A lot can be said for the Z06 Corvette. Throughout history, the high-performance variant of the Chevrolet Corvette sports car has dominated racetracks across the world with its high-performance capabilities, its history and legacy, and its status as a limited-edition model within the Corvette lineup.
Chevrolet first introduced the Z06 for the 1963 model year. It was intended as a racing package for the second-generation Corvette, known as the C2, and it was designed to compete in the Sports Car Club of America’s (SCCA) production class racing series. The first Z06 package included a number of performance upgrades, such as a more powerful engine, heavy-duty brakes, stiffer suspension and a larger fuel tank, along with a number of lightweight components, including an aluminum radiator to reduce the car’s weight and improve its performance.
The original Z06 was only produced for a single model year, and only 199 examples were built. However, the Z06 nameplate would be resurrected several times over the years, becoming a popular option for Corvette enthusiasts who wanted a more track-focused sports car.
The Z06 returned to the Corvette lineup in 2001 as a high-performance variant of the fifth-generation Corvette, known as the C5. This version of the Z06 featured an LS6 V8 engine that produced 405 horsepower through a 6-speed manual transmission with specific, performance-optimized gearing and a specially tuned suspension.
In 2006, the Z06 was updated again for the sixth-generation (C6) Corvette. This version of the Z06 featured a more powerful LS7 V8 engine that produced 505 horsepower, as well as a lightweight aluminum frame with carbon-fiber body panels that weighed 136 pounds less than the standard Corvette.
For the seventh-generation C7 Corvette in 2015, another version of the Z06 was introduced. that was the most capable production Corvette to that point. It featured a supercharged LT4 V8 engine that produced 650 horsepower, as well as a range of performance upgrades, including larger brakes, stiffer suspension and a more aerodynamic body.
In 2023, Chevrolet announced the latest iteration of the Z06 for the eighth-generation Corvette that features a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8 that produces 670 horsepower and 460 ft/lbs of torque with a 9,000-rpm redline and is mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The C8 Z06 also comes with a range of performance-enhancing features, such as an upgraded suspension, larger brakes and a new high-performance cooling system.
The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 convertible offered with No Reserve during the 2023 Palm Beach Auction was fitted with the 3LZ package, which includes a wealth of creature comforts. Inside, for example, there’s a leather-wrapped steering wheel with carbon-fiber trim and shift paddles, custom leather-wrapped instrument panel, door trim and console, as well as GT2 seats with Napa leather and suede microfiber upper interior trim.
With just 370 actual miles, this particular Z06 has been fitted with carbon-fiber wheels, an upgraded brake system, the front lift option and the paint protection film track pack. Other highlights include heated and cooled seats, navigation, Bose stereo, ceramic tinted windows, and front and rear cameras.
Whether you’re looking to dominate racetracks or just the streets in your neighborhood, your chance to add this performance-packed Z06 to your garage is as easy as registering to bid at the 2023 Palm Beach Auction, April 13-15 at the South Florida Fairgrounds.
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