The Diecast Zone · Model Car Club Since 1997
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Topic starter
23/07/2026 10:07 am
Until Franklin Mint resurrected their old '63 Corvette split window coupe to produce this ZO6 variant, I didn't know this Regular Production Option ZO6 existed. This was a race prepared, track focused variant designed and prepared by Zora Arkus-Duntov for privateers when GM had banned factory race teams. Zora had always wanted to make the Corvette an international track winner since its inception in 1953. The Rochester mechanical fuel injected L84 327 produced 360 HP with a Positraction rear axle with upgraded suspension and braking. With endurance racing in mind, if you checked odd the RPO NO3 box, you could have a 36.5 gallon gas tank for events like Le Mans. Only 199 were built that year with 6 of them specially prepped by Chevrolet for Le Mans but when GM got a whiff of those plans, they killed it and Duntov then began the successful Corvette Grand Sport program also for privateers.
The model, still the older tech of 1989. has been enhanced, reworked and finished in a deep metallic blue with a saddle interior that's really pretty. When I got this beauty, the old Riverside Red model went into storage.
23/07/2026 10:14 am
A beautiful model even with earlier technology. Great story and information as usual Rich. Thank you.
23/07/2026 10:19 am
Great photos of the FM Split Window Rich, as always. You forgot to mention one of the most important features though - the model is fiberglass!
TFM made FOUR of them as the Z06 but in different colors.
Topic starter
23/07/2026 10:36 am
@perrone1 Were they all numbered LEs of 3000? I see they all have those turbine style wheels unlike the first issue red.
This post was modified 2 months ago by Rich Sufficool
23/07/2026 12:41 pm
TFM had a plethora of 1963 Split Window Coupe issues including a rare black and a rare white version. Of the Fiberglass iterations, there were four. The first was released 12/1998 in Sebring Silver. Vastly improved over the diecast version; it has increased engine bay detailing, working suspension, super detailed interior including the Z06 big tank interior behind the seats, the finned aluminum wheels you mentioned and a more refined exterior. The next was the first numbered limited edition of 3000, the one you showcase here in Daytona Blue. Next up was the Silver Blue metallic issued 10/2007 in a numbered LE of 1963 and finally the Saddle Tan metallic released in 3/2008 in a scarce 500 unit run.
23/07/2026 1:31 pm
Thank-you Rich & Tony for this info.
steve
23/07/2026 9:35 pm
Yes, thanks guys. A great read and great photos, every one.💯
24/07/2026 4:07 am
I have the silver version but the blue with tan interior is a knockout!!
24/07/2026 5:10 am
I have the Daytona Blue version which is striking.
John Bono
North Jersey
24/07/2026 8:50 am
@david-green +1. Boy Rich, you're a tough critic putting the red car in storage. Not many people would put a red Corvette in storage.
This post was modified 2 months ago by Bob Jackman
24/07/2026 8:54 am
@perrone1 Have them all, love them all. Great pictures sir which is why I'm broke today.
25/07/2026 12:32 pm
@rich-sufficool Another great post, RC, and I had no idea FM made a split-window Corvette. It is the one Corvette model I would like to have, as it is the most distinctive one (imho), and I don't have room for all of the others. I found several of the red models for sale, at reasonable prices, but the only blue one I found was 239USD and the seller doesn't ship to Germany.
This post was modified 2 months ago by GDH
Topic starter
25/07/2026 4:20 pm
@bob-jackman The old red split window doesn't look bad, the blue ZO6 is much prettier to me and I have so little d1splay room left. Actually I have very little storage room left. LOL
Tony Perrone and Geoff Jowett reacted
25/07/2026 5:39 pm
@rich-sufficool I'm in the same boat. The only thing I have room for is 1/64 and then only if it's a small version of a 1/24 or 1/18 where I can put it in the same cubicle
Tony Perrone and Rich Sufficool reacted
Topic starter
25/07/2026 6:52 pm
@bob-jackman We can sign up for an episode of "Hoarders". Anyone looking at all my stuff would have a reaction of either "pathetic" or "psychotic".
Tony Perrone and Geoff Jowett reacted
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