Split-window Chevrolet Corvette imagined

In 1963 a number of significant events occurred that changed the world forever: the assassination of US president John F Kennedy took place, Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman to travel into space, and in the car world the iconic split-window Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray busted out.

Following the 1953 original, the second-generation Corvette also made its debut in 1963, along with the Sting Ray name, and in that year only the split rear window was deployed. Train-spotters will know the name became Stingray with the C3 Corvette in 1968, then disappeared until the C7 in 2014.

2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray review

Anyway, the split-window Corvette has now returned, courtesy of this striking render from Rain Prisk, based on the all-new (and first mid-engined) Corvette, which finally arrives Down Under later this year.

The 1963 Corvette Sting Ray with split rear window is revered in the USA, like the Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III is in Australia. It’s a super collectible and ultra desirable machine, and this modern-day reimagining even features the pinched width at the rear-end.

There was talk that GM wanted to implement the split-window design into the new C8 Corvette, which is scheduled to arrive in GM Special Vehicles dealerships in late 2021. However, the idea was scuppered for the rear-drive American supercar, most likely the lack of a solid business case.

Aussie Corvette deposits worthless

The current Corvette is expected to be priced from around $140,000 when it reaches Australia, powered by a lusty 6.2-litre LT2 pushrod V8 worth at least 370kW of power and 640Nm of torque. That should be enough sizzle to see it scorch to 100km/h in the low three-second region, with a top speed of close to 300km/h.

What do you think of the modern-day take on the split-window design? Should General Motors have invested more time and money to create a stronger link to the iconic 1963 machine? Have your say in the comments below.