One of the most recognizable American sports cars ever built, the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window Coupe is scheduled to cross the stage at Mecum’s Indy 2026 sale on May 16th.
Listed as Lot R738, the car stands out not only for its iconic styling, but also for its highly desirable fuel-injected 327 cubic-inch V-8 and four-speed transmission. The Corvette is a last-production-week example, and one of just 2,160 fuel-injected models built for 1963. This places it among the more collectible variants of the already sought-after split-window year.
The 1963 model year marked a turning point for Chevrolet’s sports car, introducing the second-generation C2 Corvette and the now-legendary split rear window. The feature was offered for just one year, making surviving examples especially desirable among collectors today.
One-Year Design That Defined the C2 Era
The 1963 Corvette marked the debut of the C2 generation, replacing the earlier C1 with a sharper, more performance-focused design inspired by racing development and concept work from General Motors’ styling studios. Designers Bill Mitchell, Larry Shinoda, and Zora Arkus-Duntov played key roles in shaping the new Stingray, which featured a dramatic fastback coupe body and the now-famous split rear window.
The split window was controversial from the beginning. Arkus-Duntov reportedly disliked the center divider because it limited rear visibility, but the design remained in place through 1963 before Chevrolet switched to a single rear window in 1964. That short production run has since made the split-window coupe one of the most recognizable and collectible Corvettes ever produced.
Production figures further underscore the model’s appeal. Chevrolet built 21,513 Corvettes in 1963, including just over 10,000 coupes. Within that group, fuel-injected cars represented a small fraction, making high-spec examples particularly desirable in today’s collector market.
Aside from styling, the 1963 Corvette introduced independent rear suspension, a major engineering advancement that improved ride quality and handling compared with earlier solid-axle Corvettes. This development helped position the Stingray as a legitimate performance rival to European sports cars of the era.
Fuel-Injected 327 Performance
What makes this Mecum example particularly notable is its fuel-injected 327 cubic-inch V-8. Chevrolet’s Rochester Ramjet mechanical fuel injection system pushed output to 360 horsepower, placing the engine among the most powerful small-block offerings of its time.
The L84 fuel-injected engine was the top-performance option for 1963 Corvettes, paired with a four-speed manual transmission for maximum driver engagement. The combination delivered strong acceleration and helped cement the Corvette’s performance credentials during the early 1960s.
Fuel-injected models remain desirable despite their limited production. Of the 21,513 Corvettes built in 1963, only a small number received mechanical fuel injection, making these “Fuelie” cars significantly more collectible than their carbureted counterparts.
Last-Production-Week Example Adds Collectibility
This Corvette is a last-production-week example, a detail that often appeals to collectors seeking historically significant builds. Late-production cars can reflect refinements made throughout the model year, and sometimes include subtle updates implemented during manufacturing.
The VIN listed by Mecum places the car among the final 1963 split-window Corvettes built, adding another layer of desirability to an already collectible specification. Combined with its fuel-injected engine and four-speed transmission, the car represents a highly sought-after configuration within the C2 Corvette market.
As Mecum’s Indy sale approaches, this fuel-injected split-window Corvette is likely to draw attention from collectors seeking one of the most iconic American sports cars ever produced. With its rare configuration, late-production status, and enduring design appeal, the 1963 Corvette remains as a defining moment in Chevrolet performance history.