[VIDEO] Regarding that Rusty ’63 Corvette Split Window Project on eBay…Is it Worth Saving?

Dec 28, 2024

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[VIDEO] Regarding that Rusty '63 Corvette Split Window Project on eBay...Is it Worth Saving?

The most collectible Corvette in the 72-year history of America’s Favorite Sports Car is the 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe. Only 10,594 examples of the sport coupe model with the two separate rear windows were produced in 1963 before GM changed it to a single rear window in 1964. Over the years, we have seen these original Corvettes sell for huge money, and now restomods featuring the split window have also seen their prices explode over the last decade.

On Friday, we shared this rough 1963 Corvette Sport Coupe for sale on eBay that was formerly a road racer in the 1970s and then stored for the last 50 years before being offered in this eBay auction. The conventional wisdom is that this Corvette will sell, but the real question that potential buyers should be asking themselves is just how much work and capital it will take to bring this rusty-framed Split Window back to glory.

For that, we turn to an expert in C2 restorations for his take on the car. Mid-Year Mitch specializes in C2 restorations and his YouTube channel has detailed many of the types of fixes that will be required on this ’63 SWC. He posted a video about the car, and using another birdcage in his shop, he compares it to the ’63 Corvette that’s for sale. Mitch was also concerned about the frame rails and other structural components on the car because of the rust, and he says no way this car should have ever been put on two-post lift as it could have potentially split in half.

When restoring this Corvette, Mitch says the buyer will have issues with both parts availability as there are some aftermarket providers that are offering new frame rails and other birdcage components, but not all pieces are available for coupes. That means the buyer will have to source those parts from other vehicles or try to make the fixes themselves. Mitch also rates the difficulty in restoring this car, saying the overall project is a 10 for 10 on the difficulty meter, while the bird cage is a 12 out of 10 due to the labor-intensive work and lack of parts. On the fiberglass, Mitch feels much is still in pretty good condition and rates that as a 6 out of 10.

In the end, Mitch believes that due the historical significance of the 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe that it’s worth saving, however potential buyers should be prepared for the extensive work and investment that will be needed to bring this project car back to the life.

Check out his video below as it offers some great advice for potential buyers and seasoned restorers alike.