Some cars don't need an introduction.Long before anyone notices the badge, enthusiasts can identify the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray coupe by one unmistakable design feature: its split rear window. More than 60 years after its debut, the one-year-only design remains one of the most recognizable in automotive history.Edmunds even named the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray the second-greatest Corvette of all time (behind only the 2026 Corvette ZR1X), praising the model as one of the most beautiful sports cars ever built.The Corvette Everyone RecognizesThe 1963 Sting Ray represented a major turning point for Chevrolet.AdvertisementAdvertisementAs the first model of the second-generation (C2) Corvette, it introduced an all-new chassis and fully independent rear suspension, making it more capable on both the street and the racetrack than the C1 that came before it.But what truly made the car legendary was its styling.According to Edmunds, the coupe's razor-sharp fenders, shark-inspired front end, and tapered rear helped create one of the most striking automotive designs ever produced. The publication noted that the split rear window — a feature offered for just one model year — plays a major role in why so many enthusiasts consider the 1963 Sting Ray the most beautiful Corvette ever built.Different_Brian / Getty ImagesWhy the Split Window Is So SpecialIronically, the feature that makes the 1963 Sting Ray so recognizable today almost disappeared.AdvertisementAdvertisementAccording to HotCars, many owners replaced the original split rear window with a single-piece pane because it offered better rear visibility. Chevrolet even made replacement windows available through dealerships.As a result, surviving split-window coupes became significantly more collectible over time, with original models now among the most sought-after Corvettes in existence.More Than Just a Pretty FaceThe Sting Ray wasn't all about looks (although we've established that she was pretty).Buyers could choose from several versions of Chevrolet's 327-cubic-inch V8, culminating in a 360-horsepower fuel-injected engine. Drivers looking for even more performance could opt for the groundbreaking Z06 package, which added upgraded brakes, stiffer suspension, a close-ratio four-speed manual transmission, and a massive 36.5-gallon fuel tank built with racing in mind.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jul 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the Gear section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.