1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe

The newly designed ‘63 Corvette was flashy, muscular and powerful, as this futuristic fiberglass sports car was a symbol of a post-World War II America that was craving for individual expression. The radical exterior styling of this Corvette generation was very purposeful with peaked fenders, a long nose and a short, bobbed tail. The quad headlamps were now hidden—the first American car so equipped since the 1942 DeSoto and the 1936-37 Cords. The hood had two simulated air intakes within stylish indentations, and the coupe doors were cut into the roof like a true racing sports car. The Sting Ray's interior carried a new interpretation of the twin-cowl Corvette dash motif used since 1958. A full set of round gauges included a huge speedometer and tachometer, and the center stack was now somewhat slimmer, containing the clock and a vertically situated radio.

The first-ever production Corvette coupe had the split rear window, which was an extremely unusual styling element for its time. This “split window coupe” Corvette featured glass flowing down the sides and the body sweeping artistically into a point at the back of the car, which was adorned by the large round deck fuel-filler flap with the crossed-flags insignia. All 1963 cars had 327 CI engines, which made 250 HP as standard, while optional variants made 300 HP, 340 HP and 360 HP.

This incredibly restored 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe is a desirable early example built on January 17, 1963 and sold new at Luby Chevrolet in Denver, Colorado. It was factory ordered in the stunning color combination of 912 Silver Blue paint matched with a 490J Dark Blue vinyl interior, which makes for a very elegant specification. Power comes from the matching-numbers solid lifter 327/340 HP engine, which is backed by a 4-speed manual transmission. Additional options include power brakes, power windows, a clock and an AM radio. To finish the look, this example has been outfitted with a set of proper, early, restored, frosted, spinner hubcaps and brand new whitewall bias-ply tires.

This example has benefited from a comprehensive frame-off, nut-and-bolt restoration with no expense spared during the process. The Silver Blue paint is absolutely stunning and has been wet-sanded and polished to a show-quality luster. The interior has been beautifully retrimmed in the correct Dark Blue vinyl. The engine compartment is beautifully detailed with the correct style finishes on the parts surrounding the solid lifter 327 CI V-8. The underside looks just like it did when it rolled off the assembly line in 1963 and perhaps even nicer than new.

The split window Corvette is one of the most iconic American sports cars ever built, and this example is the cream of the crop. It comes with photos of the restoration process and multiple binders meticulously documenting the restoration. The quality of this example is over the top and would be a standout in anyone's collection.