Rare 1963 Corvette Z06 ‘Gulf One’ a Factory-Built C2 Race Legend (Torque Tuesday Presented by Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus)

This 1963 Corvette Z06 became the most successful racer of the C2 era; with the Z06 introducing a tougher, faster, track-honed performance. 

Some cars are so special that they can shake up even the most seasoned enthusiast. Those cars are usually Corvettes. Which is one reason that Corvettes are so desirable to collectors. This 1963 Corvette Z06 is a stone cold fox, and that definitely turned our head. There are many attributes that make the 1963 Corvette Z06 so appealing. It also has a remarkable history, racing legacy, and pedigree that makes the C2 Corvette Z06 groundbreaking.

Currently the 1963 Corvette is owned by John Justo. Justo has been collecting car for about 40 years. His garage is staggering; and his collection of mostly first-, second-generation Corvettes are gorgeous. His carefully curated collection includes heavyweights like classic Mustangs, a Ford GT, a vintage Packard roadster; as well as an extensive collection of automobilia.

In his early days he focused on finding low-mileage, original, stock. When Justo is looking to add to his collection, he now puts more emphasis on something that stands out, something interesting, and something is represents the best of the vehicle.

Corvette has had many bests over the years, and for many reasons. And the 1963 Corvette Z06 named “Gulf One” was untouchable on the track. After so many wins, it earned the title of most successful factory-backed production racing Corvette of the C2 era.

“What generally strikes me is originality,” he says. Bill Stephens, an analyst at Mecum, says that the vehicles are usually chosen for their rarity, history, and condition. Mecum will be auctioning some cars from Justo’s collection in January of 2022. The 1963 Corvette Z06 is going on the docket as the main attraction.

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In the early 1960s motorsport and racing was heating up. With the best sports car on the road, Corvette went to the track. Often automakers take to the track to test new changes and evolution of performance, ride quality, and design. Corvette took the Z06 and added special brakes and suspension, fuel-injection, and a big ol’ fuel tank.

The 1963 Corvette had advanced race technology developed specifically for the Z06, however they later adapted this for use on the prototype Grand Sport.

It all came together on the 1963 Corvette Z06 perfectly. Chevy had the car, however this is 1 of only 14 regular production Corvettes assigned specifically for competition, and the first of 2 regular production Corvette serial numbers assigned to Yenko Chevrolet specifically for competition. Rare? Check.

It couldn’t be stopped. Gulf One grabbed win after win on the track.

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Under the hood now is a fuel-injected 327 CI V8 engine paired to a Muncie 4-speed transmission. And speaking of, the hood has a special design to increase and improve airflow.

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Justo has beautifully maintained the Corvette. It is clean inside and out, and has all the original badging and race livery elements. Stunning.

Much respect has gone into the Corvette Z06. Rare documents are included in the sale including Grady Davis of Gulf, and letters to Don Yenko and Zora Duntov. 

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We don’t know what a 1-of-2 pristine, champion race Corvette Z06 goes for … but we think it might be out of our budget.

Photos: Mecum; GM

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