A 1963 Chevrolet Corvette split window coupe—one of the most coveted American classics ever built—is turning heads on Bring a Trailer this week, even in project form. The current bid has already reached $50,000 with six days remaining, and judging by the comments, this one has the attention of both restorers and collectors.
The seller says the car has been in the family since 1970, when the seller’s grandfather purchased it in Ohio without a drivetrain. It was stored in a climate-controlled garage until 2008 when it was moved to Arizona. A small block 400 ci V8 was installed by the family years ago – rebuilt in 2014, and while the engine reportedly stalls once it reaches operating temperature, the car had been running until it was parked in 2022. The original Ohio plates still hang on the front bumper—a small but charming detail for anyone who appreciates long term ownership stories.
Finished in Saddle Tan over matching Saddle vinyl, the Corvette retains its factory color combination. The fiberglass body shows paint blemishes throughout, but the iconic split rear window and sharp C2 lines remain intact.
The car rides on silver finished 15 inch steel wheels with three eared knock off–style hubcaps wrapped in Goodyear Assurance Touring tires. As with all 1963 Corvettes, it features fully independent suspension—upper and lower control arms up front and a three link setup with a transverse leaf spring in the rear. Power steering and power assisted four wheel disc brakes are also included.
Inside, the cabin wears Saddle vinyl bucket seats, color matched door panels, and carpeting. Amenities include an AM radio, heater, analog clock, and lap belts. Wear is visible throughout the interior, but everything appears complete—an important factor for anyone planning a restoration.
Under the hood sits the family installed 400 small block V8, reportedly rebuilt in 2014 and topped with an Edelbrock four barrel carburetor. The seller notes the engine loses spark once it reaches operating temperature, which led to the car being parked in 2022. Power is sent through a two speed Powerglide automatic transmission. Photos show corrosion on underside components, and some touch up work was performed in preparation for the sale.
As expected with a split window listing, the comments section is lively. One user suggests the spark issue may be nothing more than a failing ignition coil. Another notes that with split window prices soaring—one recently featured SWC brought $500,000 and even a “body shell” project car sold for $70K—this project could become a prime candidate for a high end restomod. Others simply admire the car’s presence, with one commenter joking that falling in love with this Corvette might cost him his marriage.
With six days left and interest climbing, this 1963 split window project appears poised to draw serious bidding. Whether it becomes a faithful restoration or a modernized masterpiece, someone is about to take on one of the most iconic Corvette projects available today.
Source:
Bring a Trailer
Related:
Corvettes for Sale: This C6 Z06 Might Be the Cheapest Ticket into the 1,000 HP Club in History
Corvettes for Sale: Very Original 1972 Corvette Stingray Convertible on eBay
Corvettes for Sale: Cheapest C8 Corvette HTC in the Country is Offered for $52,999
Subscribe Now:
And after that partial shell of a SWC sold for $70,000 another SWC project sold on Bring a Trailer for $131,000 despite having what many had pointed out as being a very questionable VIN tag!
Meanwhile, here I am kicking myself for just missing out a couple of months ago on a long-term owned, very presentable, fully operational, “non-project” SWC that ended up selling for a mere $100,000!
What is it about including the word “Project” in the heading of an SWC auction that makes potential buyers go crazy?
No disc brakes until 1965
Ok…Someone Didn’t Know About Chevy Small Block 400 Engines…Siamese Bore…Only Good Parts..400 Crankshafts And Balancers…To Create 366/383 Chevy Engines…So…If You Buy This Project…Starting Looking For A Matching Number 327….
Wrong motor will never be worth much with that incorrect engine!
A Pontiac motor? That’s a bizarre choice if you’re in need of a drivetrain for one of these.
Comments are closed.