Split Window Dreaming: 1963 Chevrolet Corvette
When Chevrolet unveiled the split-window coupe version of its all-new Corvette, I doubt anyone assumed it would be iconic. That’s because just 10,594 of them were built before Chevy went with a solid window design for the remainder of the generation (1964-67). We’ve seen this edition of the ’63 Corvette before – two years ago to be precise. Not much has changed since then, and the asking price may have gone up.
Our own Adam Clarke had the honor of covering this project Corvette in October 2022. The location hasn’t changed since then, nor have the photos, so we assume it didn’t sell 24 months ago. We understand this Chevy may have worn Ermine White paint when new, but it’s been sporting grey primer in recent years. The photos then and now don’t help determine what problems – if any – the fiberglass may have.
A 327 cubic inch V8 was the way to go in 1963 and this Corvette has its original motor, running condition unknown but unlikely. Several iterations of that engine were offered with horsepower ranging from 250 to 360 with the latter being a “fuelie” which this car is not. A 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission seems to be its trusted companion. A glimpse of the interior suggests a better story is in play for the passenger compartment.
Please check out Adam’s original write-up in the Fall of ’22 here on Barn Finds. At that time, the seller was looking to net at least $100,000. Now, here on craigslist and from Wilmington, Delaware, the starting point is down to $90,000 but the seller indicates that $115,000 is the number he or she would like to come away with. We understand that while this Chevy has been in storage since 1984, it’s been a one-owner for 12 years on top of that. Will it sell this time around?
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Comments
A bit pricy ! Also I believe the 10,594 built includes the convertible as well. A top 5 list car for me. But not in ermine white. Mine would be Daytona blue with the red interior, a rare yet available combination. And now for the shameless boasting, if anybody is interested, my collection of split window Corvette toys, models and collectibles is arguably the largest in the world.
The total was 21,513, so about half were coupes.
Russ, I’m sorry, this is what happens when I trust my mind without checking the figures first. Let this be a lesson to me.
1963 C2 production:
10,594 coupe, 10,919 convertible, 21,513 total
1964
8,304 coupe, 13,925 convertible, 22,229 total
1965
8,186 coupe, 15,378 convertible, 23,564 total
1966
9,958 coupe, 17,762 convertible, 27,720 total
1967
8,504 coupe, 14,436 convertible, 22,940 total
Obviously, if you are or were any kind of car nut in the 60s, the split window Corvette was always this almost deity in the car world, unattainable except in 1/24 form. ( Build it 3 ways)You’d think all of these have been accounted for by now, dust indicates clearly a long time hold out here. I missed it last time, but the badges on the glovebox indicate at one time, this was someones pride and joy. Vietnam again? We can only speculate. Remember my yard sale story in the 80s, in the corner was a car that was covered, you could make out the shape of a Corvette. It was not for sale. Rumor had it, the old lady lost her son in Vietnam, and couldn’t bear to sell the car, just in case he did come back. He never did and I’m sure the car was sold at her estate sale.
Recent auctions show “regular” Corvettes, a dime a dozen. C3s and 4s, small blocks, under $10grand, many unsold( the bid goes on, yeah, right) Something like this however, will still go down in the annals of history, as the most sought after US sports car, EVER. Here’s your chance, for the thick of wallet, let’s see, a quick check shows some can indeed go over 1/4 mil, I don’t know, $115gs at LEAST another as much to restore it, and by the time it’s done, should cost you double, interest faded more, and to sell for a loss? Somebody will do it,it’s that much a collectible of a car.
That’s one rough Vette. Agree someone with money to burn will buy it. Would be interested to see the underside as it’s up in rust country.
I’m so tired of hearing about those stories about the soldier that never made it back from the war and the corvette sitting in the garage.I’ve heard it since I was in school,fifty some years ago!
That’s because it happened dude, God Bless those boys. My friend’s older brother died in a helicopter fire in Nam and left a red ’67 GTX in the garage waiting for him. Sorry you’re so tired of hearing it, but I miss Clyde.
God Bless America
With a comment like that, Al, if that is your real name, we, as a country, are in more trouble than I thought. Some countries would chop your head off for such views.
Yea. And the one telling the story always worked with the brother in law of the uncle’s 2nd cousin who actually bought the car and took it to the local Chevrolet dealer where they gave him a new car for it. Never a 1st hand experience.
Pnuts, here’s one; back in the 80’s I attended Corvette shows here in the southeast. There was a guy with a black ‘62 who had bought it from the mother who had lost her son in Vietnam. For those who don’t think these stories happened please listen to 50,000 Names by Jamie O’Hara and tell me you don’t believe.
I think that’s a rather crass statement Al.. if you’re old enough to have heard the story 50 years ago you’re old enough to know that ‘Nam was horrible and that over 50k good men were massacred for nothing. I narrowly missed the draft because Nixon switched to a lottery format two years prior to the end of the war, but I knew people who were sent over and didn’t come back, and one who came back but was a drug addict and I now realize had severe PTSD because of the atrocities he’d witnessed.
I knew of a new 1965 Chevelle sitting on blocks, waiting for the soldier to return from Vietnam………thankfully I got to come back, PTSD, but at least not in a body bag
Another case of wanting restored car money for a car that needs to be restored.
The price he wants is nearly for a good running car or a restored car that has been used. $75000 would be a good offer for a car in this condition,because you are going to spend another $75000 to get it in running order
Way over priced for the least desired auto with smallest 327 with 250 ponies
Paint, engine, interior is 25 grand at best with ones sweat equity.
The buyer is upside down and better off buying the 340 hp manual SW.
No underneath pixs provided
whoa, kinda proud, but I have to imagine that body is almost junk, glas-fiber does not hold up to “barn storage” well…
I’ve seen restored 340hp 4-speed posi cars sell for an 8 ball.. The seller is dreaming…..but good luck ya never know these days.
I’m not a hepcat, I guess. I have to ask: what is an “8 ball” in U.S. currency?
I’m 75, but I believe it means 80 thousand.
BTW…….and “8-ball” is 1/8th of a million…..$125,000.
Seems like way too much money for the condition it’s in, even though it is a 63 SW Corvette. I had one of the 13,924 64 convertibles but was never interested in a hardtop Corvette at all, not even the hard top for my 64. Just commenting to get updates. I hope this one finds a good home.
I won’t say much other than this car is not worth anywhere near what the seller is dreaming about. He or she is asking solid lifter 4 speed money in decent shape for a small motor automatic in rough shape. a really hard pass.
These split window barn finds pull at the heart strings of car enthusiasts every where, really have to put on your negotiating hats. For me $ 60 K.
This is like finding The Lost Ark Of The Covenent!
How do you take all the fun out of a Split Window Corvette?
Powerglide.
thnx Russ, didnt no U hada have the 1st few to get a splittie. They
shoulda kept building that way. Now a soft top underneath woulda
been ‘over the top’ (lol). I skip the last of the C1 (no interest pre ’56,
post ’60 due to dash & loss of Italanate rear) jump to this 1 yr, ’63 for
alllll the vette interest here @ our house. (wish it had the late 50s dash too).
Huh????
I am always a little disappointed when I see an original Corvette with a powerglide. Seems like the antithesis of a sports car, but that is just my opinion.
Bill Mitchell liked the split window of the 63. Duntov liked the single window 64-67. In a previous lifetime, I had a 65 coupe. 350 hp engine, 4speed and disc brakes.
The split window was supposed to ruin the view out the back. Don’t know, never drove one. But…lots of times I drove it with a buddy in the passenger seat with a young woman between us and I could see out the back fine.
Had 2 of these in late 70’s, a yellow auto w/ 327 carb & a red stick w/ 327 Rochester FI. Sold the red in ’82 for $6k! Yellow in 87 for $8500. Cant complain as the latter was a down on a $110k house in ’88 & paid off in ’05 & today is over $600k, so I don’t feel too bad about the ‘loss’ lol!
Well I sold a 66 with the 300 HP 327 w glide . Had the one year only color which was ( if memory serves me correct ) Mosport Green. Which I painted it in the1962 Ralley Red. Had the black interior, PW, PB, power assist steering and power antenna. Bought it in 1976 for $3,900 sold it in 1987 for $10,000.
Wasn’t married then but the lady I did get married to and still am after 30 years, mentioned to me once, if she would have known me before I sold it, we would still have it. She can’t drive stick because if some physical issues, and loves cars. Oh well, live and learn. LOL
Not a realistic price for a 63 split window in this condition with the base 327 and a Powerslide. This will be another example of a car that doesn’t sell because the reserve is not met.
@Jeff- Paint will be $15,000 minimum. That doesn’t leave too much for engine and interior. The person providing the “sweat equity” will need to be a Corvette restoration shop owner or equal.
So true. Cars like this don’t nickel and dime you to death, they 500 and 1000 you to death.