The 1963 Chevrolet Corvette split-window coupe is a uncommon mannequin constructed for one 12 months solely, however this instance is even rarer.

Heading to public sale at Mecum’s sale in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, later this month, the automotive is certainly one of simply 199 Corvettes Z06 fashions produced for 1963. This was the primary 12 months for the Z06, which grew to become a staple of later generations of Corvette.

Designed for racing, the unique Z06 was powered by Chevy’s L84 engine, a fuel-injected 327-cubic-inch V-8 rated at 360 hp. It sported a comparatively excessive 11:1 compression ratio, a solid-lifter camshaft, and a high-flow exhaust system. It was additionally related to a 4-speed guide transmission. The engine on this Corvette is numbers-matching, the public sale itemizing notes.

Different upgrades included beefier suspension and brakes. This automotive is completed in Saddle Tan with an identical Saddle inside, and wears the turbine-style knockoff wheels that had been a preferred selection on the C2-generation Corvette.

1963 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (photograph by way of Mecum Auctions)

Even when it wasn’t a Z06, this Corvette coupe can be notable due to its break up rear window. This styling characteristic was solely used for the 1963 mannequin 12 months, the primary 12 months for the C2 Corvette. Chevy later eliminated the divider to enhance rear visibility; all C2 Corvette coupes from the rest of manufacturing (mannequin years 1964-1967) have an undivided rear window.

The unique Z06 was supposed to be a race automotive, with many being allotted to race groups (racing legend Mickey Thompson ended up with 5 of them). Fashionable Z06s have been strictly highway vehicles, however ones that will not embarrass themselves on the observe. The present C8 Z06 carries on the legacy with a flat-plane crank V-8 making 670 hp with out pressured induction. The engine can be very near the unit that Chevy truly makes use of in its Corvette race vehicles.