When it comes to the Chevrolet Corvette, there is no other model as iconic or more attractive than the 1963 Corvette Split-Window Coupe. The 1963 Split-Window Stingray is a marvel to look at, and is instantly recognizable on the road w/ it’s gorgeous high-style design. This is the reason why they are sought after by Corvette collectors & enthusiasts worldwide. The 1963 Split-Window Coupe was a one-year only design created by Larry Shinoda, and was the first Corvette Coupe ever built. It was also the first year for hideaway headlights on the Corvette, which lasted until the advent of the C6 design in 2005. Chief of design @ Chevrolet in 1963 was Bill Mitchell, and he was adamant about continuing the distinct Sting Ray center line from the car’s nose to the rear end. According to insiders, the split rear window was one of Mitchell’s ‘pet projects’, and he had a great debate w/ engineer Zora Duntov over its practicality, as the design created a blind-spot. Let’s just say that Bill Mitchell won that argument, and thankfully the Split-Window Coupe was a go for 1963.
‘Red Hills Rods & Classics’ is extremely proud to offer you this absolutely stunning 1963 Corvette Split-Window Coupe Pro Street machine, a brand-new no-expense spared, super high-end build that took nearly three years to complete, using only the highest quality components available. We have been selling high-end muscle cars, classic cars, and hot rods for over 25 years, and I can say without a doubt that this is the finest 1963 Corvette Split-Window Stingray that we have ever laid eyes on! Built by Troy Lundquist in Salt Lake City, Utah, for a long-time client, w/ the idea of creating the ‘perfect’ Split-Window Coupe using all modern components, yet making sure not to lose the original qualities of the design that we have all come to love. Well, let me just say that he hit it straight out of the park!
It all started w/ an original Split-Window Coupe body that was in excellent condition from the start. Countless man-hours were spent making sure that all of the panels lined up perfectly, and that all of the gaps were absolutely precise throughout. Extensive research was done regarding the weak spots in the body where these cars are known to crack, and these areas were fully reinforced w/ new fiberglass. The original tool box was removed from the floor and fully reinforced w/ new fiberglass as well. Other areas that were reinforced include the rear tub, the inner front fenders, and the cowl area, which were completely cleaned up, and included building a custom made hidden compartment for the wiper motor. The horizontal pieces on the front bumper were extended by 4” to support the radiator shroud, which look excellent. The grille, front & rear bumpers, and assorted chrome items were all re-chromed to show-quality condition. New glass was installed and all of the stainless trim around the glass is brand new as well. The body was then lathered in Firecracker Red clear coat, which looks absolutely amazing on this car. The paint is absolutely ‘flawless’ and was polished to a deep lustrous shine throughout. She sits on 18” Boze highly-polished forged wheels wrapped w/ Michelin Pilot Sport radial tires (295/35/ZR18 on the rear and 225/40/ZR18 up front). You can walk around this car a hundred times and it looks absolutely perfect from every angle! The body sits on a brand-new Art Morrison chassis, which helps these classic Corvettes handle like a new car. Other upgrades include: Strange 8-position coil-overs front & rear, Strange driveshaft, Strange Ford 9” rear-end w/ 3.73 gears, Wilwood disc brakes on all four corners, and a custom-made fuel cell built to fit the Art Morrison chassis. Please look at the undercarriage photos to see how beautifully detailed the chassis is.
Open the driver’s door and you will find a custom saddle leather interior created by Dale Hancock Upholstery, that is simply gorgeous in every way possible. Interior features include: custom bucket seats finished in saddle leather w/ black suede inserts, matching saddle leather & black suede door panels, original black dash bezel (which was modified w/ all of the factory holes filled in, etc.), full set of Dakota Digital gauges, custom-made saddle leather center console, B&M automatic shifter w/ custom-made saddle leather boot, teak wood shift knob, Flaming River tilt-steering column, 15” teak wood steering wheel, Vintage AC, upgraded AM/FM radio w/ stock appearance that includes smart phone jack, (2) sets of tan seat belts, and German square weave carpeting throughout, including the floor mats. A new headlight motor was installed and upgraded to a single switch system, rather than the finicky 2-switch system that these cars originally came with. The original VIN tag and data tag are in their original location under the dash. This interior is simply exquisite, extremely comfortable, and fully functional in every way.
When you pop open the hood, you immediately notice the special fiberglass work that was done on the inner fenders and the cowl which really came out beautifully. Every nut & bolt used on this car are polished stainless-steel inside and out, which truly adds that special touch. Nestled inside the gorgeous engine bay resides a brand-new Chevrolet Performance LS3 525hp engine, linked to a brand-new 4L70E automatic transmission. The package includes a CPP engine controller & harness, CPP Performance SuperMatic 3000-3400 stall converter, and CPP transmission controller. This is Chevrolet’s top performance package and comes w/ a 2-year, 50,000-mile warranty. The custom-built Griffin Performance radiator will keep her running nice & cool, even in hot summer weather. The custom stainless-steel headers are hooked up to a custom-built exhaust system by Dr. Gas, an outfit who has built exhaust systems for NASCAR, and sounds excellent! The three-year build was just finished last month, and only (57) test-miles have been driven, mainly to adjust the onboard computer system. This Corvette runs, drives and performs like a million bucks! The week it was finished, it was entered in the Salt Lake City Autorama, where it took home three top honors, including ‘Best in Class’. The entire build was fully documented from day one w/ photos and notes as the project progressed. The nicely detailed build book, as well as all of the manuals for the components that were used in the build will all go to the new owner.
The bottom line is this: if you have been searching for a very special classic Corvette that will separate you from all the others, one that will take home First Place awards @ any national automotive event, but also a car that can be driven and enjoyed to the fullest, it would be nearly impossible to beat this absolutely amazing 1963 Corvette Split-Window Coupe Pro Street machine!