When the 1963 Corvette debuted, it instantly became an American icon. But among the thousands of split window coupes built that year, only a handful were ever transformed into something truly unexpected: Hertz rental “Ski Vettes.”
One of those ultra rare cars—believed to be the only surviving example—is now set to cross the block at Mecum Kissimmee on Friday, January 16, 2026 (Lot F323).
This particular Corvette, VIN 30837S113114, is a time capsule from a moment when Hertz decided to make a bold statement on the Colorado slopes.
Purchased new by the company on April 24, 1963, from Luby Chevrolet in Denver, the car was part of a tiny fleet of Corvettes outfitted specifically for ski country rentals.
More than 60 years later, this Ski Vette remains remarkably intact. The car retains its matching numbers 327/250 horsepower V8, Powerglide transmission, and its original Ermine White exterior over red interior. Even the Hertz dash badge remains in place—a small but powerful reminder of its unusual past.
The car’s originality is supported by an impressive collection of documentation, including the original dealer order copy listing Hertz as the buyer, GM warranty booklet signed by Denver dealer Joe Luby, owner’s manual, radio instructions, and GM pamphlets, NCRS judging sheets from 1985, a 1963 Colorado rental license plate, unused original spare tire, winter tires, and even period skis and the original suction cup ski rack.
The seller notes that the car has been preserved in its original configuration, with date coded components throughout—from the engine casting and intake manifold to the mirrors, glass, alternator, and starter. Final assembly occurred on April 17, 1963, aligning perfectly with the car’s documented history.
Fewer than 10 of these Ski Vettes are believed to have been built, and this may be the only one still in existence. The car sold at Barrett Jackson in 2019 for $132,000, drawing attention for its authenticity and its unusual backstory.
Aside from a high quality repaint in 2016, the Corvette remains largely untouched. The original red interior—including the floor mats—still presents beautifully. The AM/FM radio and all gauges are functional, and the car retains its distinctive ski rack and accessories.
The Ski Vette program was a short lived but memorable experiment. Hertz wanted to offer something extraordinary to travelers heading into the Rockies—something stylish, sporty, and unforgettable. Renting a brand new Split Window Corvette with skis strapped to the back certainly fit the bill.
We’d love to hear from someone out there who might have even rented a car like this back in the day. Were you that “wild and crazy” guy in the early 1960s?
Source:
Mecum Auctions
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Very cool! (No pun intended 😂)
Are the skiis included? And are they 1963 vintage?
What … NO AIR CONDITIONING!
Outstanding collectable that will, probably, never see the open road.
When you park a classic, to display like a painting, on a wall, then you have too much money, and not enough fun.
DRIVE A CLASSIC AND SMILE, WHILE YOU ENJOY IT! 1
Beautiful cars Gentlemen.
I’d have to drive to Snowmass and Vail, in the winter just to annoy people
Does it include original frame rust at the rear upkick? Lol. What a dumb concept.
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