1963 split window corvette

The 1963 Chevrolet Corvette was an extremely bold design at the time and proved to be an enormous success. The entire concept of the vehicle was changed to a slimmer and more aerodynamic design with hide away headlights and a split back window. With the extremely slim lines and the very special split window, much more distinct than on the VW Beetle, the 1963 split window corvette was considered to be very aggressive without being at all brutal. Some were so taken by the design that they compared it with a space ship, especially the split window inspired to that idea. Others even said that if put next to the general idea of what a UFO should look like the 1963 split window corvette would still be the most interesting vehicle of them. That is how bold, exciting and futuristic the design was and why the 1963 split window corvette has gone down into history.

1963 split window corvette – Difference from before

The design before the 1963 split window corvette was in also a little bit ahead of its time but kept a whole lot of details connected to its time. With the creation of the split window corvette the entire vehicle was remodelled, there was not even one bolt the same on either vehicle. With a new body and a new chassi there is little point in asking what the difference is instead of asking what the similarities are. With the sleek design hide away headlights and independent rear suspension the corvette gained a lot in style, aerodynamics and comfort, properties that before the 1963 corvette was thought to be difficult to combine. And the split window was simply a stroke of genius from the designers since it gave the car a unique and very special look.

1963 split window corvette – Out of production

Unfortunately the split window was dropped, together with the fake air intakes in the hood, as early as in 1964. The fake air intakes was no real loss since they indeed did make the design a tad too busy just as the creators said when they removed it. But the split window that really tied the design together was a great loss but had to be removed because of safety issues. Apparently it was difficult to see what was immediately behind the vehicle and the split window needed to be replaced with a single window instead. Therefore the 1963 split window corvette was only in production for a year.

1963 split window corvette – Collectors item

Since it was only manufactured over the course of a year there were not many split window corvettes made, and since many replaced the split window with a solid window once replacements came into store the 1963 split window corvette became an instant collectors item which after just a couple of years began to increase in price. Today it is quite difficult to tell what such a vehicle would cost to purchase since it to most collectors is a priceless addition to their collection. Those lucky enough to own one very seldom has the luxury to enjoy it, only when a car show is in the neighbourhood does the collector let his prized 1963 split window corvette get out of the garage.