Written by independent automotive journalist Steve Statham

A unique styling feature available for one year only, the split-window Corvette – like this example in Silver Blue (Lot #1123) – has become a favorite of collectors.

Almost nothing of significance happens in life without at least a little controversy attached. Even creating a car of enduring interest and collectibility brings out its share of detractors.

We’re talking, of course, about the famed 1963 split-window Corvette Stingray.

A singularly unique styling feature available for one year only, the split-window Corvette has become a favorite of collectors, and one of those rare cars that even the general public recognizes and appreciates.

The controversy came about over the effect the divided back glass had on rearward visibility. Many inside GM argued against the feature, but Chief Stylist Bill Mitchell was adamant that the split glass stay in place, seeing it as a key element of the new design. It was a classic “form versus function” argument.

The press piled on, quickly picking sides, even though they loved just about everything else about the new Corvette. “Our only complaint about the interior was in the coupe, where all we could see in the rearview mirror was that silly bar splitting the rear window down the middle,” Road & Track noted in its review.

Mitchell had won the battle, but ended up conceding the war, as the split-window was eliminated for 1964, replaced by a single piece of glass.

Lot #1288 in Sebring Silver is another fine split-window Corvette set to cross the Scottsdale auction block.

Whatever the feelings about the split-window, the other features of the new Stingray made the car an instant sensation. Beneath the sleek yet muscular design (largely penned by Larry Shinoda) was an independent rear suspension, larger brakes, a power steering option for the first time, hideaway headlights, and overall improvements in driving dynamics thanks to the Stingray’s new “birdcage” steel structure and reduction in unsprung weight. The double cockpit interior was equally striking. Any list of the most iconic cars of the 1960s would have to include the 1963 split-window Corvette.

The interior of Lot #1288.

Prices started at $4,257 for the coupe. The general public embraced the new ’Vette with enthusiasm, snapping up 10,594 coupes and 10,919 convertibles, a substantial jump over 1962’s offerings. In fact, the 1963 split-window coupe outsold all subsequent years of C2 coupe production.

If you want the closest experience to what it was like to own one of these cars in 1963, you’ll want to check out the Sebring Silver 1963 split-window coupe (Lot #1288) offered for sale at No Reserve at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, January 13-21. It is an original, unrestored, five-owner car with only 35,500 miles from new. It still has its original paint, interior, spare tire, chassis and engine, delivering a virtual time-warp experience. Many of the original factory build marks are still visible.

This silver coupe was built fairly early in 1963, with a build number of 5181, and was sold new from Wiggins Chevrolet in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It is equipped with the 300 horsepower 327ci V8 with M20 4-speed manual transmission, tinted glass, black interior, AM radio and whitewall tires.

Lot #1123, a Silver Blue split-window Corvette on the Scottsdale docket.

Its accolades include an NCRS 2-Star Preservation Excellence award and an NCRS Second Flight Award in 2015. Documentation is extensive, including a complete owner history, documented phone conversations with second and third owners, original owner’s manual, owner’s plastic packet, warranty book, radio card oil sticker on the driver’s door showing 22,000 miles, insurance card from 1978, and the Bill of Sale and sales receipt from 1983 when the original owner sold the car.

“The car is driven every two weeks to ensure its operational excellence,” the seller states. “This great, original and unrestored split-window coupe drives magnificent.”

Interior of Lot #1123.

One of General Motors’ real talents in the 1960s was concocting paint colors that truly brought out the best in a car’s lines. That talent is apparent with the beautiful Silver Blue 1963 split-window coupe (Lot #1123) that will be offered at No Reserve at Scottsdale. Silver Blue is one of those colors that looks good in every lighting condition, highlighting every curve and crease, and this car in particular has a lot to show. It has been awarded a Top Flight Ribbon, won a Bloomington Gold in 2009 and NCRS awards in 2015.

Striking Tuxedo Black example of a split-window Corvette (Lot #1063).

This Silver Blue split-window comes with original documents, judging sheets and restoration receipts. It is powered by the 300-horse 327 backed by a 4-speed transmission, and has air conditioning. The winning bidder on this car will have to get used to longing glances from other drivers on the road and constant attention at car shows.

Engine bay of Lot #1063.

The Tuxedo Black 1963 split-window coupe (Lot #1063) offered at No Reserve during the Scottsdale event illustrates the flexibility that Chevrolet offered under-hood, with an engine available for every driving condition. The Stingray could be ordered with four different variations of the 327ci small-block V8 in 1963, starting with a base 250-horsepower version with hydraulic lifters and 10.5:1 compression, on up to the 360-horsepower, fuel-injected L84. This black-on-black Stingray has the L76 327, rated at 340 hp, and teamed with 4-speed transmission. The L76 made its power thanks to a solid-lifter cam, 11.25:1 compression ratio and Carter AFB 4-barrel carburetor.

Besides having the right hardware, the coupe is a matching-numbers, 100-point car, with original trim tag and knockoff wheels.

The arguments over the split-window design are long since over, and the car has drifted into the realm of desirable classic, where such idiosyncrasies are overlooked, or even treasured. These cars are no longer daily drivers where such practical concerns rule. Bill Mitchell’s original vision won the day in the long run. In Scottsdale, the new split will be over which 1963 Stingray coupe to bid on.

For up-to-date information on these and other vehicles on the Scottsdale docket, click HERE.