(1963) – Developed under famed Corvette engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov, the first Z06 package offered enhanced handling and braking capability with an available, larger fuel tank that reduced the need for refueling during a race. Power came from a fuel-injected small block V-8 engine, supported by a four-speed manual transmission and Positraction rear axle. Only 199 were built.

Though the Corvette was no stranger to the checkered flag, having taken more than its share of SCCA and other titles in various classes, the Z06 option gave racers a single option package for just about everything they needed to keep on visiting the winner's circle.

Along with a few Z06-only components, the Special Equipment Package included a handful of otherwise standalone options, such as the 360-hp, L84 fuel-injected V-8 engine, a 36.5-gallon fiberglass fuel tank, a four-speed, close-ratio manual transmission and a Positraction rear end. The L84 was nearly identical to the Carter AFB-equipped L76, but with the obvious distinction of having Rochester mechanical fuel injection, along with slightly different cast-iron exhaust manifolds. Both engines came equipped with the same camshaft and forged-aluminum pistons that were domed to facilitate an 11.25:1 compression ratio. Dressing up the top was a pair of finned aluminum rocker covers. For 1963, the big "shoebox" intake plenum on the fuel-injected engine also matched the look of the rocker covers.

Beyond the regular options, Z06 also included some very special components, most notably in the braking department.

While power brakes and sintered metallic linings were available as separate options, the Z06 package featured oversized, finned steel brake drums with internal fans and a unique dual-circuit, vacuum-boosted master cylinder. In addition, "elephant ear" brake-cooling ducts directed under-car air to the front binders.

The multi-segment brake shoes themselves were lined with a material known as Cerametalix--a different compound than found on the regular sintered-lining option.

Z06 buyers also found themselves in possession of unique, heavy-duty shocks and springs--firm, to be sure.

While all 1963 Corvettes were equipped with a front anti-roll bar, Z06s received a 20-percent larger bar that complemented the unequal length A-arms and coil springs on the front end. Between the suspension and brake upgrades, Chevrolet created a car that could compete with Europe's best on the road courses, while the potent fuelie engine helped it reach into the 14s on the quarter-mile.

Although originally a $1,818.24 option available only on coupes, Chevrolet removed the endurance-racing fuel tank as mandatory on the Z06 list (though still keeping it as a separate option), knocking the option price down to $1,293.35 and making Z06 available to convertible buyers, though it seems only one of the 199 Z06s made for 1963 was a roadster. Ultimately, Chevrolet built just 78 Z06 coupes with the massive fuel tank.

The original advert for the SWC

1963 Corvette C2 SWC

Numbers Matching 327 - 300HP 4-Speed

Nicely equipped 1963 Corvette C2 SWC

· Riverside Red on Black.

· In excellent condition all around.

· Numbers matching 327/300HP and correct 4-Speed trans

· Built March 7th 1963 St. Louis.

· This clean split window has Sintered Metallic brakes (option J65 of 5310 cars)

So I see the advert chase the SWC and buy it, get it back to the UK, do further research only to find the car has been fitted with the J-56 heavy duty option – Z06

Verified through NCRS USA

These are NOT J-65 sintered metallic brakes. These are J-56 HD brakes. As far as I know, for 1963 these were originally only available as part of the Z-06 package. Of course, they could have been retrofitted to any 1963. Only the HD brakes used finned front drums. J-65 used standard-appearing front drums.

So what’s that kind of information worth – $3,500 to $5,500 and that’s without the other part of the drum and brake shoes, springs etc (see on e bay) – I could have sold them at least 10 times over – but they came with the car so they’ll stay on the car – for now