When a classic car could potentially command a six-figure value in the current market, a documented history is essential if the buyer is to protect their investment. That is what is available with this 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe. The seller has traced and verified the car’s history back to when it was initially owned by an executive from Miller Brewing. A previous owner performed a frame-on restoration in 1991 but undertook the work ensuring that the Corvette remained as its creators intended. The time has come for the Coupe to find a new home, so the owner has listed it for sale here on eBay. It is located in Richmond, Virginia, and strong bidding has pushed the price to $115,100. That figure is short of the reserve, but the seller offers a BIN of $150,000 for those wishing to avoid the auction scene.
The seller’s listing provides a comprehensive ownership history for this Corvette, although they omit the previous owners’ surnames to protect their privacy. They will provide the information to the next owner, allowing the ‘Vette to remain a fully-documented classic. It is not a one-owner survivor, with its third owner treating the vehicle to a frame-on restoration in 1991. They applied a fresh coat of the Coupe’s original Daytona Blue paint and, considering more than three decades have elapsed since, it remains in excellent condition. The seller classes it as a 9/10, and it is hard to argue with that assessment. The paint holds a wonderful depth of color and shine, with any defects too minor to show in the supplied photos. The seller indicates that a close inspection may reveal the occasional nick or stress crack in the fiberglass. However, if the buyer considers this classic under the “survivor” umbrella, there is nothing that should cause them shame. The trim and glass are as impressive as the panels and paint, while the underside shots reveal a rust-free and rock-solid frame.
The original owner ordered the Corvette with its interior trimmed in Dark Blue vinyl. It still presents exceptionally well for its age, although there are a couple of issues worth considering. A previous owner replaced the turn signal lever, and this is from a later model Corvette. I performed a brief online search and had no trouble locating a high-quality reproduction lever for under $30, so addressing that shortcoming will hardly break the bank on a classic with a six-figure value. When the third owner performed the frame-on restoration in 1991, they also replaced the Dark Blue carpet and door trims. The carpet has developed some fading, but its condition is easily acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle. The buyer will need to tighten the speaker grille in the dash top, but there are no other shortcomings worth noting. The upholstered surfaces exhibit no wear or damage, the plastic looks excellent, the gauge lenses are crystal clear, and everything works as it should. That includes the clock, which is a recognized weak point in the C2 Corvette’s interior. With its few flaws addressed, this interior will present close to as-new condition.
For some enthusiasts, the highlight of this Corvette is what we find lurking below the surface. The original owner ordered the Coupe equipped with the L76 version of the sweet 327ci V8 that produces 340hp. The power finds its way to the road via a four-speed manual transmission and a 3.36 Posi rear end. Chevrolet didn’t offer buyers in 1963 a genuinely slow version of the Corvette because all could easily produce a sub-16-second ¼ mile ET. However, this ‘Vette should take that to a higher level by covering the distance in 14.3 seconds. Given its head, that small-block will run out of breath with the needle nudging 139mph. The seller indicates that the Corvette features what they refers to as its “born with” engine and drivetrain, which I interpret as the car being numbers-matching. The engine bay presents as impressively as the rest of the vehicle, and it doesn’t flatter to deceive. The Corvette runs and drives well, and the listing indicates that it has 52,900 original miles showing on its odometer. Given the documentation held by the seller, I suspect this may be verifiable. The seller is approachable and encourages in-person inspections by genuinely interested parties.
The 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe is one of a group of American classics that rightly earn the “icon” tag. It shares that title with cars like the Hemi ‘Cuda, the Camaro Z/28, and the Chevelle SS 396, to name a few. All are experiencing ongoing substantial value increases in the current market, with that trend showing no signs of easing. This Corvette presents superbly and features a drivetrain combination virtually guaranteed to plaster a smile on the driver’s face whenever the pedal meets the metal. If anything surprises me about this Split Window, it would be the fact that it has attracted a mere seventeen bids over the first five days of the auction listing. However, auctions of this type tend to become more lively as the end draws near, and that could be the case here. Even if a classic car with a six-figure value is beyond your means, the auction could be worth watching. If history is a guide, the last hour could prove pretty frantic.
Simply Gorgeous!
The split window’s value is predicated on its rarity, correct?
I was thinking if GM wanted (needed?) a boost to C8 sales they could do something similar (not necessarily a split-window) for just one model year. If they announce in advance that this would be a one year only design, I am sure that the bow-tie faithful would break down dealership doors for a chance at ownership. As I believe they are currently selling as many as they can build, I don’t think they would currently need to do this to boost sales. It might not always be the case though.
@Mike- GM is unable to keep up with C8 demand as it is. Somebody tried this with the C7 and it did not look good (In my opinion)
@ Frank.
Yeah I get it. C8 demand is outstripping production (just like with a lot of vehicles). I don’t recall the C7 special styling experiment so I’ll defer to your memory about its looks.
@Mike- It was an aftermarket design idea, not GM.
I don’t understand the appeal. That window was split for only one year for a reason. It was distracting and buyers wanted it changed. So why? Because everyone else tells you it is cool? Play ground behavior children. I would rather have a roadster from that year myself. Cheaper and far better.
I’m not necessarily disagreeing with you, but part of the appeal is that it is the purest version of the Sting Ray design for ’63 with the unbroken Sting Ray “spine”. Form over function in the end, but looks pretty cool nonetheless.
A Chevy exec said who designed this thing? He couldn’t see out the rear window. That’s why it was only one yr
I can hear Henry Mancini’s “Route 66” right now.
Here is a great YouTube version of Route 66.
https://youtu.be/1nbRoyJXSfQ
This has the color and mechanicals that are my favorite for the year. That hardtop design with the door frame cutouts and tail is still the bomb. Glad to see original wheel covers instead of the usually seen optional wheels…
As an owner of a 327/340 SWC let me attempt to explain. First year in any historic car is highly sought after. The Stingray was a huge evolutionary step from C1,C2. The 63 is a raw, visceral driving experience. Unlike 64-67, no sound deadening between body and frame. Just raw sound and feel. Sit idling at a light and you hear the steel “ringing” of the exhaust. The uniqueness of the one year split doesn’t hurt either. Given it’s provenance, $150K is a good price.
By the way, it is harder to back up in my Mach 1 with rear louvers than the SWC.
Not to mention it looked like a freakin rocketship.
Lynn: I have owned a split window for around 35 years and it’s a driver but not that I drive it a lot… For years I have heard this complaint about not being able to see out the rear windows. I think that’s bogus because I have no problem doing this and besides, that’s what rear view mirrors are for. The interior rear view mirror works works just fine so I’ve never bought into that reason for discontinuing the split window. I suspect it was GM politics…. Newell Roundy
Newell and to all, what’s it like to drive and own a 63? Positive and negatives. I’m really interested and have bid on this car. I owned a 67 427 45 years ago so memory doesn’t serve me well any longer.
Haig: Mine is a nice driver and a slight restomod but you have to look close to see the modifications. It mostly looks stock. It’s red on red so that always attracts attention. Mine is a driver but still looks nice. The car is fun to drive even after over 30 years of owning it. At car shows it always gets attention. Last year I entered it into the Prescott all Corvette show for the first time and it attracted more than it’s share of attention. I entered again for this Sept. It’s supposedly the largest all Corvette show west of the Mississippi. I could go on for a couple of pages but you are welcome to call my cell at (928) 710-1941 or email me at newell@classicrecreation.com I don’t think you will regret owning one but that also depends on your disposable income as in the last year or so they have shot up in value.
I just googled why the split window was discontinued. Reason number 1. The big Z didn’t like it
That’s what I heard too. Typical of big ego’s to deal with in large companies but this is how things often get done… I started my own company too…ha! Not that big though…
Ended:May 20, 2022 , 6:00PM
Current bid:
US $134,600.00
Reserve not met
[ 23 bids ]
Price:
US $150,000.00