When someone is contemplating spending their hard-earned cash on a classic car, many factors are worth considering. One is the vehicle’s seller because their attitude and knowledge can accurately indicate whether the car has received appropriate care and maintenance. That’s what makes this 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe an attractive proposition. It has just come off a nut-and-bolt restoration allowing it to score Bloomington Gold Certification. It is the tenth Corvette restored by the current owner, who is passionate about these iconic classics. The time is right for the ‘Vette to find a new home, so the seller has listed it here on eBay. Located in Lebanon, Indiana, the bidding has hit $130,100, although that is shy of the reserve.

The passion the owner feels for Corvettes is best reflected in their approach to this restoration. They elected the frame-off path to maximize their chances of perfection, utilizing many of the paint techniques used by Chevrolet in this classic’s production. The frame is spotless, wearing a consistent coat of black. The panels sport Riverside Red as per the Trim Tag in a single-stage process as employed by the factory. It shines magnificently, which is no surprise considering this ‘Vette has accumulated a mere five miles since the restoration ended last month. The fiberglass is flawless, with the trim, chrome, and glass having a factory-fresh appearance. The overall condition means this Split Window would not look out of place on a Chevrolet showroom floor. My greatest fear with this car is that the next owner may consider its condition too good for active service. I would hate to think that a classic of this caliber may be destined for display or museum duty. Its creators intended it to be driven and enjoyed, and that’s what it deserves.

The seller was unwilling to categorize this Corvette as numbers-matching for the Bloomington assessment process, but the engine block codes indicate that its engine is original. There was no genuinely slow offering within the 1963 Corvette range. It was just that some were faster than others. This classic’s original owner handed over the not inconsiderable sum of $430.40 for the legendary L84 fuel-injected 327ci V8. Only 2,610 buyers selected the L84 because it added more than 10% to the Corvette’s sticker price. Bolted to this Fuelie is a four-speed manual transmission that sends the engine’s 360hp to the Posi rear end. If someone pointed this Coupe at the ¼ mile, the journey would be a distant but pleasant memory in 14 seconds. The engine bay presents as superbly as the rest of the vehicle, and with only five miles under its belt, breaking in the drivetrain will fall to the next owner. They will be starting from a positive base because every component has been stripped and meticulously rebuilt to factory specifications. Mechanically, this Corvette needs nothing.

The seller kept their eye on the prize when returning this Corvette to its former glory. Its interior condition is showroom fresh, trimmed in striking red to compliment the exterior. There isn’t a mark or flaw anywhere, which is no surprise considering its recent history. The upholstered surfaces and carpet are spotless, while the gauges feature crisp markings and crystal clear lenses. The seller has even extended their quest for perfection to include the instruction tag on the radio controls. There’s little doubt that climbing aboard the Coupe would be like rewinding the clock to 1963.

While the C3 Corvette remains one of the most instantly recognizable American cars globally, the 1963 Split Window Coupe isn’t far behind. Produced for a single year, they are more popular and desirable now than when they rolled off the production line. This Corvette is stunning, and its Bloomington Gold Certification confirms that. It hasn’t hit the reserve, and I believe the bidding will need to climb beyond $170,000 before this occurs. While it may be beyond your means (it’s well beyond mine!), watching this auction could be entertaining. Why not drop us a comment with your best guess, and let’s see if someone can hit the nail on the head. That sounds like fun.