By Marcal Eilenstein
For most people, the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray needs no introduction. Just say the word “Corvette,” and almost anyone you ask could instantly describe some iteration of the iconic marque for you. Many would likely tell you about a car just like this one, with its long, tapering fastback, rounded fenders, and retractable headlights.
What makes this one so special, though, is that back window. You could almost say it has two back windows, with a split down the middle – let’s call it a split window coupe. As you probably know, 1963 was the only year the split window coupe was offered. It was apparently not a popular design at GM, so it was axed after just one year. That’s too bad, but that also means split window coupes are rare, valuable, and highly collectible.
I had a short conversation with the owner of this car. I told him I rarely, if ever, see a split window around here. He concurred, telling me that he knows of only one other split window in the area, and it’s white. I’m inclined to believe him.
Like a rube, I forgot to get a good shot of the front. On the other hand, two Corvettes!
My brother had a 1:18 model ’63 Sting Ray, and I used to think it was the perfectly shaped car. Every line on the car seems to serve a purpose; I also told the owner that this dark blue is the perfect color. I’ll let the pictures do the talking from here.
[Photos Copyright 2013 Hooniverse/Marcal Eilenstein]
Jeff Glucker
The split-back '63 is one of the most beautiful cars ever. You're right about the color as well, it is perfect.
It truly is… I think if I had one sitting in my garage, I would probably over wax and polish it, just because I wouldn't be able to stop caressing it…
I don't even care if that statement makes me sound creepy.
There's a fine line between devoted and creepy.
Although I think it's gorgeous, and C2 vettes are my all time favorite, I think I have to respect the opinion of the immortal Zora and say the split window is too much style over function. That said, it's always a treat to see one on the road. But given how collectible they've become, I'd happily drive any other year of C2 coupe… and maybe I'll even be able to afford one someday.
Friend of mine long ago and his dad owned 2 '63 split windows- one with 4 spd & the other had a 'Glide. Both of them were in primo shape and very low miles. I'd ask him what his plans were for them and he would just smile. They have long since moved out of town and with them the Vettes. Wonder how things turned out. Sigh.
An interesting bit of trivia about the split window. Back in the day, at least a few of the owners of them so disliked the bar separating those windows, they had them removed. I am quite confident they are regretting that action these days. While a quick google search doesn't back this fact up, I am confident I have seen this somewheres around these interwebs.
I have heard this before, too. Apparently, it was not popular with GM or dealers at the time.
The Stingray was the design that launched the age. Kind of silly and counterproductive from a performance standpoint. But damn, it still looks fine.