Snow joke: This rare Hertz ’63 Corvette ski car is a rental mogul

As if the unique-to-1963 split-window Chevrolet Corvette isn’t enthralling enough already, a rare—possibly only remaining—special edition model will cross the block at Barrett-Jackson on Friday in Scottsdale, Arizona.

While Hertz Rental Car is known for offering Shelby GT350 Mustangs in the mid-1960s, it actually rented some amazing sports cars several years before that. Ordered through Luby Chevrolet in Denver, Hertz offered a handful of 1963 Corvette “ski cars” in Colorado that wore snow tires and were equipped with rear-mounted ski racks. The car being offered is the only known survivor of fewer than 10 made.

Barrett-Jackson did not give a pre-auction estimate. The average value of a 1963 Corvette in #2 (Excellent) condition is $98,200, while one in #1 (Concours) condition is $142,000. The rarity of the ski edition could push it higher, although its originality might actually be the driving force behind the final hammer price.

Other than a new Ermine White paint job in 2016, the Corvette is a numbers-matching survivor with its original 250-horsepower, 327-cubic-inch V-8 engine and Powerglide transmission. It also has its original red interior, right down to the floor mats. In addition to tires and ski rack, which is mounted with suction cups, the car also carries its original AM/FM radio. All instruments and gauges work, and a special SKI USA Hertz Rental car badge is located on the dash below the clock.

The Corvette is accompanied by more than 70 pages of documentation, including communication between General Motors and Hertz, a GM Warranty Booklet to Hertz signed by Joe Luby, and detailed parts list. It also includes its original owner’s manual and license plates.

In a video posted by WeBe Autos in September 2017, the car was missing the ski rack, but one must have been located because Barrett lists it with “correct vintage ski rack with skis and poles.” As if it wasn’t already difficult enough to see through that rear split window.

Editors note: The 1963 Chevrolet Corvette ski car sold for $132,000.