Page 24 - Experience Magazine Spring 2022

THIS 1963 CORVETTE WITH THE RPO PACKAGE THAT SET THE STAGE FOR TODAY’S ADVANCED MECHANICALS
THE FAMED Z06
IS SELLING AT THE LAS VEGAS AUCTION

LOT #733 - 1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 327/360 Z06 SPLIT-WINDOW COUPE – NO RESERVE

Nineteen sixty-three was a good year for the available to cars fitted with the 360-horsepower
Chevrolet Corvette. It marked the start of the L84-code 327ci small block, Chevrolet’s
second generation (C2) in which it transformed advanced mechanical fuel injection system, and
from a mere two-seat sports car to the track a four-speed manual transmission with a posi-
monster we all know and love. The break- traction rear axle.
out 1963 model introduced an independent Consequently, Chevrolet built only 199 cars
rear suspension and was offered for the first with the Z06 package. Of those, only 136 were
time with a choice between two body styles: produced with the small tank, which is what
convertible or coupe. The iconic split-window this Z06 has, the remaining 63 came with a
design is exclusive to the first-year coupe. The large fuel tank.
1963 model year was also the first time the
race-ready Z06 package was offered. Because most Z06-equipped Corvettes were
purchased and used for racing, the attrition rate
The Z06 was offered as a regular production is high, and thus, the remaining documented
option (RPO) package targeted toward examples – are highly collectible. Barrett-
customers who were looking for something to Jackson will offer one such example with No
take to the track - or command attention on Reserve during the 2022 Las Vegas Auction, held
the street. Chevrolet offered the package on five June 30-July 2 in the West Hall of the Las Vegas
of the Corvette's eight generations, under the Convention Center.
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

24 BARRETT-JACKSON EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2022