This Oddity Is One Of The Rarest Corvettes On The Planet

The 1963 Corvette Stingray with its split rear window has become a sensation in many circles, appearing in numerous films, TV shows, and video games – not to mention auctions. This January, 8 such coupes from the Split Window Colorama II Collection will cross Mecum’s auction block – including a particularly stunning example that’s packing a modern-day punch under its classic skin. The Chevrolet Corvette Karl Kustoms Split Window Coupe lists 1963/2008 as its model year, referencing its truly unique build.

With just 104 miles on the odometer, it’s one of just 10 units produced by Karl Kustoms. The car starts with a 2008 C6 Chevrolet Corvette but wears a custom body that recalls the original split-window design of the 1963 Corvette Stingray Coupe.

How Karl Kustoms Modernized The Split Window Coupe

Carl Moyer was an entrepreneur, racer, and passionate car enthusiast. His success with Karl Chevrolet led to a reputation for customizing Corvettes, and eventually, Karl Kustoms was formed to satisfy a growing demand for custom cars. Karl Kustoms models often include performance upgrades and suspension enhancements and are known for blending classic style and modern drivability.

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In this example, a team of experienced technicians and fabricators meticulously recreated the split-window design on the C6 Corvette chassis, using precise measurements, custom bodywork, and incredible attention to detail. The custom body is painted in Riverside Red, and the C6 Corvette interior is black with custom touches like red accents and specially embroidered seats with the original ‘Corvette’ script in the upper seatbacks.

Modern Firepower For A Timeless Classic

This example is built on the 2008 Corvette Coupe in 3LT trim with the Z51 performance package. The look is old-school, but key tech and safety features from the 2008 Corvette are in place, including a heads-up display, full instrumentation, and dual-zone climate control. The striking disconnect between this custom Corvette’s classic exterior style and modern-era interior should delight for years. Ditto the powertrain: in this case, the 6.2-liter, 436-horsepower V8 from the C6 teamed up with a 6-speed manual powering the rear wheels, themselves an imitation knock-off design wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza rubber.

This Controversial Collection Is An Aficionado’s Dream

Legend has it that the 1963 Corvette’s split-window design wasn’t always as appreciated as it is today, having launched to some initial controversy for interrupting the coupe’s flowing lines, limiting outward visibility, and adding challenges, costs, and complexity to the production of America’s sports car. The design was changed after just one model year. Since then, the Split Window Coupe has appeared in numerous films, TV shows, and video games, solidifying its place in popular culture. The last Split Window Coupe ever built went up for sale with a half-million dollar asking price in 2021.

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These exquisite second-generation Corvettes look relatively stock, but they’re packing loads of power and gorgeous interiors.

It’s a familiar sight in the auction scene too, though Mecum’s pulled off a particularly stunning feat with its ‘Split Window Colorama II’ collection: joining the Karl Kustoms 1963/2008 Corvette Split Window Coupe, 7 original models are also up for grabs, with one for each factory color available. Moyer’s Corvette is expected to fetch up to $200,000, with other examples in the collection expected to command up to double that amount. Auction day is January 17th.

Sources:
Mecum