This 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe is said to be an original survivor, and it is a pretty stunning looking car. It is a car that is going to leave its next owner with a few choices to make. These will revolve around leaving the vehicle as original as it stands, or would undertaking some restoration work be the best path to follow. Located in Lakewood, New Jersey, you will find the Corvette listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding on the Split Window has now reached $75,205, and with the reserve having been met, it appears to be set to head off to a new home.
The Silver Blue paint that graces the panels of the Corvette is said to be original, and while it might not be perfect, it has survived quite well. It shows a few marks and blemishes, but if the next owner is seeking to maintain originality, then the car is certainly quite presentable. The body itself seems to be free of any problems, and while the owner makes no mention of any rust issues under the car, the fact that the panels all align and that the doors open and close cleanly are all pretty positive signs. The original trim and chrome, including the hubcaps, appear to be in impressive condition for a car of this age, while the original glass also seems to be good.
The owner provides no interior photos of the Corvette, and this is a real shame, as it appears that this is the one aspect of the car that will require the most work. The car comes equipped with its original Dark Blue vinyl trim, and a new carpet set has recently been fitted. The owner says that the seats have developed some splits, so they could potentially need new covers. He also does note that there are some interior pieces that are missing, and replacement parts will need to be sourced. This is a case of a picture being worth a thousand words and really demonstrates how important photos can be when trying to sell a car.
Powering the Corvette is a 327ci V8, which sends its power to the 3.70 Posi rear end via a 4-speed M20 manual transmission. The original owner also chose to tick the boxes on the options list that equipped the vehicle with power steering and power brakes. The first piece of good news is that this is essentially a full, numbers-matching car. The owner admits that the alternator, water pump, and fuel tank have all been replaced (hence the use of the word “essentially”), but that the original components have been retained and will be included in the sale. That 327 is the L75 version, endowing the Corvette with a healthy 300hp. The Corvette has recently been treated to new tires and a full tune-up and is said to run and drive extremely well.
I’ve commented in the past about just how iconic and instantly recognizable the Split Window Corvette is, and I will stick to that belief. It is hard to believe today that there were owners back in 1963 who found the split window design to be distracting and impossible to live with. Those owners had the option to return their car to their local dealership, because a dealer-fit kit was available allowing the original rear windows and divider strip to be removed, and a single piece of glass installed in their place. You have to wonder just how many owners chose to follow that path in 1963, and how many of them regret that decision today. Thankfully, that fate has not befallen this car, and its originality undoubtedly explains why the bidding on it has been so strong. So, would you undertake any form of restoration on this car, or would you try to leave it as original as possible?
Dream car…………….just a lottery ticket away. LOL
I would leave it as is for paint along with lil pitted bumpers that have faired well.
One needs inspection on frame and bird cage. Then go thru the engine, heads, block, carb, water pump, alternator , rims and trans etc to check numbers.?
Probably missing some small items but engine and drive train are biggies…
I have my ermine white 63 split 340 ponies 4 speed matching # close on resto
I love the blue color on the car.
No full on front shot. It looks a little wonky.
I have always wondered how many people had their split windows converted to a single. I’m assuming not many, and those that were have been converted back. I’ve personally never seen one, have any of you?
I was about ready to write the same. We’ve seen plenty of 1963 corvettes on here but never a full window version.
Grant- I think the same thing. Have never seen one and never heard of anybody doing that conversion. Could have been a custom mod years later. Or could just be a story!
Back in my Pre-Army days, a co-worker had a red 63 coupe with a 65 FI engine. When everything was ‘right’ it ran like a scalded dog. Though I only got to ride shotgun in it, I never noticed an issue with seeing out the back window. Then again, I wasn’t driving so that may have made the difference.
It’s one of those ‘I Want’ cars and looks pretty good from what I can see. I’m sure that whoever ends up with it will take it out on the highway where it belongs. As said, if I ever win the lottery, who knows if I’ll have one or not. The big issue is the price is hovering around what a new C8 is listing for.
Agree. I have to say it is alot easier to see out of, and to back up my 63 SWC than my 69 Mach1 with rear window louvers. I’m about to buy a rear view license plate wifi camera for the Mach, it is so bad. But in both cases “it’s the look that counts”.
You could take the louvers off.
If they knew that backing up was an issue why didn’t they put on a bigger rear view mirror and right side door mirror
Pretty much my dream car. I’ve owned a ’64 roadster for the last 20 years in the same silver/blue paint and will likely replace it one day for a SWC in either silver/blue or black. The price on this one is imho, already at the top though and it’s still climbing. With over 100k miles indicated and no information on whether the motor or tranny have been rebuilt along with the interior work needed, this could be a very expensive driver (even if it is a survivor).
Stunning from any angle. I’m assuming that the serious buyer would get a professional inspection done, as it is from Joisey. What always struck me the most beautiful is the look of the rear end, with the window, roof and the whole package. Plus the emblem. American design and craftsmanship at its finest.
Good luck to the new owner.
Cheers
GPC
Go through the suspension and brakes. Drive it. Life short.
This is the spitting image of one I owned back in the mid eighties. I wonder…..
RP – interesting–could be your car, check it out. I had a friend who had five original Shelby AC cobras. One that stood out was a Metallic blue Hipo 289 powered beauty with wire wheels. I watched this one being readied for paint in 1971. This one popped up on barnfinds/ Ebay a couple years ago in Florida!, In ! I did some digging and found out in the history that the car was owned by a guy who owned a Ford Dealership in Upstate NY! Bingo!
Small world. Good luck in the hunt! Sorry this is off topic.
Cheers
GPC
Clean and really good looking car and I suspect the numbers have climbed due to it being a 63!! The split window is the most iconic corvette ever!! Me personally would rather have a 67 with the 427 and a 4 speed if money were no object!!!