Needs Finishing: 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe
The word “icon” is one of the most overused in the classic world, but there are few better to describe the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe. The C3 is probably the most recognizable Corvette within and outside North America, but the one-year-only Split Window isn’t far behind. Our feature car is a stalled frame-off restoration that needs a new owner willing to add the finishing touches. It will not be the work of a couple of intense weekends in a home workshop, but it appears the restorer has completed most of the complicated tasks, ready for it to find a new owner. The ‘Vette is listed here on eBay in Erie, Colorado. The seller set a BIN of $85,000 but left the option for interested parties to make an offer.
Chevrolet introduced the C2 Corvette in 1963, with 10,594 buyers selecting the one-year-only Split Window Coupe. Many found the dividing strip between the rear windows distracting and limiting rear vision, with the company electing to drop the feature permanently the following year. This ‘Vette is a mystery machine because there are some aspects where the seller appears unsure. They believe it is a frame-off restoration, but it would take an in-person inspection to confirm the claim. If it proves accurate, that should mean the frame is structurally sound. If it’s the same story with the birdcage, that represents an excellent starting point. My only concern is what may be frame corrosion visible in the engine bay shot. If that is correct and indicative of the rest of the underside, a thorough inspection is justified. The exterior wears Gray primer, but the panels look clean and ready for a fresh coat of paint following basic surface preparation. That brings us to a further mystery with this classic. The listing describes the exterior color as “Black.” This Coupe rolled off the line wearing Tuxedo Black, if that is accurate. Production figures for 1963 are vague, but that shade proved the least popular with buyers during C2 production. Rarely did more than 4% of buyers select it from the Corvette color palette. However, I’m unconvinced because I can see some spots revealing what appears to be Riverside Red. A quick glance at the Tag will answer that question, and it is worth the effort, considering some colors add significantly to a classic’s potential value. Most of the trim is present, except the pieces around the back window. The glass looks good, but I’d “lose” the existing wheels as part of the restoration process.
The seller indicates this numbers-matching classic features a 327ci V8 backed by a four-speed manual transmission. Once again, we’re faced with a mystery, considering Chevrolet offered four versions of that motor in 1963. We can rule out the Fuelie option, meaning this motor could provide anywhere between 250hp and 340hp. That spread heavily impacts performance potential, although it’s worth noting that there were no genuinely slow versions of the Corvette in 1963. The entry-level V8 sent the car through the ¼-mile in 15.2 seconds before hitting 115mph. The L76 slashed the ET to 15.3 seconds while boosting the top speed to 139mph. This Coupe may be numbers-matching, but its engine wears aftermarket chrome valve covers and an Edelbrock carburetor. Replacing the chrome is easy, but locating a correct carburetor could prove more challenging. However, it is an important consideration if the new owner intends to maximize the investment potential of this classic. The state of the drivetrain is unknown, which is another aspect of this ‘Vette requiring further investigation.
Although it doesn’t appear to be the case in the supplied photos, this Coupe’s interior is said to be essentially complete. It features a new carpet set and headliner, although the finer points of those installations require attention. Somebody removed some dash components, but they are included. The dash pad above the gauge cluster is damaged, with the buyer needing to source a replacement. We receive no information on the door trims or other parts, but we know the trims around the back windows are missing. Once again, the buyer must complete a thorough inspection before compiling their shopping list to avoid unnecessary spending.
At $85,000, this 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe isn’t on nodding terms with the phrase “affordable.” Committing that amount of money to an unfinished project could be considered brave and raises the question of whether the expense is justified. It is possible to find a tidy ’63 Coupe for around $95,000, although they commonly head into six-figure territory for spotless examples. Much would depend on what an in-person inspection reveals, and that’s a strategy I would highly recommend before potential buyers delve into their bank accounts. If the project proves as promising as the listing suggests, it could represent an excellent long-term investment. Would you consider pursuing it further, or are there too many unanswered questions for your liking?
Auctions Ending Soon
2002 Subaru Impreza WRXBid Now2 days$333
1975 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleBid Now2 days$4,000
1964 Ford F-100 Camper CustomBid Now2 days$2,000
2006 Jeep Wrangler SportBid Now4 days$10,500
1974 Datsun 260ZBid Now6 days$460
Comments
At first, I thought it was too expensive. Then, I went through all 5 photos, and that steering wheel shot convinced me.
No body off frame work here by looking at the engine compartment. Way too much asking money for a car stripped down to nothing and no work other primer on the body… which you’d have to strip off to see what’s underneath. I like your numbers Adam. Much better than theirs.
Wow…just wow. The dash is in great shape…well, minus a bite in the covering and what looks like a minor explosion; the seats look like they were recovered by the class nerd in Upholstery 101; the passenger door is, politely, in need of adjustment; the rear valance panel is for a side-pipe car (no exhaust holes).
But, other than that, she’s cherry…and about $50k overpriced.
From the marking on the front of the heads it’s the base engine. Also not sure clutch fans were in use in 63
I sold a 63 coupe numbers matching totally original with documentation since new car six years ago for $48,000. NCRS scored it as an 91 point car. Eight years earlier I bought it for $30,000. Same car went across Barrett Jackson a year ago for $132,000.
It is just amazing how very good examples of this iconic car have increased in value. Unfortunately this is not one of them. Pay 80 large and figure another 80 to get it in driver condition… numbers just do not work.
By all means make an offer!!! Whatever you do don’t pay the adv. price as it is unreasonable for the amount of work needed to finish this one.
Too many holes in this car matching up to worth 80k..paint job would cost 20k.motor tranny..15 k.interior.5k extras..10k…puts it at.125k..ridiculous….just a huge money pit.for this 63.vette..and then a lot of ifs..esp.motor and the body work quality for a correct paint job..and a total interior.needed at 10k….it’s a base motor probably so that affects the resale..250 horse motor..just nothing here to flip.out on..just a lot of dollars needed after the 80k…you can easily spend 60k more on this car..happy camping
Vette values are like the weather every month..they go up and down..esp around the auction shows..make you believe every 60s vette is 120k and every 78 Trans am is 80k…just not the truth in car values..all 8to 10 values cars are well restored cars.or cars that have been well kept… most of the sale cars are not in this category.
Would like to see more pictures frame etc looks like there’s something going on with the right side door revival I think this car is worth about 40k
If this truly is a numbers matching tuxedo black factory A/C coupe than the price is actually quite realistic. Only 278 SWC’s had AC and I can tell you very few of those were black. Car restored is easily worth well over $200K. Assuming the car is what it says it is.
Looking at the dash it appears to be an A/C car but the rest… Tuxedo Black, numbers match?
No evidence of frame condition..if damaged..plus another 15 k to the tab..I’m not sure by the pictures that the vette body. Is in any condition to return a decent paint job on the..if not and car has a gel coat need..plus another 25k to the tab…plus the door is off the hinge..no mention of this in the article..it’s a base motor car..not a 120k car in any condition….asking a lot..this car would cost you in shop repairs cost.time and labor..150k
no high hp 63’s came with AC. You had to choose one or the other. AC split windows are unicorns. But agree so many unknowns here impossible to really put a value on it without thorough inspection.
Black repaint on the current body.would be a disaster..it’s just not clean enough to show all the body flaws.on and waves and runs…take lots of money..50k to paint and gel this car….ac car mite be rare.car but really only. 1963 vettes in.150k range.are the fuel injected motors and the 340 horse motors and the 360 horse motors..these are value pushers.in 1963 vettes..it’s not a 250 hp.grand maw.powerglide.motor.
Randy, don’t take offense, but gel coat is old fashioned and not needed over fiberglass. Primer surfacer is the same thing and not at all expensive. I have painted a C3 corvette that I stripped down to bare fiberglass. Sealed it with epoxy primer, primer surfacer, then a single stage finish. You can get a show car finish yourself for a tiny fraction of 50K, all it takes is time and patience
Trying to jump on the 63 coupe and the recent high prices. Typical as the winter auctions not far off. The cost to properly restore a C2 today is $150,000. That’s after buying the car. If you have very good mechanical skills, yes the cost much lower. Painting a C2 couoe today properly is 15 to 20 large.
Aside from all else this rat needs the rear window trim is not included. Add 3 to 4 thousand for just that. Not a lot of $ in the big picture but to me it’s an important part of what makes the car special.
Nah, just cut that dumb piece out and get cheap(er) 64-67 trim. 😆
No way that is frame off.Frame not even cleaned up.