Split-Window Special: A Unique LS3-equipped 1963 Corvette Sting Ray

The split-window 1963 Corvette is among the most iconic cars in American history. Recently, Florida-based Resto Mod Vette unveiled a one-of-one modern version of the famed ride through a licensing agreement with Peter Brock – the visionary designer who drew the original sketch for the second generation of America’s Sports Car.

The split-window Vette is a prototype and the first in a line of cars featuring Peter Brock branding. Fittingly, Resto Mod Vette’s prototype features a Chevrolet Performance LS376/480 crate engine,* a version of the versatile LS3 power plant that has become a fixture in many of today’s builds. The car thus honors classic Corvette tradition and modern technology, as the shop’s name implies.

The car – painted in a sparkling brown color known as Root Beer Pearl – made its debut at the 2023 SEMA Show and also was part of the Gandrud Chevrolet display during this year’s Goodguys Summit Racing Nationals in Columbus, Ohio.

“The idea was to bring Peter’s styling into some of what’s become popular with restomod Corvettes,” said Resto Mod Vette owner Mike Staveski in Columbus. “[We wanted] to make this one different than all the other ones.”

The car is a real split-window 1963 Corvette Sting Ray, but features many modern upgrades.

A peek under the hood reveals the LS376/480 crate engine,* acquired from Gandrud, which Chevrolet Performance rates as making 495 horsepower and 473 lb.-ft. of torque due in large part to the use of an LS Hot Cam. This particular 6.2L power plant features Imagine eight-stack electronic fuel injection, which Steveski explains he and Brock added just to stand out. That system helps the engine crank out 550 horses. A number of the stack-injection kits are available for LS3*-based power plants, another reason why the engine was an ideal choice.

“It’s a great motor,” Staveski said. “It’s dependable, it works, it makes plenty of power and it’s easy to use.”

The engine – finished in bronze – is mated to a TCI six-speed automatic transmission and utilizes paddle shifters. The engine also includes a DeWitts radiator and Vintage Air front drive, and the power plant backs up to a carbon-fiber firewall. A custom fuel tank is part of the build as well.

The Corvette sits on an Art Morrison Enterprises chassis featuring an independent rear suspension, along with Ridetech coilovers and Wilwood brakes. The car rides on bronze Forgeline Grudge wheels matched with Continental tires. 

Of course, any split-window Corvette is known for its unique exterior, and this one-of-a-kind model stays true to that concept.

The Corvette maintains the traditional-sized glass in the windshield and rear windows, but they are now flush-mounted. Additionally, the car now has one-piece side windows thanks to AM Hot Rod Glass. The side vents in the body have been removed, and while the side pipes remain (paired with Ultimate Headers) they are now finished in burnt-bronze Cerakote to match the paint’s earthy tone.

Up front, the electric hood goes up and down at the switch of a button hidden in the wheel well. The custom Resto Mod Tech headlights feature LEDs and the company also made custom hood grilles. Resto Mod Vette was responsible for the custom carbon-fiber bumpers on the front and rear.

The interior is steeped in restomod style and features a full leather interior and carpet supplied by Douglas Interior Products. Dakota Digital gauges and Vintage Air air conditioning are part of the interior, too, as are an elaborate stereo system and a push-button start. Plus, since split-window Corvettes are known for being difficult to see out of in the rear, the rearview mirror is now a camera.

Resto Mod Vette is located in Hudson, Florida, around 25 miles north of Tampa. Staveski is originally from Connecticut but went to school in Philadelphia before making his way to the Sunshine State in 1990. His shop has been open since 1997, but he is a longtime performance enthusiast whose hobby turned into a business. In addition to Resto Mod Vette, he builds a little bit of everything through his RMR Dreamcars brand, with the RMR initials standing for Rods Mods & Restos.

“We build restomods, but our slant is more to Corvettes right now,” he said.

With Peter Brock in his corner providing input on designs and build styles, Staveski’s projects expand upon a legacy that dates back to nearly the beginning of America’s Sports Car.

Be sure to keep watching The BLOCK for many more Chevrolet Performance-powered builds from the nation’s most prestigious automotive events.

*Because of their effect on a vehicle’s emissions performance, these engines are intended exclusively for use in competition vehicles. These engines are designed and intended for use in vehicles operated exclusively for competition: in racing or organized competition on courses separate from public roads, streets or highways. Installation or use of these engines on a vehicle operated on public roads, streets or highways is likely to violate U.S., Canadian, and state and provincial laws and regulations related to motor vehicle emissions.