The Hot Wheels Split Window ’63, based on the second-generation Corvette, made its debut in the 1980 Hi-Rakers series. Each car in the series has an adjustable rear axle so that back end of the car can be raised and lowered. In 1983, the Split Window was given a regular base and the popular 1963 Chevy Corvette model has since had a long run of over 100 different variations and counting. I picked up two examples of the Hi-Rakers Split Window in my recent eBay splurge. First is the silver first-casting from 1980.
Throughout its long life, the Split Window ’63 casting has appeared with many different names, including Corvette Split Window, ’63 Split Window, ’63 Corvette and others.
Hot Wheels | 1980 Hi-Rakers | 1136 | Split-Window ’63 | silver with red, white and blue trim | HK | bw
Next up is the metalflake gold variation from the 1983 Hi-Rakers.
Hot Wheels | 1983 Hi-Rakers | 1136 | Split Window ‘63 | metalflake gold with red, blue and magenta trim | HK | bw
I have three other examples of the Hot Wheels Split Window ’63 (with the regular base) that I’ve added to my collection; a flamed-out magenta version from 1987, a black McDonald’s promo from 1991 and a mint Collector #197 from 1993.
The Race Case 