A heavily worn yet mechanically upgraded 1963 Chevrolet Corvette split window coupe is attracting significant attention on Bring a Trailer, where bidding has already reached $75,000 with days remaining. The car blends one of the most recognizable silhouettes in American automotive history with modern performance upgrades, while deliberately preserving its weathered exterior.
The Corvette was originally sold new in Missouri and led a working-class early life. According to the listing details, it spent years towing a fishing boat through the Ozarks before later being used as a drag racing car. After those active years, it was parked by its second owner, leaving behind a car that shows its age honestly rather than cosmetically restored.
Finished in Daytona Blue, the exterior displays thin paint, chips, checking, and sun damage that reflect decades of use. The car still wears a period-installed tow bar and tow ball from the 1960s, further reinforcing its utilitarian past. Despite professional photography highlighting its iconic split-window design, the exterior condition remains intentionally unchanged.
Mechanical transformation began after the current seller acquired the car in 2023. A previously blown replacement engine was removed and replaced with a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 sourced from a 2010 Corvette Grand Sport. Power is delivered through a rebuilt 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission. Supporting upgrades include an aluminum radiator and a new fuel tank.
Additional mechanical work includes a rebuilt Positraction rear differential, Borla mufflers, and a Quickshift controller. The engine bay has been dry ice cleaned, presenting a sharp contrast to the car’s weathered exterior.
Inside, the Corvette received a refresh in 2023. The cabin now features blue leather bucket seats and a RetroSound stereo system designed to retain a period-correct appearance while offering modern functionality.
Rather than presenting a traditional restoration, this split window Corvette leans into authenticity and usability. Its appeal lies in the contrast between its untouched exterior and updated mechanical components, offering classic design with contemporary drivability. As bidding continues, the car’s combination of history, patina, and performance is clearly resonating with enthusiasts watching the auction.
Via Bring a Trailer
