The late 1950s and early ‘60s marked a bold new era for the American automobile as manufacturers unleashed daring new developments in both styling and engineering, but nothing compared to the impact of the striking 1963 Corvette Sting Ray. With such visionaries as GM Styling Director Bill Mitchell and de facto Chief Engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov at the helm, the Corvette team defied convention with a fresh new design that appealed not just to the domestic market but enthusiasts around the world. For the first time, the Corvette was available as both a convertible and a coupe, the latter famously sporting the one-year-only split rear window that has become an American styling icon. A late production example produced on July 17, 1963, this 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe from the Split Window Colorama II Collection was delivered new by King Braeger Chevrolet in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as confirmed by the accompanying official NCRS/GM Shipping Data Records. Acquired from a prior owner of almost 10 years, the car presents in the very rare and desirable original color combination of Code 923 Riverside Red paint with a matching 490L Red vinyl interior. Close inspection has revealed a no-hit factory front end, a significant factor in judging any Corvette’s overall condition. This red-on-red split window coupe is powered by the base 327/250 HP V-8 engine mated to a Muncie M20 wide ratio 4-speed manual transmission and 3.36 Positraction rear end, all with matching numbers and original to the car, which is further equipped with full-size spinner wheel covers over white stripe radial tires, color matching seat belts and an AM/FM radio. Documented with engine stamp pad affirmation by Al Grenning’s Classic Car Affirmation Service, LLC, a copy of the previous owner’s title, factory literature and a three-ring binder, the car includes most all factory-correct-type components including the spare, jack, jack tools, washer system, shifter, shielding, air cleaner, spark plug shields, hoses, hose clamps, valve covers, expansion tank, gas door assembly, bowtie mirror, glovebox door and cookie tin hood. This rare and beautiful split window coupe is ready to provide its next caretaker with years of enjoyment in classic Corvette style.
