The C2 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful American cars ever made. Found only on 1963 cars, the split window Corvettes carry an extra level desirability beyond the already highly collectable C2 generation. But a 1963 Corvette Z06 split window? One of those is the thing of dreams. And one of them has just turned up after being found left to rot in a junk yard. Best of all, it’ll be fully restored.
The barn find was posted on the Instagram account Rotting Classics, who’s other junkyard finds we’ve featured before. As stated, this is an incredibly rare 1963 Corvette Z06 split window. This was the first official year of the Z06 option, and only 199 were ever made. Even fewer survive today, so it’s great to see this one discovered, and getting a full restoration.
The apparent owner, determined through photo credits and post comments, said he is already in the restoration process. He’s supposedly trying to retain all of the original and rare Z06 components he can, and get it back to the original silver color. The front end is allegedly put back on, and the rear taillights are back to being the stock units.
Making this example even more special is that it’s been sitting in the salvage yard since 1971, according to the original post. Plus, it only has just over 59,000 original miles, and they are all from a long, long time ago.
The Z06 didn’t look much different from the regular C2 Stingray, but had numerous improvements under the skin to make it a far more competent sports car. It was built specifically for racing, with stiffer springs and anti-roll bars, upgraded drum brakes with vented cooling, and a dual master cylinder. They also earned the nickname “Big Tanks” because they were fitted with larger fuel tanks, for racing, as standard. Power was rated at 360 horses.
This is a hugely special classic car, and we are so pleased it’s getting the love it’s always deserved.

I was there and took some of these photos when it was pulled out of the garage in Colorado…
Here is a link to more photos…
https://photos.app.goo.gl/AzWSesatjDukpVjE8
Car was wrecked in the mid -late 60’s 67 I believe he said. Was raced prior to that, possibly PIKES PEAK…
IT WAS NOT A TANKER, as there were no holes hacked for the fuel pick-ups in the rear wells…
James Groome
NCRS#65120