1963 Chevrolet Sting Ray Corvette Split-Window Coupe | Buyer's Guide

Hagerty's Editor-at-Large Sam Smith explores what makes the 1963 Corvette such a beloved classic and details what you need to know about buying, owning, and loving this great car.
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[@whateverittakes5580]

My Dad bought a split window while living in Victorville, CA 1973. It was in really rough shape for only 10 years old. 327 fuel injected with power windows. We fixed it up over the next 5 years. When I was 15 years old...my Dad gave me the car. Thats right. I drove that car from the age of 15 until I was 33. Somehow, I made it though High School, college, and years as a fighter pilot in the USAF without a single accident. My guardian angle was working overtime. I sold it in 1996 and really haven't missed it much....until lately. I'm 57 now and I miss that car like I would a family member. I guess I better find me one and fix this hole in my life.

[@craigthescott5074]

I’ve had a 1964 vett since I was 18 I will never get rid of it I’m 57 now too.

[@CALLAHAN19]

Well my friend I'm buying a 1963 split window corvette this coming Friday its a super comp vet... For drag racing.. I've always owned 1969 camaros Drag cars since I started racing in 1987 ad a 15 yr old... But now this will be the first vet I ever own at age 50 an that's the best part, I bought it for my 50th birthday to myself.. I feel I'm still dreaming

[@whateverittakes5580]

Nice work. I hope it serves you well and helps you meet many cool people. @@CALLAHAN19

[@LastBastian]

That's awesome! ...I wish I'd had wealthy parents!!

[@whateverittakes5580]

We were not wealthy. My Dad was in the USAF and making ends meet. The corvette was very affordable as it was in terrible shape. I, on the other hand, did very well when I sold it.@@LastBastian

[@tunethetoy7225]

Nothing but art on wheels. A split window would never sell in modern days but back then cars where so easy to distinguish from each other. I didn’t know the design was actually inspired by a sting ray swimming in the ocean 🤓 great presentation!

[@klasseact6663]

Why don't you think it would sell, have you seen the C8🤮🤮🤮

[@mrradio2187]

I'm 70 years old, in 1969 I spent a lot of time riding and driving a 64. Some things you never forget. Like winning the lotto, the grin and giggle factor is off the scale. Add the experience to your bucket list even if you just drive the car for one day. You'll never forget the feeling..

[@crisselena548]

I love this man’s passion. No one’s ever explained cars in such a captivating way.

[@ftby59mikeD]

Arguably the best Corvette, most sought after & timeless design!...Sam's presentation never disappoints!👍

[@davidbreen4353]

such a beautiful car. sitting still, it looks like it's flying by you. just absolutely beautiful!!!!

[@jeffmac3071]

The garage collection looks fantastic. The '63 Vette split, one year, forever.

[@evanlyons8627]

My buddy bought one out of high school in the mid 70s for nothing. Yes it needed work and his dad was madder then hell. It took several years of them working together to get it right but in the end he had one sweet ride and a father son relationship that was never stronger.

[@Feledwards]

Dream car. C2 split window is so beautiful.

[@Recklesshade]

I like this guys energy.

[@mrhappyherb8431]

He sounds like he hangs out with Jason Cammisa a lot😁

[@thatsamsmith]

@@mrhappyherb8431 We've been friends for a decade and a half! Started at Automobile Magazine the same year, our first jobs in the business. And worked together again at Road & Track. Similarly broken humans. :)

[@Ficon]

Sam is one of my favorite automotive writers.

[@Slonge92]

Such an iconic look. Unfortunately, early Corvettes were designed for people 5’7” or shorter, which counts me out. Great video, thanks.

[@t.l.robinson2162]

The most beautiful Corvette of all!

[@ghost21501]

Keep making these types of videos! They're fun to watch and very informative.

[@swanblake]

So happy Sam is back on video. Absolutely love him. His energy and knowledge bring so much more to a normal car discussion. Fantastic job!

[@brendas.1374]

The C2’s are the best looking Corvettes!!!

[@diegobravo641]

Thank you. Your excitement is contagious!

[@AkaAndyKnuckles]

Clearly the best presenter of Hagerty's this week.

[@krmnych_backlog]

He's really good, but don't overlook Camisa. The guy is a legends for a reason.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

My favourite corvette of all time! 1963 split window.

[@Yankeededandy62]

Great clip and pretty much spot on comments about the C2 in my humble opinion. A couple of thoughts added: The 63 originally didn't have a composite (plastic) mono leaf spring in the back. This one must have come from an early 80s C3. It should be mentioned, that Corvettes starting in 63 also handled way better than any other American car at the time with the exception of the Shelby Cobra. It ran rings around Mustangs, Camaros, GTOs and what not. Lastly, when someone goes shopping for an old Corvette: Don't forget the rust problem. Underneath the shiny Fiberglass is an untreated steel structure which rusts. I've never encountered a car which was so good at hiding rust problems like C2 and C3 Corvettes.

[@flat6fever680]

Yes I encountered this on a C3 and the doors wouldn't even close the frame was so bad but the car looked perfect! People must get hosed on this due to that fact.

[@RestorationObsession]

The leaf spring in the rear of these (and C3's) is not a "single leaf" but a full leaf spring turned 90*. Also, the spring in the car he's showing is a composite monospring, just to be clear. I recently installed one of those on my C3 and posted video of the project, if anyone is interested in seeing some C3 restoration. :)

[@tylerobrien72]

Yes, I saw that and you are totally right! I have a 72 and it is extremely similar and I just put the mono leaf spring in. But originally this car had a 9 piece leaf spring if I’m not mistaken.

[@RestorationObsession]

@@tylerobrien72 I believe you're right about the 9 leaves. How do you like the mono spring? I find it somewhat bouncy and I'm not sure if I like that or not. But I may be using the wrong shocks. I put Bilstein HDs on it when I put the spring in.

[@davebarron5939]

This was great, unfortunately it reminds me of my perfect 70 that I sold when we had children. God I miss that car. Hope this will stay a regular spot on Hagerty.

[@anthonykendrick1418]

Now these type of videos are the ones I absolutely love! Great job Sam! 👍🏻

[@klasseact6663]

Mid-year coupes are the greatest thing ever created....period❗

[@LionsGateCorp]

My first car, bought it completely restored for $2800 in 1978.

[@craigthescott5074]

You stole it cause i paid $7500 for a 64 vett in 1983.

[@stantaur3]

Any bonus points for noticing 7:15 is an S2000 underside? Very nicely done article - smooth flow, knowledgeable presenter, solid content. Appreciate Hagerty for giving guys like Sam (and now Jason Cammisa) a platform and the resources to do great automotive journalism. Will likely get insurance from them as a result. Keep up the great work.

[@flat6fever680]

Well, yes : )

[@sarahgary4143]

Nice video!! Very engaging from beginning to end. Make some videos on business to invest to make money

[@soniaallenanderson1012]

@@youtubechannel_bearablebul6958 I heard his strategies are really good

[@altcoindaily5270]

He has really made a good name for himself

[@dappuniversity17]

He's obviously the best I invested 2000USD with him and in 9 days I made a profit of 9101USD

[@stephenriley1747]

His success stories are everywhere 😱

[@Jerry-hy1zq]

Trading crypto with Expert Martin s.schwartz has being a game changer for me

[@aarongrattafiori617]

Sam, miss you in road and track, but as a Hagerty customer, so glad I can still get your automotive journalism. Would be nice to see your writing in the Hagerty magazine too!

[@johnmilner7603]

My favourite Vettes are the 1963-67 Stingray Coupes. I hate the ragtops on these years. Back in the mid 70’s I was looking at the 63-67 Coupes and they were going for about $6-7,000. Ya, I should have bought a dozen.

[@joeaverager]

Prefer the coupes but wouldn't walk away from a convertible. Wish I had bought alot of things in the 1980s while they were affordable but I was making peanuts back then.

[@joeaverager]

Growing up a friend of the family had a perfect C2 convertible that he barely drove. Less than 500 miles in a decade. I really admired that car. Today I am working on a 300HP coupe. I want to drive the wheels off of it. Not beat it to death, just put some easy miles on it. Recently saw an article where a fellow has over 600K miles on his C2. I'll be happy to put 1500 miles a year on this one.

[@Renzo-cn4zw]

This car is one of my favorite american cars in the 60s I remember playing with this car in corvette game in my pc

[@cleveldjay]

Sam's always been my favorite automotive writer. Glad to see video Sam is awesome too.

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Another great video. Sam, you do a really good job with these reviews/buyer's guides. Cool.

[@mikeborsum8881]

My dream car.

[@MarkWladika]

That was good, actually useful information!

[@Just_Pele]

Upgrade to Wilwood disc brakes (keep the drums for if you ever sell the car), put on new wheels and newer compound tires, and drive it. These are great fun, even at today's prices, and they'll be worth a lot more in 10+ years.

[@3ducs]

Back in the day people used to convert them to single window, they didn't like the bar in the middle. A cousin had one thou, I was a high school kid then and thought it was pretty cool.

[@roughroadrunner88]

One of my favourite cars in gran turismo.

[@juanhinojosa4532]

My all time favorite Corvette.

[@TMKUCN]

A brilliant introduction to '63 C2s, Thanks. Really, really interesting to observe the Citroën 2CV cramped in behind the GTO and the Mustang in the background. Please, bring the 2CV in the front for a 'buyer's guide' :-).

[@primozkrajcar4144]

Just for the information. The 1963 Corvette didn't have a single leaf spring but multi leaf steel one. The rear suspension on the car in the video has been updated with a fiberglass rear leaf spring and adjustable strut rods. Nothing wrong with the upgrade it is even recommended after all these years.

[@johnvalentine3456]

It is lighter, therefore less ballast/center of gravity. It's a trade off...

[@sidneibueno8647]

My favorite, Fantastic! The Best! São Paulo - Brazil, Rock On The Rock V-8 🎸🎸.

[@DONMAZ7]

The C2, The 69 Charger RT and The 67 Elanor Mustang are my top 3 classic muscle cars

[@oliverpetroski4205]

That car is awesome. That is my favorite type of corvette. That is what a sports car shoul look like. The only thing wrong with it is that here in Europe we never get to buy them.

[@sp1pilot]

One of the best years in Corvette history.

[@jamescalifornia2964]

‐‐‐ One of the best videos about the `63 _StingRay Corvette_ 😊👌

[@oldfieldchevy6193]

On my bucket list.. 👍

[@caganb]

Nicest vet ever. Yes they turn you into kids again. I just bought my third. I get younger every time.

[@Yan7001978]

Hagerty did a home run with this guy, Cammisa and Farrah. 😎⚡

[@flat6fever680]

Nicely presented!

[@johnwilliammaxwell5044]

I love Sam Smith, and I love this series.

[@Porkycheun]

Yeah, he makes great songs. 😬

[@kdm71291]

And there are PLENTY of aftermarket, modern performance upgrades that you can apply.

[@farewell_to_normalcy9352]

Looks like StreetSpeed717’s ‘63

[@iantrostle4896]

great video !

[@xfire301]

Informative.

[@Bea-Bea2171]

The mere existence of this vehicle makes me want to cry 😭 😭

[@ChaosViper67]

Rough cold start would be a bad crank signal valve or combined with a poorly tuned unit, which is not out of the ordinary. The Rochester fuel injection units on C1 and C2 run more efficiently than carbureted when set up properly but not many people are capable of it, and less and less over the years. One of the best ones just passed recently John DeGregory. Great guy.

[@steveosgood9182]

the original 1963 rear spring was a steel multileaf spring. The composite single leaf rear spring came much later in 1981?

[@johnvalentine3456]

Correct!

[@keith6360]

A podcast with Cammisa and Smith. Do it Hagerty!

[@terryandrews7271]

I am 70 years old now, In the early seventies I bought a 63 split window co-op Corvette. In the early eighties I went through a divorce and had to sell it, My bad my bad, I love that car.🔥🔥🔥

[@turbinexman]

Who needs a late model Porsche or Ferrari, when you have a '63 Split Window to play with!!

[@JB-mh7gn]

I have a 65 hard top convertible,my brother has 65 coupe a dream we made a reality ,,,,, make your dreams happen

[@Daretobeyourself]

So good.

[@ChrisStack22]

The car is awesome but i would’ve loved to hear discussion on ‘63 vs. ‘64-67 if you’re going to drive it. Worth the premium for the split if you aren’t an investor?

[@lhlapakjoao]

If you're going to drive, the 64-67 is better. Better visibility, a bit better construction, and other things....

[@edodonnell5042]

One of the most beautiful cars ever Designed a true American sports car

[@tddale7636]

Excellent

[@dennisc.1189]

Beautiful car.

[@tomnekuda3818]

Sexiest car, along with the Jag XKE, ever made.

[@ll7868]

Not many were made and they had a rear window replacement option which a few folks took them up on making even less than were originally made. 60s were a great time for muscle cars, the following year Mustangs made their debut much to the chagrin of the Falcon who became lost in the shuffle until Mad Max made it popular again.

[@hosoiarchives4858]

Gorgeous

[@CrazyPetez]

No everyone loves the split window Corvette. Zara hated the bar splitting the rear window, and after one year had it removed.

[@Just_Pele]

He had the split removed to comply with DOT rules.

[@CrazyPetez]

@@Just_Pele Not true. Duntov never liked the bar splitting the rear window. Said it interfered with rearward vision - which it did. The car’s designer, Bill Mitchel wanted the split. As a compromise, it was in one year, then gone. Interestingly, when the 64s came out with a one piece rear glass, some 63 owners obtained the glass and converted the car. In hindsight, a dumb move because the split window became the darling of collectors.

[@Just_Pele]

@@CrazyPetez I wasn't arguing with you, the split was ultimately removed due to DOT restrictions.

[@CrazyPetez]

@@Just_Pele I don’t think that’s correct. Do you have any documentation to make the point?

[@CrazyPetez]

@@Just_Pele The DOT didn’t exist until 1966.

[@googleleavemynamealone9145]

Sam! I remember him from back when Jalopnik was relevant in any way!

[@jimmoore3703]

Great Vid, Thanks. ...as for "Corvettes don't rust, That Simply IS NOT TRUE! There are small steel mounting brackets and other metal parts riveted to the under body that rust and become very difficult to deal with. You can't exactly take a torch to them to release them! The seat retaining brackets are another example of bolts that can be difficult to release. Another place that rusts real bad is the frame just in front of the rear wheels from road salt. They can actually rust in two, making the car very dangerous to drive! That REALLY stresses the fiberglass body also, so look for structural cracking when buying one of these beasts. Do your homework and make sure what is on the car actually came with that particular combination BEFORE you buy it. Bill Mitchell LOVED the Split, Duntov HATED it.

[@houseofno]

This was back when the cars were body on frame designs. The actual bodies didn't rust, but the support structure was HIGHLY susceptible to rust. The Corvette didn't get an actual unibody design until the C4 and later.

[@MrTiti]

Please: A video, a buyers guide for me for the RUF yellow bird. thx. :)

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

Lots of 63 and 64 were retrofitted with disk brakes, the dealers did them, and sold the OEM GM parts.

[@chrisdaniel5004]

Corvettes are beautiful cars. Though the prices of these cars will eventually start to fall. The younger generations simply don’t want them...

[@ethantea360]

You underestimate young rich people these will only go up

[@Bertzcommodities]

I’m 19 !! Bought a junky c4 last summer for my first project car , whole new car now and my daily baby , I’m trying to inspire my friends as well , everyone loves corvettes no matter the age (:

[@cammontreuil7509]

I don't think so my 2 young daughters only like 60's cars. I found a 63 if I can scrowng up $12,000 for it.

[@joeaverager]

@@cammontreuil7509 $12K would be cheap for a '63.

[@jekylltraveler]

Early 60s Pontiac tempest had a transaxle thanks to DeLorean.

[@samuelortiz6512]

My most desirable car. Nothing like it. I bet you this guy can sell a lot of cars.

[@MrRoadster100]

One minor correction: Zora Duntov was not "the man behind the Corvette." That was Harley Earl. But he was crucial to later developments, of course.

[@tomthomas4292]

The most beautiful car i have ever seen it was so loved the beach boys in shut down and dead man's curve Jan and Dean embraced it youll see a 1963 corvette stingray on many album covers from the beach boys to Jan and Dean and route 66 television show was i feel based around the current corvette on bewitched Darren boss always drove on and even prince sung about the little red corvette stingray Americans finest car ever 💙 ❤️ Tommy and Timmy

[@ll7868]

I want one in white and chrome with a cherry red interior. I'd have Chip Foose design it.

[@thorandmoljnir]

Cool video! I guess it's cool enough for Bruce Wayne in the upcoming Batman movies it's cool enough for me!

[@Motorinc-ul4mp]

Is he riding the clutch? Kind of looks like it. Other than that-a beautiful car.

[@harryguy76]

C2 Vette could be pedal powered and still be one of the greatest cars ever just on looks alone...but...they kick ass or perform too.

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

They should made C2 longer like until 1969

[@Iamthestig42069]

Cobbling together a crashed or burned c2 is my dream, adding a 63 window conversion idgaf

[@charlesmanering7746]

I owned one it was wonderful but mine was convertible

[@maureencora1]

2023 C2 All Split Window Corvette Sting Rays Should Have a Rear View Mirror Camera Screen Like the Land Rover Defender 110.

[@charlieharper981]

I re tubed a pair of rear driveshafts for a black fuelie with knock offs for a guy back in the late 80's. It was iconic to me at the time because a major paint company paid for 10 coats of polished lacquer for their soon to be calendar car. They claimed it was worth $100k 30 + years ago. Not much of an increase in value imo. LOL

[@jimmoore3703]

... also, the Fuelie needs to be Set with a Manometer, without it you won't get a properly running Fuelie unit, especially on the 63 and early 64's without start-up fuel bypass solenoid.

[@PrincessTS01]

I don't know if I would ever sell my 64 el camino and buy a corvette but corvettes are nice cars to take parts out of and put in my el camino ;-) hahaha

[@seawylietxus]

😈

[@Friedbrain11]

Actually the independent rear idea came from the Corvair as Duntov was getting his butt whipped by the Corvair on twisty racetracks. No one wanted the Corvair to replace the 'Vette so they had to make it better or else. Some motor designs of the Corvair engine would allow the Corvair to beat the 'Vette anywhere on the race tracks. Heheheh...the beat is on! Finally they got the'Vette to go fast enough. New design for '63 was really great. I prefer the '67 though.

[@jimmayuer3441]

How many of these were built?

[@mr.dawson1988]

This is the greatest car ever made. Its so American.

[@raunaksatvadhir4088]

He talks like Quentin Tarantino 😂 I like that

[@wellthen6177]

I feel as if Tom would be a better suit for all the vids.

[@RestorationObsession]

The C2 sure was a sweet design. Probably not many of those waiting around to be restored these days lol

[@cammontreuil7509]

I don't believe in barn finds. But a local junk man has a 63 locked in a storage shed. I thought he was full of crap until he showed me the car. I'm a Ford guy but I'm probably going to buy it. It's like this, don't look and don't hope then something may come up. It's how I found a 67 mustang with a 427. Yah just never know. My junk man friend bought an old bus today. Full of stuff found gold and diamond jewelry and 4 Mickey Mantel baseball cards. Nuts. This guy is a magnet for finding things.

[@RestorationObsession]

@@cammontreuil7509 WOW! That's all very cool! He sounds like a good friend to have. :) Congrats on the 63 find. I hope you pick it up!

[@cammontreuil7509]

@@RestorationObsession every person who works/ likes old cars should have a local junk man as a friend. I advise seek them out. If you tell me what city you live I can put an add on Craigslist and I can show you pictures of the car.

[@CALLAHAN19]

I DONT CARE WHAT ANYONE SAYS,, BUT MY GOODNESS THE 63 IS THE BEST DESIGN EVER FOR ALL CARS IN HISTORY... I'm 50 yrs old an just 5 months ago I bought for my 50th birthday a 1963 split window vet which is a super comp drag car... it's 111" wheelbase... Now of course I couldn't afford a street original 63 vet, but 29k rolling chassis I couldn't pass it up... It's my 5th race car I ever own, an this my friends is my LAST RACE CAR, unless I win the LOUISIANA LOTTERY

[@wiingman127]

What about the c3 ?

[@gsmith207]

Nailed it