1963 Split-Window C2 to Appear at Barrett-Jackson
Daily Slideshow: Coming in hot next year will be this restomod C2 that was just completed in October 2018.
Time to cash in those stocks
The January 12-20th Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction will be kicking the year off with a plethora of historic and rare Corvettes from every generation including this beautiful restomoded '63 Split-Window. This iconic Corvette will cross the auction block with no reserve, meaning that the spoils will go to the highest bidder and that final price could be a doozy.
You can't deny seeing it
One of the reasons that everyone is enamored with the Split-Window coupe is that it was only in production for one year. For those who don't know, a gentleman by the name of William L. “Bill” Mitchell is the person we have to thank for getting the Split-Window at all. Mitchell was an automobile designer who was inspired by both European aesthetics and biological entities, more specifically predatory marine life. Sea dwellers like the manta ray, mako shark, and stingray played heavily into the emotion and focus of the Corvette designs by Mitchell.
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It's all in the details
At the rear of the 1963 coupe from above, the fenders swoop out at the corners to mimic how a stingray's fins flare out as it moves through the water. Other hints at the stingray influence is the "spine" that runs down the body to mimic that of the fish and the vents on the front fenders and B-pillars that point to the stingray's tail. The split-window "spine" design is there as icing on the cake to the influence that leaves zero doubt as to the origin of the model.
>>Join the conversation about this C2 upcoming at B-J right here in the Corvette Forum!
A terrific job
Now that you know where the split window design comes from, let's get into this particular restomod job the Vette has been through. Built by Jeff Hayes at American Speed Shop this 1963 now rides on an Art Morrison sport chassis and has an LS3 with a 5-speed automatic transmission inside. The exhaust has been upgraded also via a Borla side-pipe system that gives the coupe a definitely more aggressive attitude. Other changes include a gleaming stainless steel fuel tank and a bespoke fabricated radiator cover.
>>Join the conversation about this C2 upcoming at B-J right here in the Corvette Forum!
Calling all Daddy Warbucks
Passengers will have the pleasure of enjoying Vintage Air heat and air conditioning, power steering, AM/FM stereo with Bluetooth connectivity, a backup camera and Detroit Speed multi-speed wipers. The upholstery has been beautifully done up in Saddle-hued Brazilian leather with carbon-fiber accents. Cabin lights come by way of extensive LEDs for a very cool futuristic look.
Click here for the listing page on Barrett-Jackson' site.
>>Join the conversation about this C2 upcoming at B-J right here in the Corvette Forum!
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