The 1967 Split Window is the only Corvette with a divided rear window

The 1967 Chevrolet 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 offered this design for just one year. The split window became the most recognizable feature of that generation and is now the single biggest factor in the car's value and desirability among collectors.

This was not a cost-cutting measure or a manufacturing accident. Chevrolet's design team, led by Bill Mitchell, intentionally created the split to echo the car's central spine — a structural ridge that ran the length of the body. When Chevrolet redesigned the Corvette for 1968, they removed the split window entirely, replacing it with a single pane of glass. That one-year-only status is why 1967 models command prices that can exceed those of later, more powerful Corvettes.

Key Takeaways

  • The 1967 Corvette Sting Ray is the only model year with a split rear window, making it when ready recognizable and highly sought by collectors.
  • The split window was an intentional design choice that mirrored the car's central body spine, not a manufacturing quirk.
  • Chevrolet removed the split window in 1968 and never brought it back, which is why 1967 models hold their value better than surrounding years.
  • A 1967 split-window coupe in good condition typically costs more than a 1968 or 1969 Corvette with a more powerful engine.
  • Replacement split-window glass is available but expensive, and original glass adds significant value to the car.

Why the split window matters to value

Corvette prices are driven largely by rarity and year-to-year differences. The 1967 split window is the most famous single-year design change in Corvette history. Collectors will pay a premium for a 1967 coupe with the original split window, even if a 1968 or 1969 model has a bigger engine or lower mileage.

A 1967 split-window coupe in fair condition can sell for $50,000 to $70,000. The same car with a cracked or replaced rear window drops significantly in value — sometimes by $10,000 or more — because buyers know they are looking at a restoration project. Original split-window glass is rare and expensive to replace, so the condition of that one piece of glass often determines whether a buyer sees the car as a keeper or a fixer.

Convertible models from 1967 are also valuable, but the coupe with the split window commands the highest prices. This is because the split window is visible and dramatic on the coupe, while the convertible's appeal rests more on its open-air design and engine options.

How to spot an original split window

An original 1967 split-window coupe has a vertical divider of chrome or painted metal running down the exact center of the rear window. The glass on each side is a single pane. The divider is structural — it is part of the body frame, not a trim piece glued to the glass.

Replacement split-window glass exists, but it is noticeably different from the original. Reproduction glass is often thinner, has slightly different tinting, or sits in the frame differently. An experienced Corvette appraiser can spot a replacement in seconds. If you are considering buying a 1967 split-window coupe, have a Corvette specialist inspect the rear window before you commit to the purchase.

The easiest way to verify authenticity is to check the car's build sheet or window sticker if it survives. These documents list the original glass type and other factory specifications. Corvette documentation services like the National Corvette Museum can cross-reference your car's VIN to confirm what it left the factory with.

Maintenance and repair of the split window

The split window is both a structural element and a potential weak point. The chrome or painted divider can rust where it meets the glass, and the seals around the glass can dry out and leak. Water intrusion around the rear window is one of the most common problems on 1967 Corvettes, especially in cars that have been stored outdoors or in damp climates.

If you own a 1967 split-window coupe, inspect the seals around the rear window regularly. Look for water stains on the interior headliner or carpet directly below the window. If you see signs of leaking, have the seals resealed before water damage spreads to the body panels or interior. A professional Corvette restoration shop can reseal the window without removing the glass, which is the least expensive repair option.

If the glass itself cracks or breaks, you face a choice: repair with reproduction glass or source an original pane. Original glass is rare and can cost $2,000 to $4,000 or more, depending on condition. Reproduction glass runs $800 to $1,500 but will lower the car's value if you ever sell. For a driver car, reproduction glass is a practical choice. For a show car or investment piece, original glass is worth the cost.

The 1967 versus later Corvette generations

The 1967 Corvette Sting Ray sits in the middle of the second generation, which ran from 1963 to 1967. The split window is unique to 1967, but the entire second-generation design — with its fastback roofline and hidden headlights — is considered one of the most beautiful Corvette shapes ever built.

Later Corvettes, starting in 1968, moved to a more angular design with a single rear window and a different body shape. The third generation (1968–1982) and fourth generation (1984–1996) are valuable in their own right, but they lack the one-year-only mystique of the split window. A 1967 split-window coupe will typically hold its value better than a 1968 or 1969 model, even if the later car has a more powerful engine.

If you are shopping for a second-generation Corvette and value is a concern, the 1967 split window is the safest bet. If you prefer driving dynamics or engine power, a 1968 or 1969 with a big-block engine may be a better choice — but you will pay more to buy it and less when you sell it, compared to a 1967.

What to check before buying a 1967 split-window coupe

The split window is the headline, but it should not be the only thing you inspect. Check the frame for rust, especially around the rocker panels and door bottoms. Look at the undercarriage for signs of collision damage or poor welding from a previous restoration. Corvettes from this era are prone to rust, and a car that has been stored in a damp climate may have hidden corrosion that is expensive to repair.

Test the original engine if the car still has one. The 1967 Corvette came with a 327-cubic-inch V8 in two versions: 300 horsepower and 350 horsepower. Listen for knocking, rough idle, or excessive oil smoke. If the engine has been rebuilt, ask for documentation of the work. A rebuilt engine is not a red flag, but you should know what you are buying.

Have a Corvette specialist perform a pre-purchase inspection before you commit. The split window may be perfect, but a rusted frame or a worn-out interior can cost thousands to repair. A specialist inspection typically costs $300 to $500 and can save you from a bad purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Chevrolet's design team created the split window to echo the car's central body spine, but customer feedback and changing design trends led them to remove it in 1968. Some sources suggest that the split window obstructed rear visibility, though this was never officially confirmed by Chevrolet. The one-year-only production was not planned — it was straightforward a design choice that did not carry forward.

Is a 1967 split-window coupe worth more than a convertible?

Yes. The split window is the most dramatic on the coupe, and coupes are rarer than convertibles from that year. A 1967 split-window coupe in good condition typically costs $10,000 to $20,000 more than a 1967 convertible in similar condition. The split window is the primary reason for the price difference.

Can I replace the split-window glass myself?

Replacing the glass requires removing the rear window frame from the body, which is a job for a professional shop. The frame is bolted to the body, and improper removal can damage the surrounding panels. If you need to replace the glass, take the car to a Corvette restoration specialist rather than a general glass shop.

What is the split window made of?

The divider is a structural chrome or painted metal piece that is part of the body frame. The glass on each side is tempered automotive glass, the same material used in modern car windows. The divider and glass are sealed together with rubber gaskets and weatherstripping.

Does a cracked split window mean the car is not worth buying?

A cracked window lowers the value significantly, but it does not make the car worthless. If the rest of the car is solid and the price reflects the cost of glass replacement, it can still be a good purchase. However, if the seller is asking top dollar for a car with a damaged split window, walk away — you will not recover the repair cost when you sell.