Few cars capture the imagination of enthusiasts like the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window coupe, and this particular example carries both history and heart. Owned by the same family for more than half a century, the Riverside Red classic now finds itself in need of restoration — but remarkably, it still runs and drives.
Originally purchased new by a family friend in Oregon, the Corvette changed hands in 1974 when the current seller’s father bought it and used it as a daily driver through the late 1970s and early 1980s. After decades of occasional use and storage, it passed to the current owner in 2017. Though its fiberglass body now bears the marks of time and a recent accident, the split-window coupe remains one of the most sought-after American sports cars ever built.
The car’s factory 327-cubic-inch L75 V8 engine, paired with a four-speed manual transmission, was rated at 300 horsepower when new. The numbers-matching block and manual gearbox remain in place, and the seller reports that the car continues to operate despite suffering front-end damage in the summer of 2025. Photos show the right front corner crumpled and various blemishes across the body, but the mechanical integrity appears largely intact.
Inside, the red vinyl upholstery and matching carpets reflect a mix of originality and wear. Details like power windows, wire wheels with knock-off spinners, and a nonfunctioning AM/FM radio highlight both its age and originality. The odometer stopped working decades ago, freezing at just over 58,000 miles, though true mileage is unknown.
Despite its scars, this split-window Corvette carries immense sentimental and collector value. Its five-decade lineage under one family, numbers-matching drivetrain, and rare 1963-only design make it a compelling project for restoration — or preservation as a tangible piece of American motoring history.
With its clean Oregon title and unmistakable silhouette, this Corvette stands as both a survivor and a reminder that true classics never lose their appeal, even after 51 years in the same family’s care.
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