For some owners, their classic Corvettes are museum pieces that seldom see the light of day. For others, America’s Sportscar should be driven and enjoyed.
Mark Repanshek and his wife Nancy are firmly in the “drive and enjoy” ledger column. We first met up with Mark while researching the article: Glass Tiger Puts On The Ultimate Cars & Faith Car Show up in Woodstock, Ga.
If you spend a few minutes with Mark and Nancy, you realize how vital Corvette brand ambassadors are to the future of our hobby. We watched as Mark’s approachability and genuine caring nature drew many to their Sebring Silver Corvette at the event.
It’s what eventually drew us in to want to learn more about this adorable couple and the transformation of their 1963 split window into a show stopper.
A Stable Of Performance
Rod Worley – Editor – Mark, you curated an enviable collection of Corvettes. What do you have in your stable now?
Mark Repanshek – We have a 1963 split window and a 1964 convertible, a 1964 coupe, and a 1965 convertible.
We also have a pair of fifth-generation Z06s – a 2002 and a commemorative 2004 in our collection.
Is There Room For A C8?
Rod Worley – Editor – Walking among your collection, you can see your keen eye for detail. Besides clearly being a second-generation fan, is there room for the new C8 Corvette in your garage?
Mark Repanshek – Right now, no, I don’t have enough room, to be honest.
The Corvette brand has advanced a great deal over the years, but I haven’t driven a C8 yet.
Personally, I prefer the old-school stuff.
I really enjoy the waves I get from people while driving these classic cars.
High School Memories
Rod Worley – Editor – You’re right; everyone seems to appreciate a classic Corvette’s contours and subtle lines. What makes the 1963 split-window Corvette so endearing to you?
Mark Repanshek – When I was in high school, the 1963 second-generation Corvette model came out with this beautiful new body style. I remember our neighbor back then had a ’63 split window.
I’ve always wanted to own a limited-production, unique classic car. So the split-window Corvette was always in the back of my mind.
It’s definitely an attention grabber and topic of conversation wherever we go.
A Project 16 Years In The Making
Rod Worley – Editor – When most people start a restoration project, they have a rough completion date in mind. How long did it take you to finish it?
Mark Repanshek – Well, I started the project in 1984, and it took me 16 years to finish it finally. It took so long because this wasn’t going to be a trailer queen.
I drove it for many years, waiting for the fiberglass cracks that I knew would eventually happen. When the cracks appeared, I fixed them and finally sent the car over to the paint shop.
I took my time restoring the ’63, and that’s why it still looks good after 22 years of being on the road.
Hands-On Restoration
Rod Worley – Editor – Surprisingly, you do most restoration work yourself on your cars.
Mark Repanshek – Yes, usually I do everything except for the painting on my restorations.
In the case of this 1963, I did have the engine professionally rebuilt.
But everything else, from taking the body off the frame, repairing fiberglass, new brake and gas lines, interiors, wiring, and rebuilding the drive train, I do myself.
At one point in its life, this Corvette was a race car. So I’ve had to go through and replace much of it to bring it back to this level.
Checking Off The RPO Boxes
Rod Worley – Editor – Today, we look over a classic car’s regular production options (RPO), and, as collectors, you wish the original owners had selected every box. What options did they check off for your 1963, and do you recall what they cost back then?
Mark Repanshek – You’re right, Rod. I wish we could go back in time and check a few more options.
The original owner selected Sebring Silver exterior paint, an $80.70 option from the factory.
The 327 cu in, 340hp engine was $107.60. Power windows were $59.20 extra, and the wood-grained plastic steering wheel was $16.15.
It doesn’t seem like much in today’s dollars, but the cost of everything was different back then.
Rod Worley – Editor – You’re right. Sometimes I have to remind myself that gas was .32 cents a gallon, a Coke was a nickel, and a McDonald’s hamburger was .28 cents back then.
Fantastic Adventure Together
Rod Worley – Editor – During any restoration job, there are times when an extra set of hands sure come in handy. Is Nancy on the shortlist of people to reach out to for help during those times?
Mark Repanshek – Yes, there is only so much you can do yourself. Fortunately, Nancy is great at helping out when I need it.
As I’m explaining the project to her, I’ve found that it helps me better understand it. This is because so much of what I’m doing is self-taught skills and techniques with help from friends and the internet.
Nancy is also very skilled at researching car parts and finding instructional YouTube videos for me to watch. Especially if it’s something I’m not familiar with, I’ll often look at a YouTube video before going out there and starting to work.
So I’m learning and picking up better ways of doing things all the while. Restoring Corvettes has been a fantastic adventure for both of us.
Sharing The Love Of Corvettes
The more time you spend with Mark and Nancy, the more you get swept up into their undeniable zeal for life and Corvettes. Their smiles become contagious as they reminisce about restoring these classic Vettes to their former glory.
The frustrations and setbacks they faced along the way have been washed away by the beauty of the final results.
Perhaps even more endearing is their commitment to sharing their excitement with others. At every turn, they allow others to appreciate America’s Sportscar in ways that few other collectors would.
Together they keep the good times rolling along for us and future generations of Corvette faithful as well.
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