An Even Rarer Split Window: the 1963 Corvette Z06
A race-ready Corvette, straight from the factory.
When it comes to C2 Corvettes, the most powerful model – the race bred, big block L88 – wouldn’t come until the model’s final year in 1967. For many, though, the prettiest C2 Corvette – some say the prettiest Corvette ever – came along in 1963, the first year for the C2.
The 1963 Corvette split window coupe is easily one of the most famous American cars of all time. While the C2 Corvette was being developed, styling boss Bill Mitchell clashed with Zora Arkus-Duntov about the split rear window.
In the end, the split window would only stick around for one year, replaced by a conventional wide, single window from 1964 on. As a result, the one year only split coupes are among the most desirable Corvettes of all time.
Even More Special
You’ll pay dearly for any 1963 Corvette coupe, but this one we found on Hemmings is going for an astronomical $685,000. As it turns out, there’s more to this particular Corvette than just a unique rear window.
The all-new-for 1963 Corvette had an all-new options list, too. One of those options was RPO Z06. The Z06 option combined options that were desirable for racers with a few extra-special touches to make the C2 Corvette a total performance machine.
Z06 buyers got the Rochester fuel-injected 327 cubic inch V8 backed up by a close-ratio four-speed and a Positraction rear end. Also included was a large, 36.5 gallon fiberglass fuel tank designed for endurance racing.
The Z06 package also included upgraded brakes and stiffer suspension. Just 199 Corvettes were ordered with the $1818.24 option – that’s over $15,000 in 2020 money.
Many 1963 Z06 Corvettes were turned into race cars, but this one was restored to factory-fresh condition. After the five-year restoration, it was featured in magazines and won many prestigious car show awards.
When it’s not being displayed, it lives in a climate-controlled bubble to help preserve its condition. The restoration is so perfect that it even includes correct, new old stock Firestone tires.
As a result of its ancient rubber, the car has never been above 20 miles per hour since its restoration. While we appreciate the dedication to perfection, we’d love to set those horses free once more.
Photos: Hemmings
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