1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window

• Manufacturer: Chevrolet (General Motors)
• Model: C2 A.K.A. “Sting Ray”
• Year: 1963
• Exterior Color: Riverside Red
• Interior Color: Red

Design and Styling

• Body Style: The 1963 Corvette Sting Ray introduced a dramatic new design with a fastback coupe body style, featuring a distinctive split rear window. This split window is a unique feature found only on the 1963 model.
• Exterior: The car’s exterior is marked by its sharp, angular lines, hidden headlamps, and a pronounced “sting ray” shape. The body was constructed with fiberglass, which was lightweight and durable. The split rear window, a design by Larry Shinoda under the guidance of Bill Mitchell, provided a striking aesthetic but limited rear visibility.
• Interior: Inside, the Corvette offered a driver-focused cockpit with bucket seats, a sporty steering wheel, and a comprehensive instrument panel. The interior was designed to combine comfort with the feel of a high-performance sports car.
  Performance
• Engine Options: The 1963 Corvette came with several engine options:
  A base 327 cubic inch (5.4-liter) V8 engine producing 250 horsepower.
  Upgraded versions of the 327 V8 were available, delivering 300, 340, or 360 horsepower, with the latter equipped with Rochester fuel injection.
• Transmission: Buyers could choose between a 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, or a 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission.
  Suspension: The 1963 model featured an independent rear suspension, a first for the Corvette, significantly improving handling and ride quality.

Historical Context

• Revolutionary Design: The 1963 Corvette Sting Ray was a major departure from the previous generation, showcasing a more aggressive and modern design. It was also the first year for the Sting Ray name.

• Production: Approximately 21,513 Corvettes were produced in 1963, with around half being the split-window coupes. This unique feature was discontinued after just one year due to visibility concerns and mixed reactions, making the 1963 model highly collectible.

Notable Features

• Split Rear Window: The split rear window is the most distinctive feature of the 1963 Corvette, making it instantly recognizable and highly coveted among collectors.
• Hidden Headlights: The 1963 Corvette introduced hidden pop-up headlights, which became a signature feature of the Corvette for many years.
  Independent Rear Suspension: The new suspension system greatly improved handling, making the 1963 Corvette a much more capable performance car.

Legacy

• Collector’s Item: The 1963 Corvette split-window coupe is one of the most collectible Corvettes. Its unique design, limited production, and performance capabilities make it a prized possession for car enthusiasts and collectors.
• Cultural Icon: The 1963 Corvette has appeared in numerous films, TV shows, and automotive exhibitions, cementing its status as an American automotive icon.
• Influence on Future Models: The design and engineering innovations introduced with the 1963 Corvette set the stage for future generations of Corvettes, establishing a legacy of performance and style.