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Classic Cars

— Restoration, appreciation, and the open road
68 members Created May 2026

My 1972 Chevelle just passed smog in California — here's how

The 1963 Corvette split-window coupe is the most immediately recognizable classic American car after the 1957 Chevrolet. The design team led by Larry Shinoda created something that looked unlike any previous American production car.

Zora Arkus-Duntov, the Corvette's chief engineer, hated the split window because the center bar obstructed rear visibility. He had it removed for the 1964 model year. This made the 1963 coupe the only year with that design element, which has made it the most sought-after single-year configuration in Corvette history.

A correct, documented 1963 split-window in restoration-quality condition is a major investment. The cars that make sense for most buyers are the 1964-1967 coupes — same chassis, same capabilities, accessible prices.

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