1963 Split Window Vette
May 12, 2023 08:49:00 #
Here’s shot of five ‘63 split-window Corvettes. These are located at Collection 21 in Erlanger, KY. There’s also another ‘63 split-window in another part of the collection.
Bill
Bill
May 12, 2023 09:01:18 #
Just Fred wrote:
I wonder why Chevrolet only made the split-window 'Vette in the 1963 model?
The split-window coupe was the product of political differences between stylists and management. While it won the war for appearance it lost for practicality. The "bar" was a visual impairment as it blocked the driver's view creating a major "dead spot." Experience showed motorcycles could be hidden from view completely, and guess who rode motorcycles in 1963? Management killed it! Buyers had different ideas as the split-window in one of the most expensive models on the market today. Interest is piqued when they appear in auction. Bidders run each other out of the venue. They remain some of collector cars' biggest targets. My first summer-job was in a Chevy store that year, I was a "car spotter" that did nothing but move cars for the mechanics. Took one to lunch one day, BEST DAY AT WORK EVER!
May 12, 2023 09:10:38 #
PAR4DCR wrote:
Saw two of these while shooting at St. Armands on 5/6/2023, a silver one and a black one, here is the silver one.
327 cu / 340 HP
Built - October, 1962
Weight 3,105 lbs.
Original List Price - $5,215.65
Couple Production - 10,594
I offered the guy 30% over sticker price. When I walked away he was still on the ground laughing!
Enjoy
Don
327 cu / 340 HP
Built - October, 1962
Weight 3,105 lbs.
Original List Price - $5,215.65
Couple Production - 10,594
I offered the guy 30% over sticker price. When I walked away he was still on the ground laughing!
Enjoy
Don
May 12, 2023 09:20:33 #
Beautiful car and photos, Don...I was always partial to the 1959 Vette!!
May 12, 2023 09:37:53 #
May 12, 2023 09:43:54 #
May 12, 2023 10:01:17 #
Bought one when I came back from Viet Nam. Sold it when I got married.It wasn't a family man's car.
May 12, 2023 10:31:34 #
May 12, 2023 11:21:42 #
A terrific set Don.
IMHO the new vettes have gone past "unattractive" and solidly into "UGLY".
IMHO the new vettes have gone past "unattractive" and solidly into "UGLY".
May 12, 2023 11:25:44 #
May 12, 2023 11:44:46 #
JFCoupe
Loc: Kent, Washington
Just Fred wrote:
I wonder why Chevrolet only made the split-window 'Vette in the 1963 model?
Based on other articles I have read, the split window blocked the view to the rear of the vehicle. Doesn't seem like a big deal today, but in those days a right side window mirror was an extra cost option. So Chevrolet in the interest of safety, eliminated the split window starting with 1964 models.
May 12, 2023 12:24:14 #
Recently, at the La Jolla Concours there appeared three especially outstanding th
63 f.i. vettes. Bunkie Knudson's convertible, Mickey Thompson's racer (first time I ever saw the large gas tank) and another split window fuelie with many miles and close to perfect!!!
63 f.i. vettes. Bunkie Knudson's convertible, Mickey Thompson's racer (first time I ever saw the large gas tank) and another split window fuelie with many miles and close to perfect!!!
May 12, 2023 13:52:24 #
skipnord
Loc: Corcoran, Minnesota
A neighbor of mine back in the 70's had one of these. Bought it new, and almost never drove it. I think he was saving it for his retirement income. Guessing it would be worth at least a 1/4 million these days.
May 12, 2023 14:47:41 #
May 12, 2023 16:06:01 #
Beautiful images and an awesome 63. The spilt window Vette was the first car model I made as a kid.
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