There is no shortage of Special Edition Corvettes out there in the world. Everything from Anniversary editions to special trim packages, paint colors, and more means that there are lots of desirable combinations for car collectors. At the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2019 auction, I happened across a Special Edition Corvette that I had not heard of before. The GT1 Championship Edition Corvette was a special option package offered in 2009.
The GT1 Corvette started with a C6 Corvette 4LT, a fully optioned model with all the amenities such as Premium Stereo, Memory Seats, and a Heads Up Display. In addition, the GT1 package added the following special items:
- Forged Chrome Aluminum Wheels
- Z51 Performance Package (Large cross-drilled brake rotors, performance tires, stabilizer bars, springs, shocks, and gear ratios)
- Dual-mode performance exhaust
- ZR1 body-colored spoiler
- Graphics inspired by C6.R Racing Livery
- Driver Flags on Roof
- Ebony Custom Leather Trim
- Exclusive Yellow Stitching on Seats and Interior
- GT1 Embroidery on Seats, Center Console, and Instrument Panel
- Lower Door Script with GT1 Championships
- Black Headlamps
- Carbon Pattern Engine Cover
- Specific VIN Sequence
The cost of the GT1 package added nearly $8,000 to the price of the car, making this a premium car aimed at collectors and true enthusiasts. The car could be ordered as a Coupe, Convertible, or Z06 model with black or velocity yellow as the only color choices available. A total of 600 GT1 Corvettes were produced in 2009 – that is 100 of each body style and color combination.
The car I saw at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale 2019 auction was a black coupe, and is the first of only 24 black coupes produced with the GT1 package.
Ten years ago, the car’s MSRP was $64,460 and this one had another $3,000 worth of options including the Navigation system and 6-speed paddle shift automatic transmission, pushing the final price to $68,310. During the past decade, the car has accumulated just 3,851 actual miles – a real low mileage gem!
The car sold at the auction for $34,100 (including the buyer’s premium). For reference, the Kelly Blue Book value of a similar car with the same options and mileage is valued at $25 to $28,000. While it may seem high compared to private party, I bet that the value on a regular Corvette will continue to depreciate, while this one will be an investment. With such limited production, I believe these cars will be much more desirable in the future. Whoever bought this one for $34k got a great deal, in my opinion.
