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Generation: C2 Year: 1963 VIN: 30837S100787 Race Numbers: 3 Ownership: Tom McIntyre Sponsors: Mickey Thompson Drivers: Bill Krause/ Jr. Johnson Status: Original Color: Silver Tires/Wheels: 5.5 x 15 steel Engine: original 327/360hp Fuel Injection engine replaced with a special 427 mystery motor Driveline: 3 speed SAGINAW Grand National transmission Top: Interior: Black Condition: restored and vintage raced URL: Unique Characteristics: The Mickey Thompson Corvette is one of six 1963 Z-06 stingrays built late in 1962 to race at Riverside in October. This car and one like it never saw Riverside. They were destined to compete in a different sort of race for sports cars, a NASCAR sanctioned event on the famous Daytona Oval. This meant the cars needed to be prepared to a different set of rules the same as those for the big Grand National stock cars. The chassis was modified extensively and an experimental 427 Chevrolet engine was installed. Mark I was the 409 with two piece intake and heads. Mark Is was the Z11 engine, the small s stood for stroke (to 427 cubic inches) This was used in the FIFTY ONE Z-11 Impalas. Mark II was the Mystery Motor which was a unique one off design Only a handful were made. Some say 9 engines. Mark III was a engineering designed paper engine which was never built Mark IV 427 is the engine that made wide scale production in 1966 thru 1969.The Mystery Motor was not used in the Z-11 PASSENGER package. This car was lightened in every way possible and weighed just over 2800 pounds. Extra fuel was carried in a specially fabricated tank occupying the area behind the driver. Driven by Junior Johnson this special car was the fastest qualifier at over 162 mph the week pror to the event. Plagued by rain on race day substitute driver Billy Krause finished third behind Paul Goldsmiths Pontiac and A.J. Foyt in another standard 1963 Z0-6 Corvette 327 fuel injection car. Special features of the Mickey Thompson NASCAR Corvette include: * Special 427 engine * Adjustable front sway bar * Three speed transmission * Adjustable rear suspension * Magnesium differential * Flat aluminum floors * Two shocks per wheel * Special exhaust system * Special axles * Lightweight fiberglass seats * 4 wheel disc brakes * 50 gallon gas tank * Engine oil cooler * Plexiglas windows * Differential oil cooler * Full roll cage * Fully welded frame * Aluminum instrument panel After Daytona, the Mickey Thompson Corvette was returned to California where the 427 engine was removed and the car sold to a Southern California road racer. A 327 Engine was installed and the car was driven again by Billy Krause in the Los Angeles Times Grand Prix in October of 1963. In 1976, Tom McIntyre purchased the car and began the slow process of figuring out exactly what it was. Years later, Chevrolet engineers divulged that the car was originally powered by an experimental 427 Mk II “Mystery Motor”. Thanks to Smokey Yunick, the Mickey Thompson Corvette and its special engine have been reunited. The car has been raced across the country in historic events since 1983. Modifications: Special 427 Mystery Motor installed by Smokey Yunick and Gran National 3 speed and 2:80 rear differential. Special shocks, plexiglass windows, stainless steel floor. Notes/Race History: Ronnie Kaplan, crew chief NICKEY CHEVROLET wrote on Jan. 14, 2009 A note that read; TRUE STORY That year I had AJ Foyt in a 327 ZO6 for Nickey Corvette. We were at a restaurant for dinner and at the table next to ours was Mickey Thompson, Billy Krause and their group. As the evening went on, words were exchanged between the two groups and a $1,000 bet was made between AJ and Mickey as to who would lead the first lap. Bill starting in the front row and AJ in the third row. 327 versus the new 427 Porcupine Mystery engine. When the green flag fell the first lap was on the oval and then turned left after the start finish line into the infield road course. AJ put hammer down and did cross the start finish line first but was going to fast to make the left into the infield road course. I dont remember where we finished, but today understand it was 2nd. That was the first race of what has become the Daytona 24 hours and everytime that race is mentioned on TV they tell the world AJ led the first lap of that event. Registry ID Number: 56 View Original Size  American Challange Race Daytona Archive Feb 16, 1963 Bill Krause |