Chevrolet Corvette C2 Z06

The Chevrolet Corvette C2 Z06 is a high-performance version of the Corvette C2 sports car by Chevrolet, a division of General Motors.

History

Zora Arkus-Duntov, legendary Corvette Guru.

In 1962, Zora Duntov, Chief engineer at General Motors (GM) first brought forth the concept of the Z06 following a ban on factory-sponsored racing by the SCCA. Duntov knew customers would continue to race Corvettes even though the ban, which initially had full support from GM management, was in effect. During the planning of the Sting Ray project, Duntov suggested that it would be a good idea to continue with parts development in order to benefit racers, and as a way of surreptitiously circumventing the racing ban. Eventually, when GM management relented from their support of the ban, Duntov and his colleagues created "RPO Z06" as a special performance equipment package for the Corvette. The Regular Production Option (RPO) was a GM internal ordering code designation. The package was specifically designed for competition-minded buyers, so they could order a race-ready Corvette straight from the factory with just one check of an option box. Previously, the optional racing parts were literally hidden in the order form so that only the most knowledgeable and perceptive customers could find them. The RPO Z06 package was first offered on 1963 Corvette, and included:^[1]

• Front antiroll bar with a 20% larger diameter
• Vacuum brake booster
• Dual master cylinder
• Sintered-metallic brake linings
• Power-assisted Al-Fin drums cooled by front air scoops and vented backing plates
• Larger diameter shocks and springs — nearly twice as stiff as those on the standard Corvette

These Corvettes came to be known as "Big Tanks" because the package initially included a 36.5-gallon gas tank (versus the standard 20-gallon) for races such as Sebring and Daytona. Initially, the package was available only on coupés, as the oversized tank would not fit in the convertible, although the rest of the Z06 option package was later made available on convertibles as well.

Thus, the 1963 Corvette was technically the first Corvette that could be designated as "Z06." The only engine option on the Z06 was the L84 327 cu in (5.4 L) engine using Rochester fuel injection. With factory exhaust manifolds, required to run the cars in the SCCA production classes, Chevrolet rated the engine at 360 horsepower (270 kW). The Z06 option cost an additional $1,818.45 over the base coupé price of $4,252. Chevrolet later lowered the package price and eliminated the larger gas tank from the Z06 package, though it remained available as an add-on option for any coupé. All told, Chevrolet produced 199 of these "original" Z06s.

References

External links

• Hagerty.com

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