He didn’t find the car — the car found him.
That’s how the now 90 year old original owner describes the moment he first laid eyes on this 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Fuelie, back when a salesman happened to be showing it to a neighbor across the street. One glance, one conversation, and the deal was done. He drove it home in ’63 and never let it go.
Now, for the first time in its 63 year life, the Corvette is being offered to someone else — and the Bring a Trailer crowd can hardly believe what they’re seeing.
“1963 and original owner in the same sentence — ohhh lee sheet!” one commenter wrote.
Another added, “After 63 years, how many are still held by their original owner? Less than ten?”
This wasn’t a pampered showpiece. The owner raced it — slalom events, hill climbs, the kind of grassroots motorsport that defined the era. Photos in the listing show the car in full race trim, wearing numbers and attitude.
That authenticity struck a chord with longtime enthusiasts.
“Love the pictures of it back in the day being used like a Corvette should be!” one observer said.
Another chimed in, “Drove the car, raced the car, kept improving it… I would keep it as is.”
After a decade of competition, the car went into long term storage for more than 30 years before receiving a careful refurbishment from 2007–09. The original 327ci L84 Fuelie and Rochester mechanical injection were rebuilt, the suspension and brakes refreshed, and the interior reupholstered in red leather.
Finished in Ermine White, the car retains its iconic split rear glass and unmistakable C2 silhouette. The seller notes that the upper wheel well lips were shaved slightly decades ago to clear wider tires — a subtle reminder of its racing past.
It now rides on American Racing Torq Thrusts, with lowered suspension, side exit exhaust, and a bolt in roll bar with harnesses. Inside, the dash pieces were refinished, the heater core replaced, and the clock converted to quartz.
For purists, nearly everything removed over the years — heads, camshaft, exhaust, springs, spare tire carrier — comes with the sale.
As the seller explained, “All parts are original to the car, plus a few OEM spares.”
The L84 V8, originally rated at 360 horsepower, now features Edelbrock aluminum heads, a Crower roller cam, and a 7 quart oil pan. The owner says the engine is bored .030 over and remains razor sharp.
One commenter summed up the appeal:
“A one owner SWC with racing cred but stock interior and body… This thing is a freaking unicorn.”
Another added, “I wouldn’t trade a truckload of NCRS, Bloomington, and Duntov awards for the history that accompanies this car.”
The seller, helping his longtime friend Bobby — the original owner — says the car has been part of his life for more than six decades.
“Bobby has been scouring his house for anything related to his Corvette,” he said. “Anything he finds goes with the sale.”
That personal touch has resonated deeply with enthusiasts.
“Stories like this are what make the classic car hobby so rewarding,” one commenter wrote.
Another added, “Perhaps the most interesting SWC ever offered on Bring A Trailer.”
And maybe that’s the real story here. Not just the split window. Not just the Fuelie. Not even the racing history.
It’s the fact that for 63 years, this Corvette has had one owner, one voice, one life — and now, for the first time since 1963, someone else will get the chance to write the next chapter.
Will it be you? With four days left in the auction, the bids have already climbed to $100,000. How much higher do you think it will head?
Source:
Bring a Trailer
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Corvettes for Sale: 1960 Corvette Fuelie Project Offered on eBay
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