Relentlessly engineered and methodically developed for competition, Chevrolet’s Corvette featured a wide array of factory-available racing options for 1963 that tightened its iron grip on SCCA production-class dominance and enabled it to take on the world’s best. In addition to a new independent rear suspension, the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray was now available with the 1963-only RPO Z06 Special Equipment Package. Enhancements included a thicker front stabilizer, larger-diameter shocks, higher-rate springs and comprehensively upgraded brakes with sintered metallic linings, a dual-circuit master cylinder and a vacuum power booster. Priced at $1,818, RPO Z06 cost nearly half as much as the basic Corvette split window coupe. Early in the 1963 model year, it was a coupe-only option, but later available for convertibles at reduced cost. Cast-aluminum “knock-off” wheels were initially available, but most Z06 cars used simpler steel wheels. The large-capacity RPO N03 fiberglass 36-gallon fuel tank, initially available for Corvette coupes only, was available at $202 and tailored for endurance racing. Corvettes equipped with RPO Z06 were only available with Chevrolet’s RPO L84 327 V-8 engine with 360 HP courtesy of Rochester mechanical fuel-injection, 11.0:1 compression, free-breathing cylinder heads, low-restriction exhaust and a hot solid-lifter cam. A 4-speed manual transmission and Positraction limited-slip rear end were mandatory options. To reduce unnecessary weight, some Z06 Corvettes left the St. Louis factory without radios. All told, 2,610 Corvettes were equipped with the RPO (Regular Production Option) L84 Fuelie engine for 1963. Just 199 were equipped with the RPO Z06 Special Performance Equipment package, and only 63 were specified with the RPO N03 36-gallon long-range fuel tank. This 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe is one of those precious few. Delivered new to MF Jones Chevrolet in Dallas, Georgia, this one of 63 Z06/N03 1963 Corvette Sting Ray benefits abundantly from a professional Naber Brothers restoration completed in 2015. Finished in correct Sebring Silver with a black interior, this exceedingly rare Sting Ray is highly decorated with Bloomington Gold certification and NCRS Top Flight honors to its credit. Retaining its original, matching-numbers 327/360 HP engine, this Sting Ray’s many rare features include the 4-speed manual transmission, sintered metallic power brakes with dual master cylinder and finned drums, Rochester fuel injection, heavy-duty suspension, the long-range N03 36-gallon fuel tank and a 4.56 Positraction differential. Extremely rare, highly potent and immensely collectible, this Z06/N03 1963 Corvette Sting Ray Split Window Coupe represents the Corvette’s rise to international racing glory.
