Why the 1967 Corvette's split rear window ended after one year

The 1967 Corvette Sting Ray is the only model year with a split rear window — a vertical divider running down the center of the back glass. Chevrolet removed it in 1968 because visibility was poor and owners complained about the obstruction. The split window lasted just one year, making 1967 the rarest and most sought-after generation of the C2 Corvette (1963–1967).

The split window was not a cost-cutting measure or a styling accident. Designer Larry Shinoda intended it as a visual reference to the split rear window on the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray, which had been a defining feature of that generation. By 1967, Chevrolet was refreshing the aging C2 body, and Shinoda brought back the split window as a nod to the car's heritage. The decision proved unpopular with buyers and mechanics, who found the center divider reduced rear visibility and made the car harder to clean and repair.

Key Takeaways

  • The 1967 Corvette Sting Ray is the only model year with a split rear window, making it unique among all Corvette generations.
  • The split window was a one-year design choice that reduced rear visibility and prompted owner complaints, leading Chevrolet to remove it for 1968.
  • Production numbers for 1967 were lower than surrounding years, and the split window has become a major factor in collector value and authenticity.
  • A 1967 split-window coupe in good condition typically commands higher prices than equivalent 1966 or 1968 models, though condition and mileage matter more than the window alone.

How the split window affected production and sales

Chevrolet built 22,940 Corvettes in 1967, a decline from the 27,720 built in 1966 and the 28,566 built in 1968. The split window was not the sole reason for lower sales — the car was aging, and a new generation (the C3) was already in development. However, the split window's poor reception among buyers and dealers likely contributed to the drop. Owners who wanted a Corvette in 1967 often chose the convertible over the coupe, partly because the convertible's open top made the split window's visibility problem irrelevant.

Of the 22,940 cars built in 1967, approximately 14,000 were convertibles and 8,900 were coupes. The coupe, with its fixed roof and split window, was the less popular body style that year. This makes a 1967 split-window coupe rarer than a 1967 convertible, and rarer still than a 1966 or 1968 coupe with a single rear window.

What collectors look for in a 1967 split-window Corvette

Authenticity is the primary concern for collectors. A genuine 1967 split-window coupe should have the original window divider, the correct fuel injection or carburetor setup for the engine, matching numbers on the engine block and frame, and original interior trim. The split window itself cannot be easily replaced — removing it and installing a single-pane rear window is considered a modification that reduces value, even if the car is otherwise well-maintained.

Engine options matter significantly. The 1967 Corvette came with a 327-cubic-inch V8 in two versions: a 300-horsepower carburetor model and a 350-horsepower fuel-injected model. A few high-performance 427-cubic-inch engines were also available late in the model year. A matching-numbers fuel-injected 427 is extremely rare and commands premium prices. Conversely, a car with a non-original engine or a later engine swap will sell for considerably less, regardless of the split window.

Condition of the split window itself is also important. A window with cracks, stress fractures, or cloudiness reduces value. Replacement windows are available from aftermarket suppliers, but they are not original, and collectors prefer cars with intact original glass.

How the split window affects market value

A 1967 split-window coupe in good condition typically sells for 10 to 20 percent more than a comparable 1966 or 1968 coupe. However, this premium depends heavily on the overall condition of the car, the engine type, and whether the car is original or has been restored. A well-maintained original 1967 split-window coupe with a matching-numbers 350-horsepower fuel-injected engine might sell for $65,000 to $85,000, while a 1966 or 1968 coupe with the same engine and condition might fetch $55,000 to $70,000.

The split window alone does not may provide high value. A 1967 coupe with a non-original engine, poor paint, worn interior, or a replaced rear window will sell for less than a well-preserved 1966 or 1968 model. Conversely, a 1967 convertible with a split window (which is not visible on a convertible) commands no premium over a 1966 or 1968 convertible, because the window is not a factor in the convertible's design or appeal.

Auction results show that rarity and originality drive the market. A 1967 split-window coupe that has been restored to original specifications and has documented provenance will outperform a modified or partially original car, even if the modified car has newer parts or a more powerful engine.

Common misconceptions about the 1967 split window

One widespread myth is that Chevrolet intentionally made the split window to reduce visibility as a safety feature — the idea being that the divider would prevent drivers from being distracted by the rear view. This is false. The split window was a styling choice, not a safety measure. In fact, the reduced visibility was considered a flaw, not a feature.

Another misconception is that all 1967 Corvettes have a split window. Only the coupe has it. The 1967 convertible has a single rear window (or no fixed rear window at all, depending on the top configuration). This distinction is important for buyers and collectors, because a 1967 convertible is not inherently rarer or more valuable than a 1966 or 1968 convertible.

Some people believe that the split window was a defect that Chevrolet corrected in 1968. While it is true that the window was removed, it was not a defect in the mechanical sense — it was a design choice that proved unpopular. Chevrolet did not issue recalls or offer retrofits; they straightforward did not repeat the design in the next model year.

How to verify a 1967 split-window Corvette is authentic

Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the driver's side door jamb and the engine block. A 1967 Corvette VIN begins with 194637 (1 = Chevrolet, 9 = 1967, 46 = Corvette, 37 = assembly plant). The engine block should have a casting date that matches the model year (typically between September 1966 and August 1967 for a 1967 car). Mismatched numbers indicate the engine has been replaced.

Examine the split window for original glass. Original windows have a specific tint and may have a faint Chevrolet logo or date code etched into the glass. Aftermarket replacement windows are clear or have a different tint. If the window has been replaced, the car is still a 1967 split-window Corvette, but it is no longer fully original, and value will be lower.

Look at the interior trim, upholstery, and dash. Original 1967 interiors have specific colors and materials that changed year to year. A Corvette with a 1968 or later interior has been modified. Documentation such as a build sheet, window sticker, or factory invoice can confirm original specifications, though these documents are not always available for cars built more than 50 years ago.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 1967 split-window Corvette worth more than a 1966 or 1968?

A 1967 split-window coupe typically commands a 10 to 20 percent premium over a comparable 1966 or 1968 coupe, assuming both are in similar condition and have matching-numbers engines. However, overall condition, originality, and engine type matter more than the split window alone. A poorly maintained 1967 will sell for less than a well-preserved 1966.

Can I replace the split window with a single-pane window?

Yes, replacement windows are available, but doing so reduces the car's value and authenticity. Collectors prefer original split windows, even if they are cracked or cloudy. If you plan to sell the car, keeping the original window is advisable.

Why did Chevrolet only make the split window for one year?

Owner complaints about reduced visibility and difficulty cleaning the window prompted Chevrolet to remove it for 1968. The split window was a styling reference to the 1963 Sting Ray, but it proved unpopular in practice. Chevrolet did not repeat the design in later generations.

Are 1967 convertibles with split windows more valuable?

No. The split window is only on the 1967 coupe. Convertibles do not have a fixed rear window, so the split window design does not explore. A 1967 convertible is not inherently rarer or more valuable than a 1966 or 1968 convertible.

What should I look for when buying a 1967 split-window Corvette?

Verify the VIN matches the model year, check that the engine block casting date is correct, inspect the split window for original glass and cracks, and confirm the interior trim matches 1967 specifications. Request documentation such as a build sheet or service records. Have a pre-purchase inspection done by a Corvette specialist before committing to a purchase.