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1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Z06

1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Z06

1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Z06

From the onset of second-generation Corvette production, GM and Zora Duntov developed a race-ready version known as the Z06. This was a “Special Performance Group” of parts that listed for $1,818.45 and prepared the car for the track.

Naturally race drivers were drawn to the expensive Z06 which included the L84 fuel-injected, solid-lifter V8, M21 close-ratio transmission, Posi-Traction limited slip differential and cast aluminum knock-off wheels, larger brakes and stiffer suspension. An Optional 36-gallon fuel tank was available.

Drivers Dick Guldstrand, Bob Bondurant, Allen Grant and Davy MacDonald all raced the Z06. With Doug Hooper behind the wheels, the Z06 won its first race out, but only because the all-new Shelby Cobra did not finish. Throughout the season, the Corvettes would struggle to maintain a lead over the much lighter Cobras.

See full 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Z06 image gallery

In Detail

type Racing Car
built at St. Louis, Missouri, USA
production 199
engine V8
position Front Longitudinal
aspiration Natural
valvetrain Pushrod OHV, 2 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed Fuel Injection
displacement 5359 cc / 327 in³
bore 101.6 mm / 4.00 in
stroke 82.55 mm / 3.25 in
power 268.5 kw / 360 bhp @ 6000 rpm
specific output 67.18 bhp per litre
torque 477.25 nm / 352 ft lbs @ 4000 rpm
body / frame Fibreglass over Steel Ladder-Type Frame
wheel type Cast Aluminum, Knock-Off
front brakes Aluminum Drums
rear brakes Aluminum Drums
f suspension A-Arms w/Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar, Tubular Shock Absorbers
r suspension Half Shafts wLateral Struts, Radius Rods, Transverse Leaf Springs, Hydrualic Shock Absorbers
transmission Munci M21 4-Speed Manual