Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 168
1963 Chevrolet Corvette 327/250hp "Big Tank" Coupe Chassis no. 30837S120537 Engine no. 3120537 F07I8S0
Sold for US$238,000 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 168
1963 Chevrolet Corvette 327/250hp "Big Tank" Coupe
1963 Chevrolet Corvette 327/250hp "Big Tank" Coupe
Chassis no. 30837S120537
Engine no. 3120537 F07I8S0
Chassis no. 30837S120537
Engine no. 3120537 F07I8S0
327ci OHV V8 Engine
Single 4-Barrell Carburetor
250bhp at 4,400rpm
2-Speed PowerGlide Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
* One of 210 total, and 63 in 1963, N03 'Tanker' Corvettes
* One of only two Tankers purchased new with A/C
* Ordered new by Texas rancher J.L. Joplin
* Excellent Corvette for rallies and long drives
THE BIG TANK CORVETTE
As early as 1957, a larger than normal tank was available to those requiring extra range for endurance racing. The introduction of the C2 in 1963 offered racers a new, highly competitive machine. The inclusion of the N03 option for a 36 gallon fuel tank—a full 16 gallons more than stock—was an enticing opportunity.
The factory only expected those in motorsport to pick the option. The tank offered extra range, but also better balance by pushing the bulk of the tank forward in the vehicle to center weight in the car and filling the tank with baffles to prevent sloshing. Fuel lines on both sides of the tank ensured that the engine got plenty of go-juice regardless of cornering Gs in either direction. Constructed of fiberglass and held in place with two metal straps and a pair fiberglass braces, the tank also came with slightly reworked in rear fender wells to accommodate bigger tires. A costly endeavor for the manufacturer, and a $202.30 option for the buyer, each N03 'big tank' order had to be approved by the factory.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
In total, 210 Corvettes with the N03 tanker option were built from 1963 to 1967. And this car is surely the most unique. Ordered new by J.L. Joplin, Mr. Joplin's racing exploits extended to being friends with fellow Texan and Corvette racer John Mecom, practicality alone is what led to the ordering of this car. While he lived in Houston, his ranch was a more than three hour drive away in Kerrville, just northwest of San Antonio. Purchased through Smith Chevrolet in downtown Houston, the original window sticker details a car designed to offer long range, highway cruising comfort. In addition to the N03 big tank, a Powerglide transmission was mated to the base 250bhp V8 and an extra tall Positraction 3.08 rear end. The most expensive option? Deluxe air conditioning—one of only two Tankers to be so optioned with A/C. An AM/FM radio and knock-off wheels rounded out the package. Finished in popular Riverside Red over Red vinyl trim, at an average of 14 miles to the gallon, Joplin could get from his home to his ranch and back on a single tank of gas.
Mr. Joplin kept his unique cruiser Vette until 1967. Passing through seven owners, it was purchased in 1980 by Tanker collector K.D. James of Houston. When showing the car in 1981, Zora Arkus-Duntov saw it and specifically remembered approving the order for this wholly unique machine. A picture of Zora and the Corvette from that meeting are on file. James would own the car for about 25 years, at one point owning both this and the only other Tanker ordered new with A/C. Sold to another Corvette enthusiast, Terry Michaelis, in 2005, he would show the car at NCRS exhibit in May and June of 2006, winning Second and Top Flite, respectively.
Acquired by the current owner in May of 2008, the Corvette has been on static display since acquisition with only a single mile added to the odometer in the past 15 years. Complete with a huge file of documentation, original paperwork, books, and manuals, numerous awards, historic photos of the car, multiple copies of magazine features including the March 2007 issue Corvette Enthusiast and February 1990 issue of Corvette Fever--both of which feature this car on the cover—as well as the December 1988 issue of Vette which included a multi-page spread on the car, and more, this is an incredibly special and rare machine. While the phrase is often ballyhooed about, it is quite appropriate to say this car is truly 1 of 1!
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