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That is true. For example this evening at the grocery store I paid more for something stupid. Quaker has reintroduced Quisp, a breakfast cereal from my youth. As to the SWC, when I was a kid slurping down Quisp a mention of the word Corvette immediately brought a SWC to mind. Not a convertible, not a 67 brimming with new tech. I'll bet that's true of most fellas who grew up in the later 60's and 70's and completely absorbed by all things automobile. Somebody say Stingray? Corvette coupe with the divided window is the picture in the minds eye. Incidentally when I was a kid we didn't call them split anything, they were Sting Rays.
The folks who own these fabulous cars - which are likely the most historically significant in the franchise- have you to thank, for having nothing whatsoever to do with their impressive appreciation.
Dan
And if you read Peter Brock's book (and some others) you will get an appreciation of how this first Sting Ray was brought to life, and all subsequent years owe homage to the breakthrough styling and design; its just that simple..
I’m still trying to process the reference to ‘67s being high tech <LOL>.
Steve
Let's face it, the Corvette was chasing most other marquees - my '59 MG had disc brakes and the '61 Jaguar had independent rear suspension.. the '53 Chrysler had air conditioning.
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Sep 20, 2019 at 07:07 AM.
If we’re leaving the 63 split window Coupe out then I think the 65 Cp. 327 350 horse four-speed Nassau blue with blue and white interior is one of the nicest Corvettes ever built and does demand big dollars. I just find it funny how people who don’t own a 63 split window Coupe have really dumb things to say about it. Without a doubt the best looking Corvette ever.
Everyone has different opinions on this. I personally think 67's are the nicest looking but there is no right or wrong opinion.
I believe the op eliminated the 63 coupe because at this point in time it is generally considered at the top or near the top of the food chain. Whether or not you believe that is of no consequence since prices of re sales seem to back it up. every one of these Mid Years share the same basic design with changes over the years . those changes were mainly under the skin, why screw with a design that today looks as fresh as the day I first saw one. I own a 65 L76 convertible , first year for the BB and 4 wheel disk brakes last year for FI, interior changes , re designed door cards, seats bolstered a bit more, they got chinzy on the hub caps but you could get knock offs. its a great car, but to me, my favorite will always be the 67 427/400 or 435 convertible, in Marina Blue, white interior, white soft top. I often hear it said that the first and last years of a design are usually worth the most. that's what I hear.
The shark gills on the ‘67 are the best, although I prefer the 63/64 look. I’ve always valued coupes over convertibles, although I currently have both. I like the 65/66 big block hood better than the ‘67, although you can get a wicked cowl induction effect if you modify the ‘67 hood ala L88. I’ve always liked the 63/64 door panels and dash/gauge/switches better than later years.
just thought the one year split window made it stand out and be more valuable, learning lots from the answers
Yes. Stands out like a pimple on an adolescents cheek. Some people think the BB hood and the kickstands (sidepipes) are pretty gawdy looking and take away from the lines of the car.
The '67 does have one nice stylng feature. The Rally wheels.
The '65 has the best looking grill.
All the '63's are mounted solid to the frame. No rubber isolation. Not a good move on Chevrolet's part. Did I mention the cheesy looking fake hood grills and gawdy hubcaps?
Last edited by MikeM; Sep 20, 2019 at 08:01 AM.
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One thing I've noticed over the past 20 years (or more), is that if I happen to mention to someone that I own a Corvette, often in response to a cap or shirt I may be wearing, the 1st question is usually, "...what year?"
If I reply a '63, the very next question is always (well 99% of the time), "...is it a split-window?"
And this from many folks that that don't know the difference between a Hyundai and a Honda!
Value in anything is both real and perceived, both can cost money. Arguably the perceived value of a '63 SWC may even be higher than it's real value, but it is still value.
By the way, if we're talking real mid-year value, I'm going with a '65, Nassau Blue convertible with 'black' interior and the L84 engine. If you ask me why I can only say, because in a perfect world, they never would have stopped making them...
Good luck and dream on.... and remember everyone's dream is different!
The 63 split window is like the ugly girl back in high school that no one wanted to date but then she shows up to her 15 year high school reunion and all of a sudden every guy wants her.
Really..... I just always preferred the 65-66 fender vents which reminded me of early Ferrari GTO styling. 65-66 got the discs, rear styling stayed pure, and the BB which I happen to love. Yes, I'm an odd one preferring the 65-66 over the '67. But have to agreed '67s and ANY BB on average will draw more.
I’m still trying to process the reference to ‘67s being high tech <LOL>.
Steve
It's that brake failure warning light. You hit the brakes and it feels like you lost half of your brakes. You see the light come on and it's like "sure'nuf, lost my brakes".
And if you read Peter Brock's book (and some others) you will get an appreciation of how this first Sting Ray was brought to life, and all subsequent years owe homage to the breakthrough styling and design; its just that simple..
I had my 65 L78 vert at Hemmings Concours D Elegance in 2015 when Peter Brock was the keynote speaker. He went on for over an hour about his history with the car, it was among the top 10% of things I've done and places I've been, wished you could have been there. But I've not read the book. I will now.
4 tail lights? 66 has 2 and 2 backups. I love my 66. Don't like the 67 backups added to the rear of the car, UGLY! Love the 67 big block cars though , tri- power and the beautiful hood to go with it! Outstanding!
All '66's were built with 2 tail/brake lamps and 2 reverse lamps. That doesn't mean that it has to stay that way. I converted mine to 4 tail/4 stoplamps with no revese lamps. Looks so much better and balanced to me and besides, I can't remember the last time that I backed up.
Really..... I just always preferred the 65-66 fender vents which reminded me of early Ferrari GTO styling. 65-66 got the discs, rear styling stayed pure, and the BB which I happen to love. Yes, I'm an odd one preferring the 65-66 over the '67. But have to agreed '67s and ANY BB on average will draw more.
Enjoy the hunt! They're all good.
I might be in the minority here as well, but I much prefer the '65/'66 side gills and and especially their big block hood to the '67. To my eye the big block bulge looks like it was designed specifically for that '65/'66 hood and flows nicely with the rest of the car's lines, where the '67 big block hood just looked like an aftermarket Harwood hood scoop added to a small block hood. (Don't hate me '67 big block guys, I love your cars too.)