This is a cool classic that’s five decades in the making. The exterior looks like a first-year 1963 Chevrolet Corvette, but beneath the custom, bodywork is a fire-breathing 2006 Corvette Z06. Upgraded LS7 V8 complements legendary design lines. In addition, there’s a modern sports suspension, and all the modern amenities one could want. This 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod – Z06 Look Alike is world-class.
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the Corvette scene, then you already know about Karls Kustom Corvettes. These were low-batch, six-figure creations that would take a modern drivetrain and surround it with the Sting Ray body of your dreams. Hand-assembling them took time. So the panels have a terrific fit that gives you the crisp crease around the whole body that the C2 was famous for. And as you look closer, you’ll love the details.
Exterior Like Chevrolet Just Made It
Two-piece mirror-like chrome bumpers, fuel Injection badging, flip-up headlights, and of course, the ’63-only split rear window. Plus, this one does take a few liberties with the design. After all, the ’63 didn’t have the big blocks, but this one earns its stinger hood with all the power underneath (more on that in a moment.)
And the triple taillight package was a cool way back in the day to signal that you had a custom Corvette. This also retains practical features like the brake cooling ducts and large Z06 wheels to make sure that this retro machine is still a modern performance juggernaut.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod – Z06 Look Alike – Interior Comfort
While it’s retro on the outside, the inside is all about modern performance and comfort. The C2 had some nice options at the time like power windows and an AM/FM stereo, but this one shows what nearly a half-century of progress feels like. This Z06’s special leather bucket seats provide the perfect balance of sports car bolstering and all-day comfort padding. And you can power adjust yours to the perfect driving position.
A proper limited edition car like this also needs to come with all your favorite features. It includes dual zone climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual airbags, AM/FM/CD changer stereo, power windows, power locks, anti-theft system, keyless entry, and keyless ignition. There’s even the convenient windshield head up display (HUD).
And while the original Sting Ray didn’t have a trunk opening, this one opens wide enough for easy baggage loading (and see how the custom roll bar still keeps this Corvette solid.) So feel free to take this cool retro machine on a weekend getaway for two.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod – Z06 Look Alike – LS Power
The core of the special Z06 package its original all-aluminum 427 cubic-inch V8. The original motor’s outfitted with a Lingenfelter Cam. In addition, its head upgrades and headers feed the X-pipe dual exhaust. The result makes the best even better with a 7% power jump to 541 horsepower to the tires (and we have the dyno sheet to prove it.)
Because the Z06’s core’s untouched, this whole custom build starts easily and idles nicely. And when it’s time for performance driving, the six-speed manual transmission will happily get you to the 7,000 RPM redline.
Massive brakes with bright red six-piston calipers up front. Moreover, four-piston units out back will stop like no ’60s car ever could. Plus, an adaptable, completely independent suspension and current performance tires complete the package.
Related Questions
- How many 1963 split window Corvettes are left?
10,594 split-window coupes were made in 1963. Total Corvette production for the year was 21,513 and the other half was comprised of the convertible. The 1963 coupe included hood vents that were merely decorative and non-functional. These were removed in 1964.
- What engines were available in a 1963 Corvette? The engines that were offered for the 1963 Corvette included three carbureted versions; 250-, 300-, and 340-horsepower variants, as well as a 360-horsepowerfuel-injected powerhouse engine, which was made available to consumers for an extra $430.40.
- When did corvette stop using fiberglass?
Corvette’s use of advanced materials began in 1953 when the first Corvettes were produced with all-fiberglass bodies. Every Corvette since has featured a composite-material body. Fiberglass, the lightweight, rust-proof composite material, was first considered for use on a GM vehicle by legendary designer Harley Earl
- 1963 Corvette windows split?
No. 10,594 split-window coupes were made in 1963. Total Corvette production for the year was 21,513 and the other half was comprised of the convertible. The 1963 coupe included hood vents that were merely decorative and non-functional. These were removed in 1964.
