1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray
C2 · First year of C2 body. Split rear window coupe is unique to ... · The only split-window Corvette ever made
Ultra Rare
Production & Overview
Total Production
21,513
Original MSRP
$4,252
Assembly Plants
St. Louis, MO
Wheelbase
98 inches
Body Styles
Coupe · Convertible
Curb Weight
3,150 lbs
Notable Packages & Production
Special Performance Package — Z06
5-8x base
199
produced
Available Engines
L75 327ci — V8
Base V8
250 hp
L76 327ci — V8
Optional V8
300 hp
L84 327ci — V8
Fuel injection — Rochester Ramjet. Most desirable non-Z06 engine.
360 hp
Z06 327ci — V8
Special Performance Package — coupe only. Tanker fuel tank, heavy-duty brakes, Positraction. 199 produced.
360 hp
Buyer Checklist
⚠ Clone warning: Non-matching engine reduces value 40-60% — especially on Z06 or fuel-injected cars. Always verify with cowl tag, engine stamp, and registry before purchase.
Verify split rear window is intact and undamaged — irreplaceable and defining feature
Decode cowl tag to confirm paint, trim, and build options
Check engine suffix code for numbers-matching verification
Inspect fiberglass body for cracks — door jambs, wheel openings, and nose are common
Verify hidden headlight mechanism operates correctly
Check for correct independent rear suspension components
Inspect tank sticker under fuel filler door if present
Z06 claims require full documentation — 199 built, extensively faked
Fuel injection cars — verify correct Rochester unit and all components
Road test: check for differential noise and steering feel
Known Problem Areas
Split window damage or replacement — cracks in the dividing bar are common
Fiberglass cracks at stress points
Hidden headlight vacuum system failures
Independent rear suspension bushing wear
Electrical issues — multiple ground points fail
Z06 and fuel injection clones — very common misrepresentation
Frame rust on underside
What Drives Value
↑ Increases Value
Z06 with full documentation
Fuel injection (L84) numbers-matching
Split rear window coupe in original paint
NCRS Top Flight award
Known racing or show history
Rare colors (Sebring Silver, Daytona Blue)
↓ Decreases Value
Non-matching engine
Split window replaced or damaged
Clone Z06 or fuel injection
Prior accident damage to nose
Incorrect paint color
Restoration Overview
Difficulty
High
Parts Availability
Good — strong reproduction market
Driver Quality Cost
$30,000 – $60,000
Show Quality Cost
$80,000 – $150,000
Key Suppliers
Corvette Central · Mid America Motorworks · Zip Corvette
Pop Culture & Legacy
The split-window is one of the most iconic design details in American automotive history
Consistently ranks as one of the most beautiful American cars ever designed
Strong feature in automotive art and die-cast collectibles
Other Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Years