1963 witnessed the debut of a new-generation Corvette, and probably the most notable change this year was the launch of the split-window coupe.
Offered for a single model year, the design has become a very desirable collectible, especially because it’s unclear how many coupes are still around today in good shape. I still come across rough projects occasionally, but most are full of rust and missing the original coolness that makes them worthy survivors.
1963 was also the year when the Corvette demand reached new heights. The coupe and the convertible split the production almost evenly, with the removable top version accounting for 50.76 percent of the entire output. Chevrolet built 10,919 convertibles and 10,594 coupes.
One of the convertibles still in existence today emerged from a barn not long ago, with eBay seller shelbob explaining on the auction site that the car has been sitting since at least 1996. The decades in storage have caused the typical issues, but they claim the Vette remains unmolested and unrestored.
Let’s talk a bit about the engine. The owner says the 327 under the hood is “a replacement block,” though they also promise the vehicle is unmolested, so you should have this inspected in person. It’s unclear if the original engine was damaged and replaced by Chevrolet or if the 327 is an engine swap performed by a previous owner, but the good news is the existing mill starts and runs properly.
The car also comes with a new exhaust and possibly other parts, too, though I’m not sure the vehicle continues to be entirely original.
If you only want to see the glass half-full, it’s worth mentioning that the Corvette sells without any rust. The body is straight with no bondo, so aside from a full repaint, you won’t spend too much time doing body repairs. The good metal shape suggests the Corvette has been sleeping in a climate-controlled garage, or at least, in a place with reduced humidity levels where the rust could do its thing.
The black-plate Corvette was recovered from an estate sale and is already recording incredible success on eBay. It received 40 bids in just a few hours online, with the top bid exceeding $40K. However, the owner enabled a reserve, and it’s still in place, though I don’t think it’s too far from the top offer. The reserve should be triggered any day now, so with a little luck, the Corvette will find a new owner this weekend.
The vehicle is currently parked in Independence, Oregon, and despite the working engine, I think it’s better to take it on a trailer rather than drive it home on its wheels. The Vette doesn’t look completely road-worthy, so going on a long drive might be too much for its current shape.