C3 Corvette Sting Ray Z06 Built to Dominate the Track

One of 199 built in 1963, split-window Z06 has never seen the street, still has its numbers-matching 360-hp V8 ready to run.

The legend of the Corvette Z06 is a long one. The upcoming 2023 Z06 will continue the legend with the handling and horsepower expected from the historic name, especially since a lot of its essence is derived from the C8.R. In turn, the Z06 will go racing in the GT3 class in 2024, in the form of the Z06 GT3.R. Thus, everything comes full circle.

The Z06 legend can be traced to the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray, which introduced the RPO code to the world. One such Z06 is heading to Amelia Island in Florida, where it will cross the block at RM Sotheby’s big extravaganza.

This ’63 Corvette Z06 is one of 199 built for the first model year of the C2 era; it’s also one of three painted in Daytona Blue. Its first owner, Steven Hull of Indiana, had one intent in mind for this monster: domination on the track. Thus, through Hull and three successive owners, the Z06 never once saw the street. In fact, all four signed a statement with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles stating it would never travel upon public roads under its own power.

Under the Daytona Blue hood is the Z06’s big V8, delivering 360 fuel-injected horses to tracks like Mid-Ohio, Waterford and Nelson Hedges. The big motor was a $430.40 option, while the RPO Z06 box brought $1,293.35 in braking and suspension goodies galore. In today’s money, that’s a total of just over $15,705, enough to buy a C5 era Z06 in good enough condition.

Inside, the Z06’s Saddle leather interior with matching carpet and dash give little away that this ‘Vette was ever destined solely for the track. The corner’s wear rare two-bar Kelsey Hayes knock-off wheels, adding more to the car’s classic looks.

Following extensive restoration, the Z06 received a new set of trophies without setting its tires on the track. Such accolades include an NCRS Top Flight honor, Bloomington Gold certification, and Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals Concours Gold. This ‘Vette will certainly have all the eyes upon it in Florida.

Photos: RM Sotheby’s