Ultra Rare 1967 Corvette Tanker Is One of Just Two Produced

This 1967 Corvette tanker recently helped its owner round out his incredible, complete collection of C2 big tank cars.

As Corvette aficionados are well aware, cars equipped with a larger gas tank – oftentimes referred to as “big tank” models – are quite desirable these days, mostly because, well, that was a rather rare feature. The whole point of putting a bigger gas tank in a Corvette was to keep it going longer at the track before it had to make a pit stop, which is precisely why a 36.5-gallon units was offered as one component of the Z06 package for some time before it became its own option through the duration of the C2 generation. Regardless, few actually opted to spec their cars with the large tank, particularly in this generation’s final year of production, and that makes this 1967 Corvette tanker one of just two built, in fact.

All C2 Corvette Z06 big tank cars are rare, with production figures of 63 in 1963, 38 in 1964, 41 in 1965, 66 in 1966, and as previously mentioned, a mere two in 1967. Obviously, that makes this 1967 Corvette tanker one of the rarest cars in existence, period, and it just so happens to reside in the collection of Michael Johnson, who owns a big tank car from every year they were available – an impressive lineup, indeed.

YouTuber Lou Costabile caught up with Johnson at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Rosemont, Illinois recently to get a closer look at this amazing machine, which is finished in white, while its single counterpart is red, according to the owner. It was the last and most elusive addition to his big tank collection, as one might imagine, and only became available when its longtime owner passed away, after which his own collection was auctioned off.

Interestingly, Johnson points out that the massive gas tank somewhat fell out of favor with racers as the added weight it presented threw off the balance of the car a bit. GM reportedly planned on nixing the option after 1966, but still had two large tanks sitting around in its inventory, so the first two people that ordered one, well, they got it.

Though this is easily one of the rarest and most desirable Corvettes in existence, Johnson notes that he still drives his big tank ’67 on occasion – though not quite as frequently as some of his other cars, given its rarity and historical significance. We can certainly understand and appreciate that, and it sure seems like if anyone on earth will keep this special car in great shape for future generations to enjoy, it’s Johnson.

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