1963 Chevrolet Corvette 

My tenure here at Classic Auto Mall has been nearly 5 years, over the course I've had the pleasure to write over 4,000 descriptions, and nearly 400 Corvettes!  Over the course of this history, NOT ONCE have I had a 63 Split Window Corvette.  These are hens teeth to say the least, and due to complaints of poor rear vision only produced 1 year.  Much to Zora's chagrin it went to a full glass the very next year, and as they say the rest is history!

For consignment, a non rodded or ratted, non blinged or zinged, non dropped or chopped all nicely restored original looking and existing 1963 Corvette Split Window.  Requesting a car to stay fully intact for nearly 60 years is a big ask.  This formerly California car now resides in PA, within our Hallowed Halls, fully restored, snappy red interior, and it drives like a dream.  Who would have thought that a vertical bar down the center of a rear window would cause such a stir?

Exterior
At the front of this Chevy's solid, 1963 body, familiar split “razor blade” bumpers reflect a straight stainless grille and bullet-style parking lamps.  On the tip of the stinger, badging in the form of  V flags wave and they are fronted by a pinched body that has the hidden headlights on either edge.  The long hood continues the ever widening hood stinger, and has stainless vents on either side.  As the front quarters move back, they take a trip upward then downward toward the doors, and have squared off tops for the wheel wells.  They also have 2 horizontal insets which are the beginnings of what will become the iconic “gills” however these are closed off at this point.   A wonderfully shiny trim frames a clean front glass, and the roofline begins its trip over the passengers, and to the rear deck where it is interrupted with the bar in the center of the curved rear glass that eventually leads to the rear and more pinching styling.  Doors are reminiscent of the aircraft industry and these wrap around the roofline for a more aero look.  This is all bathed in Riverside Red paint which looks in very nice condition with only a few minor inclusions.  Ribbed stainless rocker coverings are near perfection with just a bit of overspray behind them. The rear deck and roll pan are very thin and more dual split bumpers emanate from the license plate with vertical bars framing it.  2 round tail lamps on either side are floating just above, and on the bottom chromed bezeled openings house dual shiny exhaust on either side.  Starburst shiny wheel coverings are wrapped by thin whitewalls on all 4 corners.

Interior
A swing of the doors, (and I expected a whoosh of air pressure with the wraparound door tops, but alas…),  reveals vertical ribbed red leather with a chrome trimming as delineation to a smooth lower also in red.  A few round red lights are on the doors along with the actuator, (a ball and stalk), and cranks.  Below is red carpeting which is also the foundation for the interior.  In it float red leather covered low back bomber style buckets that have tuck and roll inserts and smooth bolsters.  These show ever so slight wear but it adds character.  A center console races through the buckets, and has a red padded armrest then some aluminum trimming for the shift lever.  The dual eyebrow dash, in red, dives down from either side, and forms a central post to meet the aluminum.  Here resides a newer, (but looks original), vertical mounted  radio which has AM/FM/Ipod capabilities.  Also a few shiny pulls reside along with a large round clock on top.  In front of the driver's eyebrow is a black panel that makes residence for round gauges and some pulls.  The original red steering wheel fronts this and reaches for the driver.  On the passenger side is a half moon styled glovebox with black edging, and an aluminum Corvette badged door .  Carpeting in the back floods the storage area and shows no fading.

Drivetrain
Under the forward flipping hood is the numbers matching raw 327ci beast, with original red/orange black and valve coverings.  A review of all casting dates shows the block, manifold, carburetor (4bbl) and Muncie M20 4 speed manual trans are all matching.  This also holds true for the 3.36 posi rear axle.  This all resides in a clean, not overdone black engine bay with supple hoses and no corrosion seen on the bolt ons.

Undercarriage
Stamped steel, solid framing and suspension finery are all underneath and all rust free.  As expected, since its restoration this car has been well cared for, but definitely driven and enjoyed.  Drum brakes are all around, and independent coil spring front suspension is noted.  On the back is a full independent rear suspension with a frame anchored differential.  The position of each wheel is established by 3 links: tubular axle drive shafts, transverse strut rods, and torque control arms.  We also see transverse leaf springs.  Very innovative for its time.  A stock exhaust is on and is rust free as well.

Drive-Ability
My partner in crime and I clamored to get into this first of its kind to show up example, and were not disappointed.   Great acceleration, smooth shifting, and bias free braking, along with rail- like handling were the norm as well as turning heads as we drive through town.  Even a trip to the McDonald's drive through which is only reserved for very special drives was had.  Hold the pickles!

Plenty of awesomeness because of its rarity to our environment.  In my mind the holy grail of Corvettes with its sting ray styling, and of course that split rear glass.  Always wanted to write about one, let alone drive one.  My crack decoder and I have an awesome job, that should make you Riverside red with envy…

30837S119813

3-1963
08-Corvette
37-Coupe
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
119813-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG

K3-July 3rd Week Build
STYLE 63 837-1963 Corvette Coupe
BODY 9911-St. Louis Body #
TRIM 490L-Red Leather
PAINT 923A-Riverside Red

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.