1963 Chevrolet Corvette C2 ‘Split-Window’

• After a very long search by our vendor for the best ‘63 C2 he could find, this fabulous, manual gearbox example was located in Minnesota
• Marque Guru, Andy Cannizzo ‘Mr 63’, was asked to thoroughly inspect and test the potential purchase. He was particularly impressed reporting that “he hadn’t seen many in this condition”
• The car was subsequently purchased by our vendor and UK-registered as ‘USA 318’
• Unusually for a US car, it’s accompanied by an amazing and fascinating history recording various Concours successes in the States during the 1980s
• Superbly finished in Sebring Silver with an immaculate black interior. Brand new set of tyres and other hard to find parts
• Quite simply one of the very best and most original ‘split-window’ cars we have seen

Now in its seventh generation, the Corvette began life in 1953 with the C1 - a model that inspired a generation of young Americans and gave the Ford Empire a nine-year headache. However it was the C2, the immortal Sting Ray produced between 1963 and 1967, that really set Chevrolet's cash registers ringing and left us with the most desired and collectable Corvette to date. Designed by Larry Shinoda under the guidance of the legendary Bill Mitchell, influences on the Sting Ray's unique and unforgettable form are said to include: the E-type Jaguar, a Mako shark once caught by Mitchell, the 'Q Corvette' concept car of 1957 and the 'Mitchell Sting Ray' design exercise.

By the autumn of 1959, elements of the two unique Corvettes had been built into XP-720 - the design programme that led to the production of the Sting Ray as we know it. The aims for the new car included: improved passenger accommodation, more luggage space and superior ride and handling and with this, in mind, a new ladder chassis was created for the car by Zora Arkus-Duntov, the most important element of which was the move away from a live axle to independent rear suspension, courtesy of lateral struts, radius rods and transverse leaf spring. The independent front suspension was much as before, as were the recirculating ball steering and there were a number of drive train options available including four small block V8 engines, three transmissions, and six-axle ratios. One major innovation was that the C2 was available in both Convertible and Fastback Coupé form. The latter initially featured a dramatic split rear window, but this was discontinued a year into production and consequently, the 'split-window' cars are now by far the most desirable.

The Corvette has since become widely known as "America's Sports Car" and has become synonymous with freedom and adventure, ultimately becoming both "the most successful concept car in history and the most popular sports car in history".

In 2017, our private vendor and a Corvette enthusiast, decided he wanted the very best 1963 ‘split-window’ example he could find. He, therefore, asked the renowned marque expert, Andy Cannizzo of New Jersey, known widely in Corvette circles as ‘Mr. 63’ for his unrivalled expertise with these cars, to help him. A manual gearbox car was located in Minnesota and Andy was instructed to find “as many problems” as he could and “be critical”. According to our vendor, Mr Cannizzo reported back that he hadn’t seen many cars in this condition and a basic inspection report was completed resulting in our vendor buying the ‘63 and registering it here in the UK as ‘USA 318’. For reference, the basic report by Andy is on file and since purchase, we understand that the Corvette has covered less than 100 miles.

Finished in gleaming Sebring Silver with an immaculate black and silver interior, this left-hand drive, four-speed manual gearbox, split-window car is simply amazing, certainly one of the best and most original we have seen at Silverstone Auctions. There is a huge amount of history with the car, far too much to list here, but offering a fascinating insight into its success at various Concours events in the States during the ‘80s and, looking at correspondence between previous owners, this venerable C2 has clearly been loved and cherished over its eventful life by its various enthusiastic and knowledgeable owners. We encourage and welcome interested parties to come and take the time to read its life story and, pleasingly, many of its original trophies and awards remain with the car.

The unmarked ‘turbine-blade’ original wheels and three-eared spinners wear a decent set of Michelins and the car is accompanied by a spare set of wheels with brand new tyres, boxes of photos and odd spare parts including wipers, hubs, rocker covers, air intake etc.

Built for one year only and consequently rather rare, these are very desirable cars that are seldom seen on UK roads and the distinctive rear window arrangement has ensured a worldwide cult following. Quite simply, if you’re looking for one of the best ‘63 split-window cars available this side of the pond, then we thoroughly recommend taking a closer look at this stunning example.