Rare Corvette " Tankers "
black mamba
Registered Users Posts: 8,325 Major grins
In 1963, Chevy launched a completely redesigned Corvette.....the infamous ' split window ' coupe being the star of the show. It is generally conceded to be one of the most beautiful cars of all time. The unique split window design was for one year only. The following models of this design in '64, '65, '66 and '67 went to a single-pane rear window.
Along with the standard 1963 model, Chevy also offered a special model....the Z 06.... which was intended to make the car more competitive to other world-class race cars. A primary target was the Ford Cobra. All Z 06 models had extensive modifications to the suspension, drive train, and brakes. Additionally, all Z 06's were fitted with the 327 C.I. fuel injected engine putting out 360 H.P. It was now a potent performer.
There was a total of 199 Z 06 models produced. Only 63 of those cars, however, were modified even further by the addition of a really huge ( 36 gallon ) fuel tank to accommodate long-distance racing. These rare versions became known as the " Tanker " Corvettes. I was stunned to find 6 of these jewels at one show.
This beauty was the warhorse of one of the premier Corvette racers of the day....Dick Lang.
This Z 06, prepared and raced by Mickey Thompson, is really special. Chevy had the renegade engine builder from Daytona, Smokey Yunick, come up with a ' mystery motor ' for Thompson's car....a 427 C.I. stormer. After its racing days, this car had the original 327 C.I. motor put back in.
During the restoration process on this car, the ' mystery motor ' was located and re-installed.
Taking the Z 06 theme to the max, Chevy unleashed this monster. It was christened the Grand Sport. It had a special 377 C.I. engine putting out almost 500 H.P. Taken to the Nassau Speed Weeks race, it demolished it's Cobra competition.
Along with the standard 1963 model, Chevy also offered a special model....the Z 06.... which was intended to make the car more competitive to other world-class race cars. A primary target was the Ford Cobra. All Z 06 models had extensive modifications to the suspension, drive train, and brakes. Additionally, all Z 06's were fitted with the 327 C.I. fuel injected engine putting out 360 H.P. It was now a potent performer.
There was a total of 199 Z 06 models produced. Only 63 of those cars, however, were modified even further by the addition of a really huge ( 36 gallon ) fuel tank to accommodate long-distance racing. These rare versions became known as the " Tanker " Corvettes. I was stunned to find 6 of these jewels at one show.
This beauty was the warhorse of one of the premier Corvette racers of the day....Dick Lang.
This Z 06, prepared and raced by Mickey Thompson, is really special. Chevy had the renegade engine builder from Daytona, Smokey Yunick, come up with a ' mystery motor ' for Thompson's car....a 427 C.I. stormer. After its racing days, this car had the original 327 C.I. motor put back in.
During the restoration process on this car, the ' mystery motor ' was located and re-installed.
Taking the Z 06 theme to the max, Chevy unleashed this monster. It was christened the Grand Sport. It had a special 377 C.I. engine putting out almost 500 H.P. Taken to the Nassau Speed Weeks race, it demolished it's Cobra competition.
I always wanted to lie naked on a bearskin rug in front of a fireplace. Cracker Barrel didn't take kindly to it.
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A far cry from my old '57....
Thanks much for posting.
Phil
"You don't take a photograph, you make it." ~Ansel Adams
Phil
Thanks for the visit, Taz. It's pretty hard not to get giddy when you're around cars like this.
Take care,
Tom
I once drove a split window. Rear vision was almost non-existent. The safety guys at GM won out in a big inter-company battle regarding that window design.... that's why they went to the one-piece rear window in '64.
See ya,
Tom
I knew a guy in high school who had a new '57. He was pretty good with a wrench. Wasn't long before he had stuck six 2-barrel carbs on top of that motor. You never saw so many gas lines in your life. Syncing all those carbs was a nightmare....he never did get that thing to running really right. His girlfriend was driving it one day not long after he had done the conversion. One of those gas lines sprung a leak, the thing caught fire and the entire car burned to the ground.
Tom
I'm with you, Phil. I bought a new '67 roadster.....green with a white stinger stripe, 427 C.I. big-block with 435 H.P. They didn't offer air conditioning as an option if you went with the monster engine. I drove that beast in Florida's heat for about 13 months before I cried ' uncle ' and got rid of it. It was loud, rough riding, hot, and FAST.....everything a young guy wanted, until he had to live with the thing on a daily basis.
Tom
www.mind-driftphoto.com
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What a stunning collection,
and very nicely shot !!!
Can't even imagine being
in that Company of Cars.
Kindest Regards !!!
Craig
Burleson, Texas
My father had a '63 Vette (327, 4-spd w/4.56 gears) and I learned how to drive a 4-speed in that car.
Sadly my dad sold it a few years ago, :cry
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Hey Cristóbal,
I appreciate the visit. Great cars, for sure.
Take care,
Tom
What's really neat, John, is that the exhibitors of these cars ( be it the owner or a representative ) are willing to tell you all about their car. I wish I could remember all the info I garner at these affairs.
See you,
Tom
I knew, Craig, that if I posted a few car shots, I could get you to surface. I can't wait until you retire....maybe then we'll get a steady dose of the stunning photography you can turn out.
You and KK take care,
Tom
Well, I didn't learn to drive in my '67 but I damn well perfected the practice of starting off in third gear when on wet roads. Keep in mind that the tire technology of those times was no where near what it is today. Street tires were a lot skinnier back then. Let a little moisture get on the road and 1st and 2nd gear in that big-block bomber were almost useless.
Take care,
Tom
Thanks, Eric. Vrooom, vroom is very descriptive. My car had the side exhaust pipes that exited right by your ears. I drove it to Key West from Jacksonville once....couldn't hear worth a crap for quite a while after getting there. Never took the car on a long trip after that.
Take care, buddy,
Tom