Split Window C3
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,988
Likes: 6,212
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
But hey, why not just keep forcing the look on everything?
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 66
Likes: 9
From: Minnesota
I love the split window on the '63 Corvette, but haven't really liked it on other cars.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
I recall reading one of the designers hated the blocked rear vision,
I can see why c2 purists would hate it,
I like it, it fits and flows to my eyes , like the 427 scoop too,
A few years ago some outfit made a huge hardtop that made a convertible look like a split window coupe, it was interesting.
I can see why c2 purists would hate it,
I like it, it fits and flows to my eyes , like the 427 scoop too,
A few years ago some outfit made a huge hardtop that made a convertible look like a split window coupe, it was interesting.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,684
Likes: 696
From: Danville Illinois
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
2021 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
I like them all, wide body's to 
1969/1971/2021 Coupes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,212
Likes: 80
From: Port Huron MI
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
just found this online so it must be true. 
About That Rear Split-Window
The 1963 Corvette coupe was designed by Larry Shinoda. Chief of design at the time 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 with engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov over its practicality.
Understandably, the bar that split the rear window obstructed the driver's rear view. Some drivers reported that they lost a motorcycle in this blind spot, creating a rather dangerous situation. It's likely that this is one of the chief reasons Corvette reverted back to the full window in the 1964 model.
About That Rear Split-Window
The 1963 Corvette coupe was designed by Larry Shinoda. Chief of design at the time 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 with engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov over its practicality.
Understandably, the bar that split the rear window obstructed the driver's rear view. Some drivers reported that they lost a motorcycle in this blind spot, creating a rather dangerous situation. It's likely that this is one of the chief reasons Corvette reverted back to the full window in the 1964 model.
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 221
Likes: 11
From: Methuen Ma
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 983
From: Orlando FL
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Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,375
Likes: 1,067
From: Virginia USA
just found this online so it must be true.
About That Rear Split-Window
The 1963 Corvette coupe was designed by Larry Shinoda. Chief of design at the time 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 with engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov over its practicality.
Understandably, the bar that split the rear window obstructed the driver's rear view. Some drivers reported that they lost a motorcycle in this blind spot, creating a rather dangerous situation. It's likely that this is one of the chief reasons Corvette reverted back to the full window in the 1964 model.
About That Rear Split-Window
The 1963 Corvette coupe was designed by Larry Shinoda. Chief of design at the time 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 with engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov over its practicality.
Understandably, the bar that split the rear window obstructed the driver's rear view. Some drivers reported that they lost a motorcycle in this blind spot, creating a rather dangerous situation. It's likely that this is one of the chief reasons Corvette reverted back to the full window in the 1964 model.
CF Community Team
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 14,162
Likes: 7,439
From: Pittsburgh
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
The 1st car actually looks good to me, the rest....butt ugly
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Isnt that a shame duntov lacked the talent to drive a bb corvette
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 365
From: The Motor City
IMHO - Great body proportions, including the smooth C2 bodyline termination at the spoiler, and the center ridge line that Bill Mitchell, during an interview, said was critical to executing the rear window center trim piece (despite Zora's celebrated objections). You have tried to capture the best aspects of the legendary 1963 and 1967's. Striking color combination (ok, not impartial on the colors - attached photo of my garage). You could certainly have a lot of fun with your C2-3 tribute car around town. And, while I am an unapologetic NCRS believer (because show room stock puts me in the specific time zone - in my case 1980-82 - which I crave to recreate my wonderful youth in that zone again) it seems there's always a special, warm welcoming place at car shows for quality and entertaining conversation starters as this. The stuff that makes our C3 (in this case, C2-ish) hobby interesting.
S-V, Really appreciate your sharing and acknowledge the detail, thought, creativity and expense you put into your hobby car, down to the body-matching accents on the valve covers - thank you!
Dave
S-V, Really appreciate your sharing and acknowledge the detail, thought, creativity and expense you put into your hobby car, down to the body-matching accents on the valve covers - thank you!
Dave
Last edited by Lakeside49; Oct 26, 2017 at 10:54 PM.
