Restoration or Restomod: 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe
The classic market can be cyclical, and you only need to scroll through the pages of Barn Finds to gain clear insight. We will go for an extended period without seeing a single example of a particular vehicle, and several will quickly hit the market. Such is the case with the 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe. This is the third we have seen in the past week, but unlike its predecessors, its new owner could consider our feature car a blank canvas project. The Corvette is listed here on eBay in Mooresville, North Carolina. Bidding sits above the reserve at $70,509, with time remaining for interested parties to stake their claim on this classic.
The history of this Corvette is unclear, although it appears to hold promise as a project candidate. The indications are it is a stalled project, although whether proceedings ground to a halt during disassembly or reassembly is only a guess. Its Ermine White exterior shines nicely, and the lack of visible defects in the supplied photos suggests the paint might be relatively new. The seller believes the body has never received a hit, with the fiberglass free from cracks or other damage. The frame is solid, but the car is missing a selection of exterior trim pieces. The new owner must source bumpers, window trims, and other items to complete the exterior. However, returning it to a presentable state could be straightforward if the Coupe presents as nicely in the flesh as it seems to in the supplied photos. The glass looks in good order, while the side exhaust and knock-off wheels add a sense of purpose.
The theme of missing parts continues inside this Coupe. The passenger seat has gone, as have some console components and carpet. Sourcing replacements for these items should be possible via the usual online auction sites, although there are excellent companies that sell high-quality reproduction pieces. The carpet on the lower door trims is pretty shabby, but the dash looks relatively good. A complete retrim would probably be the best solution if the new owner seeks a high-end result. That process will leave little change from $3,000, but the long-term investment potential of this Coupe justifies the cost.
Bad news for purists is the revelation this Corvette isn’t numbers-matching. However, it features what the seller describes as a “period correct” 327ci V8. They don’t elaborate on its specifications but confirm it sends its power to the rear wheels via an automatic transmission. Once again, they don’t specify the type, meaning it could be a Powerglide or a Hydramatic. An in-person inspection will reveal the truth, but one positive slice of news is that this small-block runs well. Therefore, returning the car to its rightful place on our roads could be an achievable short-term goal. The seller raises the idea of a restomod approach, which has merit. However, even though this Coupe can never be totally original, its potential value could make a faithful refurbishment the best approach.
This 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe leaves potential buyers with many choices to make. Returning it to active service in its current form may not be difficult, while a faithful refurbishment is viable. However, its lack of originality means the winning bidder could pursue the custom or restomod route without raising the ire of purists for molesting a numbers-matching classic. All avenues are plausible, but which would you choose?
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Comments
Too much money for a car that needs at least $20-30k of love, if you want the correct parts.
If the frame checks out it’s a pretty decent deal. Adjust the ride height, build some exhaust, put the bumpers/trim back on, deal with the interior, and you’ll have a nice driver for under $100k.
Just thinking,a nice driver for around $100,00. Bring back the good ol days!
Restomod only way to go here. You get best value for buck spent.
Being mostly a gearhead, my main takeaway from this car is that the double pumper is probably a poor choice for a dual plane 327/automatic combo.
The seller doesn’t say it’s a 327, only the Barn Finds writer claims that. All the seller says is that it’s a “period correct engine”, but I’m not sure I agree. The left side dipstick indicates the engine is a 1980 or newer 305 or 350, hardly what I’d call “period correct” for a 1963 car.
Any buyer better be prepared to shell out a fair amount of money, and expect a long search for the missing parts. The 63 only windshield and rear window trim will easily set the next owner back $10,000+, and more if it’s missing the rear inside trim too. The missing seat will take $500-$750 to buy, IF you can find a single seat, or someone dumb enough to split up a pair. I don’t see any indication there’s a 63 only console included, which is another $1000. The good quality US made repro bumpers sell for about $2500 a set, plus bumper brackets and whatever else is missing.
I’d love to know how someone can tell a painted car has a “no hit” body. And it looks like the body may have recently received a quick paint job to help sell it. A nice driver for under $100K, I don’t think so.
The missing parts are probably on the Blue one the seller has listed for sale, the price for the missing parts would negate this being any kind of good deal. Too bad .
SOLD for $80,205.