Some enthusiasts will complete the meticulous restoration of their classic car and go on to experience years of motoring joy. For others, the restoration journey satisfies them, and they will choose to part with a vehicle once the work is complete. That appears to be the case with this 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe. It has covered a mere fourteen miles since the seller completed a meticulous frame-off build. They have decided to part with a vehicle guaranteed to turn heads and draw crowds wherever it goes. You will find it listed here on eBay in Richmond, Kentucky. Bidding has raced to $150,000 off the back of intense action. However, that figure remains short of the reserve.

Chevrolet produced 21,513 Corvettes in 1963. Of those, 10594 were the Split Window Coupe variant. The distinctive rear window makes these classics instantly recognizable since it proved a one-year-only design feature. It didn’t prove as popular as the company expected, with some owners complaining about obstructed vision due to the strip of fiberglass running between the two pieces of glass. This feature also led to an industry where some dealers and other companies offered owners the option of cutting away the strip and installing a more conventional single-piece back window. It is unclear how many owners chose that route, but it is safe to assume they later regretted their decision as Split Window values climbed at a mind-boggling rate. This Coupe just came off the back of a meticulous frame-off restoration, and the presentation is genuinely stunning. The seller makes claims about the rarity of Tuxedo Black ’63 Corvettes, but 1963 is a model year where it is hard to confirm specific build totals for some colors. That is the case with this shade, so we rely on the seller’s word. They overlooked no aspect of the car in the build. The shine it exhibits is understandable, considering it wears no less than eight coats of clear. They say it looks a foot deep, which is a fair assessment. It shows no signs of flaws, which is unsurprising because it has only clocked fourteen miles since the seller completed its restoration. The fiberglass is perfect, and the frame is equally impressive. The chrome and glass are in as-new condition, but it is worth noting the aluminum wheels are aftermarket reproductions. If the buyer seeks originality, they should be able to locate the correct wheels and hubcaps to achieve a factory appearance.

The seller’s attention to detail is further emphasized when we turn our attention to its interior. It received a complete retrim using components from Al Knoch Interiors. They despatched the gauge cluster to renowned specialists Corvette Clocks by Roger for restoration to as-new condition. The shifter console received a $1,000 refurbishment and polish, leaving it looking stunning. The seller completed the process by performing a total rewire, meaning future electrical issues shouldn’t be a worry.

Assessing the engine choices ’63 Corvette buyers faced reveals the company offered no genuinely slow vehicles within its range. However, buyers wishing to lift performance to a higher level had some tempting options. This car’s original owner splashed $107.60 over the sticker price for the L76 version of the 327ci V8. This motor brought 340hp to the table, feeding the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. If the driver pointed it at a ¼-mile, it would despatch the distance in 14.3 seconds before winding its way to 139mph. It is unsurprising to lift this classic’s hood and find an engine bay that looks factory-fresh. Adding to the appeal is the seller’s claim the vehicle is numbers-matching. They rebuilt the engine and transmission during the build, and it has only accumulated fourteen miles since. It is a turnkey vehicle that runs and drives well, but the new owner will probably need to treat it with respect as they will undoubtedly be working through breaking in the rebuilt components.

Some purists will argue that the painting process for this 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe and the aftermarket wheels mean that it should be considered a beautifully refurbished car rather than a faithful restoration. That is a valid view, but it is undeniably a stunning car that seems to need nothing. I am not alone in my opinion because it has already attracted an incredible sixty-three bids with plenty of time left on the auction. Recent history suggests that the bidding should be edging towards the reserve, although it can sometimes be difficult to be sure with cars of this caliber. Even if this ‘Vette is beyond your financial means, watching the auction to see where the price heads before the hammer falls should be a fascinating experience.