered. With its one-year-only split window configuration, this coupe is a rolling project that comes with no motor or transmission. Located in Montgomery, New York, this something of a Holy Grail in the Corvette world is available here on eBay. The current bid is $60,100 without the reserve having been cracked.

When the Corvette design team came up with the second-generation (C2), little did they know the stir that would be created later by a 1963 vs. 1964 coupe. In ’63, the new coupe had a split rear window with sheet metal in between. From 1964 through 1967, that was abandoned in place of a single piece of glass. Better visibility, right? So, what’s the difference you ask? Simply put, a ’63 coupe is worth – on average – about twice what the others are on the resale market.

This ’63 may be a stalled project. Whatever engine or transmission it had are gone and someone tried to flair the rear wheel wells and didn’t quite get there. A 327 cubic inch V8 producing 300 hp would have been standard fare and we assume this car had a 4-speed manual when the pair took flight. Otherwise, this C2 may be mostly complete and the seller tells us that he/she has the bumpers not pictured.

From what we can tell, the body is okay and yellow paint has been applied where blue once was (the interior was blue as well, according to the seller). The fiberglass may be fine, and all the stainless window trim is intact (important). The nose was sourced from Ecklers, and the headlights can be converted to rotators. The photos show the interior with and without bucket seats, but the seller says they’re “glued in” now. Out of 21,513 Corvettes built in 1963, 10,594 had the coupe body. We assume the survival rate increased over time once people realized the additional value.

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. 86_Vette_Convertible

    This is going to take some real work and $$. Biggest issue I have with the car is the color. I know many newer models are available in yellow but this car was not available in that color from what I remember.

    Like 4
    • Davey Boy

      It says right in the last paragraph of this article the yellow paint was applied over the factory blue. I see a lot of people miss key points about cars posted on BF every day. OOOPS.

      Like 11
      • 86_Vette_Convertible

        Never said it wasn’t a repaint. Said I thought it was a bad color pick for this car.

        Like 0
    • James

      doesn’t really matter as it’s going to need paint anyway. Return to original or paint it what you like..

      Like 2
  2. erik johnston

    It was mentioned a change blue to this yellow.That yellow looks so cheap.If say for that kind of car is a lot of $cash. I just bought a 72 Corette ,orange and tan$7400 Plus shipping . A paryer and a bit of luck I will post a pic and showe it unless its bad-lol

    Like 0
  3. erik johnston

    It was mentioned a change blue to this yellow.That yellow looks so cheap.If say for that kind of car is a lot of $cash. I just bought a 72 Corette ,orange and tan$7400 Plus shipping . A paryer and a bit of luck I will post a pic and showe it unless its bad-lol.75 corvette yellow

    Like 0
  4. Johnny Major

    You will have over 100k into this car before finished and it still will have missing original drive train. You can purchase an original #’s car in this price range and not have the long process of restoration

    Like 21
  5. Rex Kahrs Rex KahrsMember

    I always got a kick out of those rivets at the door jamb.

    Like 0
  6. gaspumpchas

    Says Bird cage is good, frame looks suspect. Shifter poking thru floor in one pic but not in the others. swiped the mill to sell separate? Money pit aand lots of work. He’s a corvette shop- bet he bought for the mill and dump the rest. Also would bet converting the headlights would be a bear of a job. Wheel wells. So many missing parts. Good luck.
    Cheers
    GPC

    Like 11
  7. Rw

    If price wasn’t so crazy would make cool street racer/street freak our just cool ol hot rod.

    Like 0
  8. ruxvette

    Hey, just ‘pop an engine in it…’ well, maybe a trans, too. Maybe a radiator.
    This is a frame-off job that will consume a copious quantity of money. The frame and underpinnings all need to be disassembled, cleaned, repaired, and reassembled.
    The body needs everything, like an entire new front end, rear fenders, rear body pan, hood, headlight buckets, etc.
    The minutia will absolutely be a killer. Oh, wait one, there is a key in the glove box door lock so check that off.

    Like 1
  9. Howard A Howard AMember

    Needs 6 red tail lights,,,

    Like 4
  10. Darrell J Dirr

    Yellow Submarine, I agree with Howard 6 RED Taillight’s

    Like 0
  11. Joe Haska

    It just proves me right again, I have NO understanding of the Corvette market. If you don’t get it, don’t do it!

    Like 2
  12. James

    already a losing proposition.. I’ve been following the split window market for many years now and despite the average one going for about $120K these days this is a loose loose no matter how you look at it. Even the resto-mod guys wouldn’t touch this. Good luck to the buyer, you’ll need it.

    Like 1
  13. James
  14. Robt

    I believe ‘the buckets are glued in’ has to do with the headlights …

    Like 2
  15. dogwater

    Looks like a great project for a guy that is hands on and knows how do glass work but I think the price is a little high 40k is more like it.

    Like 1
  16. george mattar

    Look at this guy’s prices on his eBay store. And what James said about that $94,000 63 coupe sold on BAT. Done, drive, enjoy.

    Like 1
  17. Randy jones

    60 k for the car…it’s a 63..body looks decent..40.to 50 k worth of paint and glass.due on the car…15 k for the engine..8 k for the interior ..15 k for the extras..total ..80to 100.k to restore this car..you have 160 k in this car..you’d be lucky to get 75k for a Un original.vette in any condition….good luck..it’s your dollars $$$$$and plenty of them.

    Like 0
  18. PRA4SNW

    No Sale at a high bid of $61,100.
    Seller should have run to the bank with that bid.

    Like 1
  19. James Bishop

    The reserve hasn’t cracked yet but the seller and the bidders both have cracked skulls . This car is not ever going to have a positive side. Spare yourself the alcohol driven psychology and unskilled knowledge of the corvette/car world. The end result is $175k plus in a non-original, non numbers matching Corvette worth under 60k if that . Classic Fishing for a Fool .Free whiskey while you look at car.

    Like 1
  20. Bud Dite

    Who cares if its original or not. It,s the love for vettes that matters. And a split window on top of it. If you love the car, then put the money to it. So what if it took more than what its worth. Most cars like that do cost more to build than what there worth! Cant put a price on pride and happiness ya’ll. Want a good laugh? Ya otta see how much i got in a c4 with a thousand horse 427 and custom suspension and all the extras. I love it!

    Like 0

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