The second-generation Corvette, produced from 1963 to 1967, is celebrated as the epitome of the sports car’s beauty. Notably, the 1963 Corvette stands out with its split rear window, a feature exclusive to that model year.
Originally equipped with a split window, the 1963 Corvette transitioned to a one-piece window in 1964 due to visibility concerns. Despite this alteration, the 1963 model remains highly desirable among collectors, with pristine examples fetching over $500,000 today.
Enter the drag-spec 1963 Corvette, a departure from purist expectations. Stripped of its original components, including the iconic split window, this Corvette underwent significant modifications, adopting the front end of a later second-generation Corvette.
The transformation occurred as the car transitioned into a quarter-mile racer in 1969, resulting in the installation of a 1964-67 rear window and a 1967 front clip. Notably, renowned engine builder John Lingenfelter contributed a series of engines, propelling the Corvette through its racing career until 1976.
After decades in storage, the Corvette emerged as a historical artifact, maintaining its racing legacy with original components intact. While it may not command the same six-figure prices as factory-original examples, it remains a vital piece of Corvette history.
