Tuxedo Black w/Black interior, 327/340hp, 4-spd. manual transmission.

There have been many classic designs penned over the decades, but as far as performance cars go, the 15-year period between ’55 and ’70 was especially fruitful. The cars that came out of the “muscle car” era were not only the peak of performance but also of design. However, as with anything artful, there will always be standouts. A few come to mind: the ’61 E-Type Jaguar, the ’62 Ferrari G.T.O., and the ’63 Corvette Split Window Coupe are three examples of the pinnacle of modern sports car styling and performance.

The ’63 Corvette Split Window Coupe was a revelation when it was first introduced in ’62. The design has remained timeless and is considered one of the most beautiful cars ever designed. Its popularity and value have continued to grow over the decades and are now at a fever pitch!

We’ve had many fine examples of Split Window Coupes over the decades—in every color, drivetrain, and option. However, the example presented here is, without a doubt, the finest we’ve ever had the pleasure of owning. Mike bought this Split, which we refer to as “Blackie,” from Ken Simmons, who bought it new in Orange County, CA. It was then, back in 2013, when it had its 50th birthday. It was the wish of Ken that his daughter could retain it until that time. It was shortly thereafter that Diane, the widow, agreed to sell it to Mike.

One-owner vintage sports cars are quite rare indeed. One-owner ’63 Corvette S.W.C.s are almost unheard of today! This car is one of those “hen’s teeth.”

This car was originally sold new out of Selman Chevrolet in Orange, CA. The dealership is still in existence today! The original owner and his wife drove down to Selman from the San Fernando Valley in their ’63 Impala station wagon to pick up the new Corvette! And the car has remained in CA since that day!

Corvette Mike’s history with this ’63 goes all the way back to ’87. He had wanted to purchase the car back then from the original owner, but no dice. Over the years, Mike stayed in touch with him and had at one point arranged to have some restoration work performed on the car. But a sale was not in the cards until Mike got a call from the owner’s wife with the sad news that he had passed away. She had made the decision to sell. So, a deal was struck, and Mike took possession of this very special Split Window Coupe. When the car came in, Mike decided to do the bare minimum in restoration work. But as often happens, once the work started, things snowballed. It was then decided that a complete frame-off restoration was in order. The restoration was done by Chad, our service manager, over a period of a couple of years. The results are absolutely stunning! The correctness and attention to detail are mind-blowing. Under the hood, the original, C.C.A.S. certified 327/340hp engine still sits between the fenders. All of this work paid off with Mike taking the car to a Zora Arkus-Duntov Mark of Excellence Award its first time out, scoring 99 points in the process! As icing on the cake, the car was just given the “Design Excellence Award” from the Art Center College of Design at the Quail Gathering in Pebble Beach, CA, in August of ’22! Quite an achievement, to say the least!

THE ROAD TO STARDOM!

Awards and Magazines

1963 Tuxedo Black Corvette Split Window Coupe “Blackie”

While owned by the original owner:

• 9/17-18/88: N.C.R.S. Big Bear, CA, Chapter Meet Second Flight Certification.
• 2/26/89: Golden State Corvette Certification “Corvettes on the Mall” 96.8 score.
• 4/16/89: N.C.R.S. San Marcos, CA, Chapter Meet Top Flight Certification.
• 4/91: Hot Rod Magazine “Swimsuits & Rock ‘n Roll” issue. “Dead Man’s Curve” feature article.
• 4/92: All Chevy Magazine “Musclecar Fitness” issue. “Back In Black” feature article.
• 5/26/93: Hot Rod Magazine “Swimsuit Spectacular” issue. “Dead Man’s Curve” feature article reprint.

While campaigned by Corvette Mike:

• 12/15/13: Classic Car Affirmation Service Cylinder Case/Engine Pad Affirmation.
• 12/15/13: Classic Car Affirmation Service Trim Tag Affirmation.
• 6/4/16: N.C.R.S. Northwest Regional Meet Top Flight Certification.
• 5/17: Graystone Mansion Concours D’Elegance—Beverly Hills, CA. Best of Class.
• 5/18: N.C.R.S. Arizona Regional Meet Performance Verification.
• 7/19/18: N.C.R.S. National Convention—Las Vegas, NV. Top Flight Certification.
• 7/19/18: N.C.R.S. National Convention—Las Vegas, NV. Duntov Mark Of Excellence Award.
• 6/10/18: San Marino Motor Classic—San Marino, CA. First In Class.
• 4/19: La Jolla Concours D’Elegance—La Jolla, CA. First In Class.
• 8/13/19: Carmel by The Sea Concours on The Avenue—Carmel, CA. First In Class.
• 8/22: The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering—Carmel, CA. Art Center College of Design—Design Excellence Award.
• 10/29/22: Wynn Las Vegas Concours D’Elegance—Las Vegas, NV. Class Winner.
• 4/22/23: La Jolla Concours D’Elegance—La Jolla, CA. People’s Choice Award.