Some cars tell a story through their design. Others tell it through their provenance. This custom 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window Coupe delivers both, blending one of the most iconic designs in American automotive history with state-of-the-art performance.
Completed in September 2026 by renowned builder Jeff Hayes Customs, this Corvette represents a thoughtful fusion of preservation and modernization. While custom builds sometimes abandon their original character, this car preserves the timeless appeal of the legendary 1963 Split-Window Corvette while integrating contemporary engineering throughout.
Under the hood sits a new 500-horsepower GM LS3 V-8 engine paired with a 4L70E automatic transmission, creating a driving experience worlds apart from what Chevrolet engineers could have imagined more than six decades ago. The drivetrain is supported by an Art Morrison chassis, providing improved handling, ride quality and structural rigidity. Performance-minded details continue throughout the build, including a Lokar 1963 Corvette fuel-injection-look intake, an Eddie Motorsports pulley system and a full custom stainless-steel exhaust system.
The attention to detail extends beyond the mechanical components. The engine bay, door jambs and underside of the hood were extensively bodyworked, smoothed and refinished to create a clean, show-quality presentation. Yet despite the substantial transformation, the Corvette’s original Silver Blue Metallic paint was retained, maintaining a visual connection to the car’s heritage.
The Corvette rides on Mike Curtis wheels that complement the car’s unmistakable Split-Window profile, one of the most celebrated designs ever to emerge from General Motors. Introduced for a single model year, the Split-Window Corvette remains among the most coveted American sports cars.
Inside, the transformation is equally impressive. A fully custom interior trimmed in linen-colored leather creates an upscale atmosphere, while extensive LED lighting adds a modern flair. Classic Instruments gauges preserve a traditional appearance while delivering modern functionality. Additional upgrades include a chrome Ididit steering column, a new teak steering wheel and Vintage Air climate control, ensuring comfort matches the car’s performance capabilities.
Perhaps most compelling is the Corvette’s history. Before undergoing its award-worthy custom transformation, the car was acquired from its original owner, who had possessed it for an astounding 63 years. Such long-term ownership is increasingly rare in the collector-car world and adds a layer of authenticity and provenance that cannot be replicated.
Supporting documentation further enhances the car’s significance. Included with the sale are the original title, paperwork from City Chevrolet in Akron, Ohio, and the original sales brochure, providing a direct link to the Corvette’s beginnings when it first left the dealership floor in 1963.
The result is a custom Corvette that respects its past while embracing the future, delivering modern performance, luxury and craftsmanship without sacrificing the character that has made the Split-Window Coupe an enduring American icon.
This spectacular Corvette is available only at the Nov. 5-12, 2026, Digital Select Auction on Barrett-Jackson.com. Register to bid today for a chance to become its next caretaker.
This article was originally published on Barrett-Jackson.com.
