There are those who think a Corvette doesnt get better than the legendary split-window 63, and its hard to argue with them. Body and chassis were completely redesigned that year, andvoila! We had the first Corvette coupe! Sales were understandably brisk, and more than 10,000 of these uniquely styled coupes were produced, along with roughly the same number of convertibles. While the split rear window may have been impractical for the driver, and therefore fated to grace only the 63 coupe, it sure was an eye magnet from the outside.
John Geigles Riverside Red one makes a compelling case for the split-window to win the Most Dramatic Corvette Styling award. When a friend led John to her three years ago, this 63 had been professionally restored and was in perfect condition. It also boasted an automatic transmission and air conditioning, a pretty unusual combination. John had already owned a 63 split-windowa blue onebut the red version was too good to pass up. He had to have her. He says hell never let her go.
Today, she sports only 47,000 miles, but she doesnt live in an ivory tower. John drives her every week, all year long. He lives in Largo, Florida, so theres no down time. And there are more awards to be won.
So shes out there working, reaffirming the obvious: This Corvette remains one of GMs finest design statements. Thank you, Larry Shinoda.