What's the history behind the design of the 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe?

Question

Accepted Answer

The 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe has one of the most fascinating design stories in automotive history! Here's what happened:

The iconic split rear window was the brainchild of GM design chief Bill Mitchell, who was inspired by marine life (particularly stingrays and mako sharks) and European cars like the Bugatti 57SC Atlantique. Working with designer Larry Shinoda, Mitchell wanted to create a dramatic styling statement that would make the new C2 Corvette instantly recognizable.

The split window design was actually quite controversial within GM. Corvette's chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov (often called the 'Father of the Corvette') strongly opposed it, arguing that it severely impaired rear visibility and created aerodynamic issues. This led to one of the most famous corporate battles in automotive history, with Mitchell and Duntov reportedly having screaming matches over the design.

Mitchell ultimately won the battle for 1963, insisting the split window was essential to complete the car's design theme. However, Duntov's concerns about safety and functionality eventually prevailed, and GM executives sided with him after just one model year. For 1964, the split window was replaced with a conventional single-piece rear glass.

This one-year-only design quirk actually made the 1963 Split Window Coupe incredibly rare and desirable. What was once controversial became legendary - today, these cars are among the most sought-after Corvettes by collectors, partly because of their unique design story and limited production run.

Pretty cool how a design disagreement created an automotive icon, right? Would you like to know more about the current market value of these cars, or are you interested in finding similar classic Corvettes?

1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe

Classic cars

Cars for sale

Resources

1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe

Become a CLASSIC Insider