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Tips for Buying a Car Out of StateShowstopping ’63 Split-Window Corvette
The 1963 Chevy Corvette set a new standard for American sports car, both on the track and on the street.
Corvette Month Kicks Off
January is officially Corvette month here at Carsforsale.com, the month the Corvette first debuted in 1953 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel as part of GM’s Motorama car show. As part of our Corvette celebration, we’re spotlighting some of the coolest Corvettes listed on our site, including this impeccable example of a 1963 split-window from the second-generation’s initial model year.
The C2 generation marked a major transition for the Corvette. The first generation had been a sort of commercial experiment, with Harley Earl and company testing the waters for an Americanized version of a European style roadster. Initially, the Corvette faltered, and poor sales numbers threatened a swift demise for the car until engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov got involved and convinced executives that the car needed a V8 to survive.
With a V8 under the hood, the Corvette didn’t just survive it thrived, but Duntov was far from done and a second generation would see the Corvette evolve into the quintessential American sports car that’s persisted through the decades and eight full generations.
Before we dive into this particularly noteworthy example, let’s take a moment to examine what makes the C2 generation such an iconic and unique Corvette.
A Stunner of a Stingray
The 1963 model Chevrolet Corvette inaugurated the second generation, bringing radically altered styling and refined mechanicals. A new body design was penned by Earl’s successor, Bill Mitchell (along with Larry Shinoda and Pete Brock), who also lent the car an additional moniker, Sting Ray. Both the body and name were inspired by Mitchell’s interest in diving and sea life which was clearly evident from the Sting Ray Corvette’s streamlined fender humps and shark-like nose.
The ’63 Corvette’s split window design, a one year only feature, was inspired both by sea life and classic European cars like the Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic. Now iconic, the split window did, of course, limit reward visibility and was therefore detested by Duntov, who eventually won out, getting the split window deleted for 1964.
Another of the ’63 model’s unique features were the 17-piece aluminum knock off hub caps made for Chevy by Kelsey-Hayes, which could be optioned for an additional $322. Limited uptake and the difficulties and expense of production necessitated a switch to a simpler design the following year. Other ’63-only details include the small wheel latch for the fuel door and different styling for the side mirror, which was simplified and repositioned for 1964.
The 1963 Corvette kept the same 327 V8 from the previous generation with either 250, 300, or 340 horsepower for carbureted versions while the fuel injected version boasted 360 horsepower. New was the Corvette’s fully independent suspension designed by Duntov and Chevy engineers with racing in mind. The ’63 Corvette’s hood louvers were also a nod to racing as they were designed to increase air low and reduce the risk of lift-off at speeds over 100 mph. Unfortunately, the louvers ended up being only cosmetic as they were deemed impractical for daily use.
For a more detailed look at the 1963 Chevy Corvette, click here.
This 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe
This 1963 split window Corvette caught our attention as it’s one of the cleanest and earliest examples you’re likely to encounter. The seller’s extensive notes cover practically all pertinent details. Built in December of 1962, this car is from early in the car’s production run, note the initial side mirror design that was later modified mid-year.
This car has been kept as close to original as possible. Present are the original Kelsey-Hayes knock off aluminum wheels. The stock 327 V8 engine, four-speed manual transmission, and 355 Posi-track rear end are all original to the car as well. The car’s original Riverside Red has been repainted to a stunning shine while the seats have been re-upholstered in spec black vinyl. The exhaust has been upgraded with new Magnaflow mufflers. The seller has replaced key items like the AC, radio and antenna, amp gauge, door locks, and adjustable headlight doors.
This spectacular example of a 1963 Chevy Corvette is listed for $199,998. With its iconic split window design, immaculate condition, and blazing Riverside Red paint, this Vette is a collector’s dream.
Keep a lookout for upcoming Corvette articles later this month.
