Chevrolet’s long-running Corvette enjoyed a banner year in 1963, with the introduction of the all-new Stingray body style and mechanical innovations like independent rear suspension and pop-up headlamps. This wonderfully original example of the first-year Stingray Coupe highlights the model’s celebrated features, including the one-year-only split rear window – an icon of American automotive design.

This Split-Window Coupe was factory equipped with the desirable solid-lifter 327/340 engine, four-speed manual gearbox, and leather upholstery trimmed in Saddle Tan to match the distinctive exterior. Dr. Charles Liberali, the director of surgery at Parsons Hospital in Flushing, Queens, purchased this Corvette as a new car from his local dealer Bay Chevrolet on Long Island. He and his family enjoyed the car as a fair-weather, weekend driver. A 1973 Port Washington Yacht Club decal on the passenger vent window and MD badge mounted to the front license plate bracket serve as charming mementoes of his ownership.

Remarkably, the Split-Window Coupe remained in Liberali’s ownership until 2014, when it was sold to Christopher Piscitello, a well-known Corvette collector with a passion for unrestored, survivor-quality cars. In June 2015, Mr. Piscitello exhibited the Split-Window Coupe at the Bloomington Gold show at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, earning Bloomington Gold Certification, as well as Survivor and BENCHMARK awards. The BENCHMARK award, introduced in 1991, was designed to be the most difficult category in Bloomington Gold judging and requires an unrestored Corvette to excel in all four categories of Survivor while maintaining at least 95% of its factory-delivered appearance. To date, only a few Split-Window Corvettes have ever received the prestigious BENCHMARK award.

The consignor became this Corvette’s third caretaker in September 2018. The car has enjoyed fastidious care since, benefiting from regular exercise and detailing. Today, the Corvette remains in superb original and unrestored condition, including the paint, interior, and drivetrain. At the time of cataloguing, the odometer showed less than 61,200 miles and the car’s overall presentation is most impressive, down to its GM-issued fire extinguisher, floor mats, and jack.

An impressive history file contains important original documentation such as the window sticker, warranty booklet, dealer invoice, and glovebox paperwork, including the owner’s manual, owner’s card, patch, pin, and folder given to Dr. Liberali in 1963. Also included with the sale is correspondence detailing the original purchase, along with the Bloomington Gold awards and judging sheets.

Presented here is a rare opportunity to acquire a truly exceptional Split-Window Coupe – one of the great icons of American motoring. Not only does this car possess the desirable, high-horsepower 327/340 engine, a rare color scheme, and proper documentation, it has been judged at the highest levels of Bloomington Gold competition, earning the club’s ultimate honor for an unrestored Corvette. In all respects, this is a magnificent Split-Window Coupe worthy of serious consideration.