What the 1967 split window means in Corvette history
The 1967 Corvette is the only year Chevrolet made a Corvette with a split rear window — a single pane of glass divided down the middle by a vertical bar. This feature lasted only one model year before Chevrolet replaced it with a single, unbroken rear window in 1968. That one-year-only design is why the 1967 split window became one of the most sought-after and valuable Corvettes ever built.
The split window was not a cost-saving measure or a mistake. Designer Larry Shinoda intentionally created it as part of a major redesign of the Corvette's body. The divided rear window gave the car a distinctive look that set it apart from every other Corvette before and after. When collectors and enthusiasts learned that Chevrolet had dropped the design after just one year, the 1967 split window transformed from a regular production car into a rare piece of automotive history.
Key Takeaways
- The 1967 Corvette split window is the only model year with a rear window divided by a vertical bar running down the center.
- Chevrolet produced the split window for one year only, then switched to a single-pane rear window starting in 1968.
- The split window design was intentional, created by designer Larry Shinoda as part of a complete body redesign for the 1967 model year.
- Condition, mileage, engine type, and originality of parts all affect the value of a 1967 split window, with prices varying widely among individual cars.
- Reproduction split windows and replacement parts are available from specialty suppliers, making restoration possible even if the original is damaged.
Why Chevrolet designed the split window for one year
In 1963, Chevrolet introduced the second generation of the Corvette Sting Ray, and the split window was part of that original design. The vertical bar down the middle of the rear window echoed the split line that ran down the center of the Sting Ray's hood and trunk — a design theme that made the car look sleek and purposeful. The split window became an when ready icon, appearing in advertisements and on magazine covers.
By 1967, Chevrolet had redesigned the Corvette again, creating what collectors now call the C3 generation. The new body was wider, longer, and more aggressive than the previous design. Chevrolet kept the split window as part of this redesign, but only for that single year. In 1968, the company replaced it with a single rear window that wrapped around the back of the car. Chevrolet never explained publicly why they dropped the split window after just one year, but the change stuck — no Corvette since 1967 has had a split rear window.
How to identify an authentic 1967 split window
An authentic 1967 Corvette split window has specific features you can check. The rear window is made of two separate panes of glass joined by a vertical chrome or painted bar. The window does not open or roll down — it is fixed in place. The split runs from the top of the window to the bottom, dividing the rear view into two equal halves.
The body of a 1967 split window is also noticeably different from 1966 and earlier models. The car is longer and wider, with a more angular shape. The hood has a more pronounced bulge, and the side vents are different. The rear end is squared off compared to the rounded rear of earlier Corvettes. If you are looking at a Corvette and want to know if it is a 1967 split window, the rear window is the easiest place to start — if it has a bar down the middle, you are looking at the right year.
What affects the value of a 1967 split window today
The value of a 1967 Corvette split window depends on several factors that vary from car to car. The original engine type matters — a big-block 427 engine is worth more than a smaller 327. The number of miles on the odometer affects price, though some collectors value original, high-mileage cars differently than restored ones. The condition of the paint, interior, and mechanical systems all play a role. Whether the car has been restored or remains in original condition also influences what someone will pay.
The split window itself is a major factor. If the original window is intact and undamaged, the car is worth more. A cracked or replaced window lowers the value, though not as much as you might think — replacement split windows are available, and many buyers factor in the cost of restoration. Matching numbers — meaning the engine, transmission, and other major parts are original to that specific car — can add significant value. A 1967 split window in excellent original condition with matching numbers can command a high price, while a restored car with non-original parts will be worth less.
Restoration and replacement parts for split windows
If you own a 1967 Corvette with a damaged split window, replacement options exist. Specialty suppliers who focus on Corvette restoration sell reproduction split windows made to match the original specifications. These windows are not original glass, but they are made to look and fit correctly. The cost of a reproduction window varies depending on the supplier and whether you need just the glass or the entire window assembly with the frame.
Restoring a 1967 split window requires care because the window is fixed — it does not open. If you are having the window replaced, a shop that specializes in Corvettes will know how to remove the old window and install the new one without damaging the surrounding body panels. Other restoration parts for 1967 Corvettes, including weatherstripping, trim pieces, and interior components, are also available from specialty suppliers. Finding original parts is harder and more expensive, but reproduction parts make a full restoration possible even if the original window is beyond repair.
How the split window compares to other Corvette rear windows
The 1967 split window is unique because no other Corvette year has it. The 1963 through 1966 Corvettes also had a split rear window, but it looked different — the earlier split window had a thinner bar and a slightly different shape. Starting in 1968, Corvettes had a single rear window with no bar. That single-window design continued for decades, through the 1970s, 1980s, and beyond.
The 1967 split window sits between these two designs. It is wider and more prominent than the earlier split windows, and it is the last split window Chevrolet ever put on a Corvette. This makes it the most recognizable split window to people who are not Corvette experts. When someone says "split window Corvette," many people picture the 1967 model, even though split windows existed before and the design was not unique to that year alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 1967 split window Corvette worth a lot of money?
A 1967 split window in good condition is worth significantly more than a standard Corvette from the same era, but the exact price depends on the specific car. Mileage, engine type, originality of parts, and condition all matter. A well-maintained original or restored example can command a premium price, while a car needing work will be worth less.
Can I replace a damaged 1967 split window with a single-pane window?
You can, but it will reduce the car's value and authenticity. Most collectors and buyers prefer the original split window design. Reproduction split windows are available and are usually a better choice if the original is damaged, even though they cost more than a generic single-pane replacement.
Did Chevrolet make split windows before 1967?
Yes. Corvettes from 1963 to 1966 also had split rear windows, but they looked different from the 1967 version. The 1967 split window is wider and more prominent. The 1967 is the last year Chevrolet used a split window on any Corvette.
How do I know if my Corvette is actually a 1967?
The split rear window is one clue, but not the only one. Check the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the dashboard — the second digit tells you the model year. A 1967 Corvette will have a "7" in that position. You can also look at the body shape, hood design, and interior features, which all changed in 1967.
What engine did the 1967 Corvette split window come with?
The 1967 Corvette offered several engine options, ranging from a 327 cubic inch engine to a 427 cubic inch big-block. The specific engine in any individual car depends on what the original buyer ordered. The engine type affects both the car's performance and its value to collectors today.