We see an enormous variety of classic cars coming across our desks here at Barn Finds, but occasionally one will come along that will take our breath away. That is the case with this 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe. Every aspect of this machine seems to exhibit nothing but spotless perfection. After performing a meticulous restoration, the owner has made the difficult decision to part with one of the most desirable vehicles to ever roll on our roads. Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Corvette is set to go under the hammer here at Barrett-Jackson. The action is due to take place between June 17th and 19th, so there’s a good chance that someone will be driving away in a classic that deserves to wear the label of an icon. I have to thank Barn Finder Larry D for referring this beautiful car to us.

My only frustration with the listing for this Corvette is that the seller is only offering two exterior photos. I would love to see more because I could gaze at this classic from every angle for hours. The Split Window style was only offered for a single model year before Chevrolet changed the rear window to a more conventional single piece of wrap-around glass. What makes the story of the Split Window fascinating is that while it accounted for nearly 50% of all Corvette sales for the 1963 model year, many buyers found the center bar on the rear window to be intrusive. Dealers across the country offered the option of cutting out the bar and substituting a single window in place of the original pair. A surprising number of owners chose to follow this path, and you would have to wonder how many of them now feel physically ill when they realize just how much an original and unmolested example is worth in the current market. The owner has treated this Corvette to a meticulous restoration, and its presentation is flawless. The Riverside Red paint holds a fantastic depth of shine and color, and the fiberglass beneath it shows no evidence of cracks or problems. The panel gaps are tight and consistent, while the trim and glass are in as-new condition. The vehicle rolls on a set of aluminum knock-off wheels, but it isn’t clear whether these are genuine items or aftermarket reproductions. Chevrolet offered these as a $322.80 option on the RPO list. However, it is worth noting that no production Corvettes were shipped in 1963 fitted with knock-off wheels. A few resourceful buyers found a way of securing a set for their new toy, but that is why there have never been firm production numbers on this particular feature.

While the exterior of this Corvette looks stunning, we need to delve below the surface to gain an insight into how detailed this restoration has been. When we take a look at the frame, floors, and drivetrain, it looks like this classic hasn’t even managed to roll out of the showroom. The painted components are spotlessly clean, the frame is immaculate, and there is not a spot of surface corrosion in evidence anywhere. If I could find a way to achieve the physically impossible, I would have no hesitation in eating off the underside of this classic. There is certainly no dirt, dust, or oil that will contaminate any packed lunch with this one!

If the exterior and underside of this Corvette were the entrees, it seems that we’ve finally reached the main course with this classic. Chevrolet offered several engine options in 1963, but the L84 version of the legendary 327ci V8 was the pick of the bunch. This was the rare and desirable “Fuelie” V8 that punched out 360hp. With this Corvette being numbers-matching, it also features a 4-speed manual transmission and power brakes. Point this beauty at a ¼ mile, and the journey will be over in 14 seconds. If an owner were brave enough to keep the pedal to the metal, that fuel-injected small-block would push the Split Window to 144mph. There are plenty of modern production cars that can go close to matching those figures, but in 1963, that made you the king of any castle. When you look at the RPO list for this model year, the L84 Fuelie was the most expensive engine option by a very long way. Where the L76 delivered 340hp and cost its buyer $107.60, the additional 20hp that came with the L84 cost a staggering $430.40 on top of the Split Window’s $4,038 sticker price. That’s a premium of 10.6% and helps to explain why only 2,610 buyers ticked that box on the order form. The owner doesn’t indicate how well this Corvette runs and drives, but if its overall condition is used as a guide, it should feel as good today as it did the day that it rolled out of the showroom in 1963.

The Corvette’s interior is another aspect of the car where a picture is worth a thousand words. Once again, it is beautifully detailed, with Black upholstery that is faultless, a dash and gauges in as-new condition, and metal trim pieces that are free from oxidization or physical damage. This interior needs nothing, and while it isn’t loaded with luxury features, the factory AM/FM radio is a great touch.

Some people would refer to this 1963 Corvette Split Window Fuelie as a time capsule, but I’m afraid I have to disagree with that assessment. I have always considered that it is a label that should be attached to beautifully preserved and original survivors, and this car doesn’t meet that definition. However, it is one of the most beautifully restored examples that you are ever likely to see, and I suspect that this will be demonstrated the moment that the bidding opens at Barrett-Jackson. It should quickly rocket into six-figure territory, and I believe that given its condition, it could conceivably go well beyond $150,000. That doesn’t make it a cheap classic by any stretch of the imagination, so if you are going to make a play for it, you’ll need a fat wallet or an understanding bank manager. I have neither, so I’ll be reduced to the role of an interested observer. What about you?