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Split
Decision
 With
the introduction of the dramatic second generation, Corvette sales surged
fifty per cent from just
over 14,000 in MY 1962 to over 21,000 in MY 1963. Harbingers
appeared in the MY 1961 and MY 1962 generation, e.g., the four tail lights and
ducktail rear end.
Not only was MY 1963 the first year of the second generation of Corvette, for the first time Corvette offered two body styles: convertible and
coupe. Sales were split almost evenly between the coupe (10,594) and
convertible (10,919).
The MY 1963 coupe cost...$4,257. The convertible base price of
$4,037 was one dollar less than that
of MY 1962; in MY 1986 the convertible for the first time would cost more than
the coupe.
Hidden headlights appeared with MY 1963 (...and
disappeared in MY 2005 with the first year of the C6 generation) while trunk
lids disappeared. The My 1963 was unique and the second generation style has become legendary and,
arguably the most sought after of all generations.
Nevertheless, the
MY 1963 wave of success had an undertow. Duntov and Mitchell argued over the
most distinguishing feature of the
1963 Corvette coupe...the split-window.
Mitchell won the argument and the legendary split-window was born.
(In MY 1964, the split-window would be replaced by a single window pane.) The other noticeable feature on a 1963 Corvette is the two simulated grilles on
the hood.
In addition to the noteworthy and short-lived "split-window" coupe, MY
1963 produced the legendary Z06 option. The
Z06 option was Zora's attempt to circumvent the manufacturers' agreement
prohibiting racing. The race-ready Z06 'vette lacked only a track to run
on. Only 199 Corvettes were produced with the Z06 option, available
only on the coupe at first, but later Chevrolet made the option available on the
convertible.
Available colors included Tuxedo Black, Silver Blue, Daytona Blue, Riverside
Red, Saddle Tan, Ermine White and Sebring Silver. Soft tops included
black (3,648), white (5,728) and tan (444).
 Arriving
with the same baseline engine as the 1962 (a 250 hp, carbureted 327 c.i.
version), a quick look at the options convinced over 80% of new owners to avail
themselves of an optional engine: 3L75 - 300 horsepower, L76 - 340 horsepower or
L84 - 360
horsepower (fuel injection).
A three-speed manual transmission was standard, but only about 20% of buyers
stayed with the three-speed, opting instead for the four-speed transmission for
$188.30. During the model year, the manufacturer changed from Borg-Warner
to Muncie.
Ceding the split-window to Mitchell and Styling allowed Duntov to go ahead
with the all-new independent rear suspension.
The 1963 was four inches
shorter overall than the 1962 Corvette. Notwithstanding the shorter
stance, the C2's afforded a little more room than the previous generation.
The
most popular factory options included positraction rear end, removable hardtop,
four-speed transmission, sintered brake linings and the 6.70x15-inch corded
whitewalls. The whitewalls were optioned on over 19,000 Corvettes,
followed by four-speed transmission (17,973) and then positraction (17,554).
 Other options, less popular, included backup lights (two clear units replaced
the two red inboard units), corded blackwall tires, power brakes and steering,
Soft Ray tinted glass (windshield only or all around), faux-wood steering wheel
and the 3.08:1 rear end. Air conditioning ($421.80) and leather
seats ($80.70) were available for the first time. Air Conditioning and the
Z06 option are the rarest options in 1963.
Although a factory option, problems maintaining air pressure on the cast
aluminum knock-off wheels probably prevented factory delivery. Instead,
dealers more than likely installed the units after the problems were resolved.
Serial
numbers:
Convertible 30837S100001 - 40867S121543
Coupe 30837S100001 - 40867S121543
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