THE FAMED Z06: This 1963 Corvette With The RPO Package That Set The Stage For Today’s Advanced Mechanicals Is Selling At The Las Vegas Auction
April 27, 2022
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by Nicole Ellan James
1963 Chevrolet Corvette 327/360 Z06 Split-Window Coupe selling with No Reserve at the 2022 Las Vegas Auction
Nineteen sixty-three was a good year for the Chevrolet Corvette. It marked the start of the second generation (C2) in which it transformed from a mere two-seat sports car to the track monster we all know and love. The break-out 1963 model introduced an independent rear suspension and was offered for the first time with a choice between two body styles: convertible or coupe. The iconic split-window design is exclusive to the first-year coupe. The 1963 model year was also the first time the race-ready Z06 package was offered.
The Z06 was offered as a regular production option (RPO) package targeted toward customers who were looking for something to take to the track – or command attention on the street. Chevrolet offered the package on five of the Corvette’s eight generations, under the direction of Zora Arkus-Duntov, famed Corvette engineer often regarded as the “Father of the Corvette.”
For those in the know, by selecting the RPO Z06 box on the Corvette’s order sheet, the car would receive a thicker front stabilizer bar, larger-diameter shock absorbers, and springs nearly twice as stiff as the standard parts.
Upgraded brake components also came as part of the Z06 option. The upgrades included sintered-metal brake linings, a dual-circuit master cylinder, and a vacuum brake booster to enhance safety and reduce braking effort.
The Z06 package was complete with aluminum knock-off wheels and a price tag that added 40-percent to the Corvettes base price.
Chevrolet didn’t advertise the Z06 package, so word of mouth was the primary source of information in the pre-Internet era. It was only available to cars fitted with the 360-horsepower L84-code 327ci small block, Chevrolet’s advanced mechanical fuel injection system, and a four-speed manual transmission with a posi-traction rear axle.
Consequently, Chevrolet built only 199 cars with the Z06 package. Of those, only 136 were produced with the small tank, which is what this Z06 has, the remaining 63 came with a large fuel tank.
Because most Z06-equipped Corvettes were purchased and used for racing, the attrition rate is high, and thus, the remaining documented examples – are highly collectible. Barrett-Jackson will offer one such example with No Reserve during the 2022 Las Vegas Auction, held June 30-July 2 in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
This particular 1963 Corvette is equipped with the Z06 package. It retains its matching-numbers fuel-injected 327/360hp engine, mated to its matching-numbers M20 4-speed manual transmission.
Additionally, the rear compartment includes the original jack and the hard-to-find brake air scoops, with manufactures stamps, for racing.
The consignor states, as documented on the title, that the car has 4,295 miles since new.
It is also noted by the consignor that the Corvette received a no-expense-spared body-off restoration by Andy Cabral, who used only the correct manufacturer’s parts.
As a result, the Corvette has received a Bloomington Gold Certification, which means it is restored to within 95% of how it appeared when it left the factory. Additionally, it is a two-time National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS) Top Flight winner. The Top Flight award recognizes cars that have been restored to the highest level of achievement through the rigorous NCRS judging process. As stated in the NCRS judging manual, this is the first noted AM/FM car in the VIN sequence (VIN #9403).
The engine retains its original casting number of 3782870 and casting date of A243 (January 24th, 1963) with the assembly date F0129RF (January 29th, 1963, 360hp Fuel Inj.).
The transmission and trim tags, including the body build date F4 (April 4th), style 63 837, body number 5251, trim 490A, and paint 941A, are all numbers matching to the original to the car with documentation provided by Al Greening of Classic Car Affirmation Services, LLC.
The 2022 Las Vegas event provides an uncommon opportunity to see a restored 1963 split-window Z06 Corvette, and this incredible example will certainly add to the excitement on the auction block.
For up-to-date information on this vehicle, click HERE.