History

The 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Split Window is a landmark in automotive history, driven by the vision of chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov and designed by Larry Shinoda under Bill Mitchell’s leadership. The car’s unique split rear window, championed by Mitchell as a bold design statement, became its defining feature but sparked heated debates within GM. Duntov opposed it, citing impaired rear visibility and practicality, but Mitchell’s aesthetic vision prevailed. Released to the public as part of the revolutionary C2 generation, the Stingray’s striking looks and innovation garnered widespread acclaim, with the split window becoming a one-year-only feature, cementing its status as one of the most iconic and collectible Corvettes ever made.