Anyone who has been to a Barrett-Jackson auto auction or has simply watched one on television knows the excitement that can be produced when certain cars are on the stage. Many times two or more bidders will get into a heated competition and someone ends up paying much more than expected for a car. That is exactly what happened last month when a limited edition Z06 went on the block.
The car was the last of 427 limited edition Corvette 427 Z06 models that were made in 2008 for North America and it represented the only 2008 Z06 to be painted red metallic. This special Corvette was auctioned off and the proceeds were then donated by GM to the American Red Cross in order to help them with their ongoing earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.
This donation is in addition to the already $100,000 that GM has already given. What was so special about the Z06 donation is that the car ended up going for more than expected and this was a welcomed outcome by all.
The special Corvette received a proper introduction by GM design boss Ed Welburn before the bidding began. This particular limited run was designed by former Corvette plant manager Will Cooksey who retired in 2006 after being the leader of the Bowling Green Facility for some 15 years.
The number “427” in the limited edition Z06 was added to pay homage to the 427 big-block engines of yesteryear that used to grace many of the Corvettes of the 60s. It also happens to be the displacement of the 7.0 engine of the car that pumps out an unreal 505 bhp. Not only did the car look amazing as it dazzled on the stage, but everyone knew it was capable of putting up some really high numbers in the speed category as well.
The Corvette 427 Z06 has many additions unique to the car itself and along with many other extras, this special Z06 includes:
- Z06 spider-designed wheels.
- A hood stripe that is a stinger-style.
- A rear spoiler.
- Exterior chrome badging.
- Titanium colored interior leather.
- Interior trim plate colored red.
Once the bidding started for this special Corvette it was hard to keep up. In seconds the car had crossed the six figure plain and it didn’t take much longer for it to start reaching some serious figures. In the end it was two stubborn bidders who really seemed to want the limited edition Z06 that were left fighting for it and one finally prevailed with a winning bid of $200,000.
While there is no word of what the new owner will do with the Corvette it is crystal clear what the money that it brought in will do. GM was thrilled to be able to make such a generous donation to an organization such as the American Red Cross as they know the funds will go directly to the hard work and dedication of all those who are currently in Haiti and trying to help the locals pick up the pieces.
