63 split window, 39,000 miles /how rare

[John S.]

I just had restored a 63 split window, 250 HP, automatic, p/s, p/b. Have all original paperwork, dealer order papers, etc. Car has just over 39,000 orig documented miles.

I just wondered how rare is this 63 with small motor, etc and low mileage?

It is all totally original now, repainted to 'factory' spec level but only new carpet inside, all other interior is original and very nice.
Paid dearly for the few items like neutral safety switch, original horns, seat belts, spare correct wheel, etc. to complete all. Car had been top flighted before I did all this, so now should be much better, we will see.
Bill Stephenson did the resto for me.

Any thoughts on rarity with mileage, etc?

Just curious from all the experts, I know many don't want the automatic car, but my Father had one in 63-66, white/red, so nostalgia for me.
Thanks,
John

[Richard M.]

Re: 63 split window, 39,000 miles /how rare

John,

Just because it's a Powerglide and base engine doesn't make it bad. We had a 63 swc 300hp PG with 67k miles, mostly original with a few mods like A/C and 67 front disk PB's. Great car. And yes I had to get the infamous Neutral Safety Switch too.$$$$

These cars are likely getting to be the only ones that were not molested and torn to bits, so a original like yours is special IMO, especially with such low miles. Enjoy it! Please post some pictures.

Rich

[Tom H.]

Re: 63 split window, 39,000 miles /how rare

Hi John !!

After all of those years, any Corvette that has survived in one piece is somewhat rare. It is hard to say just how "rare" it really is.

If yours is like mine, it's the only 63 in town, so it's really rare !

How about posting up a picture of yours.

[Peter M.]

Re: 63 split window, 39,000 miles /how rare

They made 21513 1963 Corvettes. Approximately 49% were coupes (10594). 3892 were produced with 250hp engines and of those, approximately 1915 were coupes. Out of the original 1915 cars, who knows just how many are left, but I'll bet its not too many. What's more, of those remaining, most would likely have more mileage.

Sounds like a great car. Send us some photos when you have time. AND continued good luck with your restoration work.

[Terry M.]

Re: 63 split window, 39,000 miles /how rare

I just had restored a 63 split window, 250 HP, automatic, p/s, p/b. Have all original paperwork, dealer order papers, etc. Car has just over 39,000 orig documented miles.

I just wondered how rare is this 63 with small motor, etc and low mileage?

It is all totally original now, repainted to 'factory' spec level but only new carpet inside, all other interior is original and very nice.
Paid dearly for the few items like neutral safety switch, original horns, seat belts, spare correct wheel, etc. to complete all. Car had been top flighted before I did all this, so now should be much better, we will see.
Bill Stephenson did the resto for me.

Any thoughts on rarity with mileage, etc?

Just curious from all the experts, I know many don't want the automatic car, but my Father had one in 63-66, white/red, so nostalgia for me.
Thanks,
John

John,

Maybe I am missing something because I didn't sleep in a Holiday Inn Express last night, but I don't think the two highlighted phrases go together. I try to learn something new each day, so I am open for a learning experience. I will watch this thread to see what I have missed.

[John S.]

Re: 63 split window, 39,000 miles /how rare

John,

Maybe I am missing something because I didn't sleep in a Holiday Inn Express last night, but I don't think the two highlighted phrases go together. I try to learn something new each day, so I am open for a learning experience. I will watch this thread to see what I have missed.

Terry,
Did not mean to imply it was original in the respect of never being touched. Just all the items that were missing and not factory original like the horns, seat belts, etc have now been replaced with 63 equipment, no repro stuff used at all, NOS or rebuilt 63 equipment only.

Of course it has now been repainted so not truly original there, but done so it appears that way, not a base coat/clear.

I realy just wondered how rare a 63 split window small motor automatic with 39,000 miles was in this Corvette world.
thanks,
John

[Terry M.]

Re: 63 split window, 39,000 miles /how rare

Terry,
Did not mean to imply it was original in the respect of never being touched. Just all the items that were missing and not factory original like the horns, seat belts, etc have now been replaced with 63 equipment, no repro stuff used at all, NOS or rebuilt 63 equipment only.

Of course it has now been repainted so not truly original there, but done so it appears that way, not a base coat/clear.

I realy just wondered how rare a 63 split window small motor automatic with 39,000 miles was in this Corvette world.
thanks,
John

Ah, now I see.

Sorry I can't shed any light on the uniqueness of your car, but I sure would like to see it at a meet. It sounds really nice.

[Richard M.]

Re: 63 split window, 39,000 miles /how rare

Ah, now I see.

Sorry I can't shed any light on the uniqueness of your car, but I sure would like to see it at a meet. It sounds really nice.

I agree, it sounds very nice. I'd like to see it too, however I just checked John's profile and he resides in Alaska! Brrrrrrr!

Maybe we can have a future Winter Regional up there. Were Snow Tires ever put on in St. Louis?

Rich

[John S.]

Re: 63 split window, 39,000 miles /how rare

I agree, it sounds very nice. I'd like to see it too, however I just checked John's profile and he resides in Alaska! Brrrrrrr!

Maybe we can have a future Winter Regional up there. Were Snow Tires ever put on in St. Louis?

Rich

63 is in Arizona at my winter home, but my Father had his in Alaska back in the 63-66 timeframe. Drove it every day, worked good in the snow country. It was when Zip codes came out and he was Postmaster, had the Mr. Zip decals on the front fenders of his car to promote Zip codes back then.
Of course I was younger and in school and only interested in Corvettes then with big engines and four speeds! I bought a Mr. Zip decal on eBay from 1963 to go with the car. Now at age 67 I appreciate the automatic, power brakes and power steering, like he did at the same age. With the power steering taking such little effort the original steering wheel is just like new with full grain, not smoothed out and worn like most out there.

[John V.]

Re: 63 split window, 39,000 miles /how rare

I have an original car with 36,223 miles that is 95% original. It has the 300 HP engine,powerglide transmission, power windows, leather interior, Am-Fm radio and positract axle 336R. The car is white with saddle interior.It has the original spare tire and I am the second owner. I also have the original paperwork and service manual. Is this car rare?

[Terry M.]

Re: 63 split window, 39,000 miles /how rare

63 is in Arizona at my winter home, but my Father had his in Alaska back in the 63-66 timeframe. Drove it every day, worked good in the snow country. It was when Zip codes came out and he was Postmaster, had the Mr. Zip decals on the front fenders of his car to promote Zip codes back then.

John,
There is a regional in Albuquerque in October. It might be worth bringing your1963 to that show, and give us all a chance to see it. That is about as close as it will get.

[John S.]

Re: 63 split window, 39,000 miles /how rare

John,
There is a regional in Albuquerque in October. It might be worth bringing your1963 to that show, and give us all a chance to see it. That is about as close as it will get.

Terry,
I will try to make that meet and have the car judged. thanks,
John

[Joseph T.]

Re: 63 split window, 39,000 miles /how rare

I have an original car with 36,223 miles that is 95% original. It has the 300 HP engine,powerglide transmission, power windows, leather interior, Am-Fm radio and positract axle 336R. The car is white with saddle interior.It has the original spare tire and I am the second owner. I also have the original paperwork and service manual. Is this car rare?

John

Sounds like a great car. I would say its rare. Was saddle the only color available in leather in 63?

Remember that rare and desirable are not always the same thing..but in the case of your car..you hit the jackpot. ( which I'm sure you already know ).

When was leather interior made available during the 63 production?

Joe