Some project candidates require a mountain of work before they can return to active service, but their inherent desirability virtually guarantees that they will generate significant interest when they hit the market. Such is the case with this 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe. No aspect of it will escape the builder’s attention, but the listing has already garnered over five hundred views in the past day. The seller has listed the Coupe here on eBay in Harrison, Ohio, with a BIN of $69,000 and the option to make an offer.
Chevrolet introduced the C2 Corvette to its model range for the 1963 model year, adding a Coupe variant for the first time. As a business decision, it was a wise one, because the Coupe accounted for almost half of the Corvette’s total sales tally during the first year. One feature of the Coupe that only lasted to the end of 1963 was the split rear window. It was a distinctive design concept that looked fantastic, but attracted plenty of criticism from owners who felt that it compromised rearward visibility. The seller confirms that this Corvette was previously a custom job featuring flared fenders and other touches. However, it was handed to a specialist who replaced the offending items with high-quality panels to return the body to its factory form. There is still work required before it is ready to receive a new coat of paint, with the new owner facing the decision of whether to select the original Daytona Blue, or if they would prefer to opt for an alternative shade. However, that choice is well into the future, because this Coupe has some nasty surprises hiding below the surface. The frame exhibits considerable penetrating rust that is visible in some shots, making me wonder whether there might be further problems in the more inaccessible areas. Only an in-person inspection will reveal the truth, but dismantling this classic to the last nut and bolt will be the only alternative to return the car to a rust-free state. The birdcage is already restored, and the deal includes the exterior trim and chrome.
This Corvette is a genuine “zero-emission” vehicle, with its engine and transmission nothing but a distant memory. There is no indication of which version of the 327ci V8 the first owner chose, but it appears that shifting duties may have fallen to a four-speed manual. The lack of those drivetrain components opens a world of possibilities for the buyer. Sourcing the correct components shouldn’t be a problem, or the new owner could follow the seller’s suggestion by adopting a restomod approach. That sounds like an attractive option, because the right combination would retain the Corvette’s inherent character while providing a more user-friendly ownership experience.
This Corvette’s interior is a case of “what you see is what you get.” The steering column, wheel, and gauge cluster are present. However, it appears that the seats and other hardware are long gone. Scouring the usual online auction sites should produce positive results, although the buyer could continue the restomod theme previously mentioned with a custom interior. That decision will depend on how determined they are to retain as much authenticity as possible in their build.
There is no way to sugarcoat the fact that this 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe requires a mountain of work. The frame rust is a concern that will leave the buyer with no alternative but to dismantle the vehicle to the last nut and bolt. The shopping list of required parts is enormous, and while some items will be relatively cheap, the need for a replacement engine and transmission will add significantly to the overall cost. With those thoughts in mind, do you consider the seller’s BIN to be fair, or will they need to compromise?
Thats a lot of money without a drivetrain!
Very rough .. the missing pieces on a corvette is like buying Mopar parts where your credit cards will go into double digits quickly.
I would wait for another fixer upper as the price plus restore has one under water.
This would go back as a resto vette for a lower price since its engine is missing and frame may be tossed.
The hot rodded version done right will bring high dollars
Your evaluation is on target. People get double-vision when they have a desirable car that might be restored and think of that price. $30K is pushing it at that.
That BIN is nutso
Was most likely a “parts” car at one point. After it’s been plucked cleaner than a chicken they want as much as it would likely be worth if the parts were there in a bunch of bins.
The $69000 for a body and a rusted frame is insane. With the replacement panels you can’t call it original. Maybe $15000 and even that seems like to much. By the time you get everything you need to finish it you’ll have more than what you can get for it.
I’m just wondering if it’s the one with the crooked back window you showed a month ago.
Jim, I thought the very same thing, maybe they straightened it out, but I dont think that was a true 63 to begin with !
The $69000 for a body and a rusted frame is insane. With the replacement panels you can’t call it original. Maybe $15000 and even that seems like to much. By the time you get everything you need to finish it you’ll have more than what you can get for it.
1K to 17K realistic price. Will take 60K to 80K to complete if you can do much work. I have had several, this one maybe walk away.
Not that it matters, but is that a Powerglide shifter housing visible in the interior picture? And that black split window section….mix-and-match, anyone, and an attempt to trade on 1963 desirability by faking a 1963 provenance?
Dreamer?
One way to put it.
That’s a lot of money for a piece of rolling rust with ill fitting after market fiberglass and no interior that I saw. Not to mention lack of a powertrain.
Could this be a 64, hood and “vents” and they’ve added a 63 split window?
BIN option. With all the work needed to be a quality restoration you might want to pay about 20k. Quality restoration will be over 100k labor.
If I’m not mistaken, aren’t 63 split window bodies available by someone like Superformance or RCR, or Factory 5? I’ve loved the 63 split window long before they were considered iconic. I would be very happy driving a replica that I could actually drive without worrying about destroying its value. Even a junk yard recovery car would suit me. But this one to me has less value than a reproduction. The owner is in dreamland and thinks he stumbled upon a treasure chest but it’s full of fools gold.
Cost a boatload of money to restore this car. I’d turn it into a hot rod but if someone wants to put it back to original, better off finding and buying one that is already restored. It would be cheaper.
Delusional!
How many Titles come with the Vett’s ?
This is the same car that “whiteviper” was trying to sell on eBay for awhile and there appeared to be no takers.
Although it is my favorite Corvette it’s a he’ll of a lot of money for some spastic plastic. I like the original color also,but I’ll need to pass on this one. Mine is still out there,it just needs to find me.
A dreamer looking for a bigger dreamer !
I have restored four corvettes over the years this one at first look had possibility but the frame is gone know running gear etc that bring the price down to around 40k
Dogwater, I think you’ve put in one too many zeroes. All those repro panels, no drivetrain, no numbers matching, no known 1963 origin, not a snowball’s chance of ever being more than a Frankenstein’s monster of a Corvette. .
So here is the deal and I know a few things about Split Windows.
Look at the trim tag in the upper left there is A2.The body was built 2nd week of September 1962 which makes this an early car.Early cars had very deep tool trays under the seats and this car does not have them.Car is faked in one way or another.I would guess with the birdcage restored that someone had a Zbar with vin and trim tag and welded it in place on this car and then
Painted the birdcage. This seller also changed his username awhile ago on ebay and probably good reason.
I will leave it at that!!
So I know these cars a bit.Look at the trim tag and in the upper left corner of the tag is A2.A represents Sept of 1962 and 2 represents second week.So trim tag is from a very early car.Early Corvettes in the 1963 model year had deep tool trays under the seats which this clearly DOES NOT HAVE.
So I dont know what’s funny but something is funny 😄
I’d forgotten about those tool trays. Would love to see one some day.
You can Google early Split Window deep tool trays and you will find a pic or two.
This clearly does not have them.