One of Chevrolet’s unique and rare models was the Corvette split-window which was otherwise called the Corvette String Ray Coupe. It was popular for its rear glass which eventually became the reason for its decline. Here is everything about the 1963 Corvette String Ray Coupe.
Engines
Chevrolet launched the split-window model as a successor to the C2 models and it was built using the best engines. This model featured a fuel-injected V8 engine which delivered around 350 hp. The highlight of the vehicle was its overall top speed which was around 150mph. It had great acceleration with a smooth driving experience. The handling and control were great. Although it was not a high-revving vehicle, the engines and their internal parts delivered a massive performance in tracks.
Features
The engineering was different from other Corvette models. This package was equipped with mechanics like drum brakes, fuel injection system, manual transmission, and independent front. These gave better traction in rough roads. The Corvette Split-window had features like bucket seats, padded dashboard, carpeted interior, radio, power steering, heater, and power windows.
Rear Windows
As the name states, this Corvette featured a unique styling which was the rear glass. The split rear window was different and never seen. It was designed with two glass panels with a central spine. In the end, the vehicle was banned as the visibility was not great. Driver could not focus on the backside. Everyone criticized the feature and Chevrolet banned this model. The rear windows stunned everyone and became one of the talking points in automotive history.
Styling
Apart from the iconic rear glass panels, the vehicle had regular styling with a fastback coupe roofline. There were hidden pop-up headlights, fender vents, and coke bottle body lines. It was made on lightweight fiberglass panels. The vehicle also had aerodynamics as part of the styling. Everything was advanced and unique, but Chevrolet was in a position to stop the production for different reasons.
Corvette Coupe
People spoke about the split rear windows, but Chevrolet launched this as their first coupe for a Corvette model. It had a fixed roof styled by Bill Mitchell. This was a 2-door sports car with a front-engine layout. Corvette split-window was another RWD vehicle from Chevrolet. Because of the rear windows, Chevrolet couldn’t sell this model for more than a year.
Costly Vehicle
The Corvette split-window was never an affordable vehicle. For its sporty features and out of the world designs, it was fixed around $4,000 USD. This was launched in 1963 and did not last more than a year. Around 10,450 units of Corvette split-window were produced for the year. These were sold to collectors, racing teams, and common people. Because of its large production numbers, Corvette split-window is collectible today through auctions and collector markets. One businessman bought a couple of these models for $5 million USD years back and this shows its value.
