First Retail Sale '09 Corvette ZR1 Auctioned at Barrett-Jackson

[FRC Tom]

GM press release. 01/18/2008


SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - The first '09 Corvette ZR1 to go on sale will go to the highest bidder, Saturday, Jan. 19, at the prestigious Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event auction in Scottsdale, Ariz. Proceeds from the ZR1's sale, as well as a trio of collectable authentic NASCAR Chevy Monte Carlo racecar hoods, will benefit United Way for Southeast Michigan. Tonight Show host Jay Leno will help present the car, along with Troy Clarke, president, GM North America. Representing United Way for Southeast Michigan will be President and CEO Mike Brennan and Vice President Beth Noble.

The ZR1 - introduced January 13 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit - is scheduled to roll onto the auction block by 8:30 p.m. PST. The auction will be broadcast live during SPEED's televised coverage. In addition to claiming the first ZR1 offered for sale, the winning bidder will also receive a package that includes:

Delivery of the vehicle at the National Corvette Museum, in Bowling Green, Ky.
A three-day experience at the Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, with renowned Corvette racer Ron Fellows serving as a special instructor
Tickets to the Tonight Show with Jay Leno
A personal tour of Jay Leno's "Big Dog" garage
"The auction will be exciting and a great opportunity for the high bidder, but it also will do a lot of good -- 100 percent of the sale price will go toward helping United Way help those less fortunate in our community," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "The Barrett-Jackson auction is an ideal venue to showcase the generosity that is found in so many auto enthusiasts."

Barrett-Jackson's auction in Scottsdale is one of the largest annual classic car auctions and a spectacle for all car lovers. This year marks the event's 37th anniversary and will see the auction of more than 1,100 classic cars, muscle cars, hot rods and other collectable automobiles.

About the ZR1

The 2009 Corvette ZR1 is Chevrolet's first entry into the world of supercars. It is the fastest and most powerful car ever built by General Motors. It is powered by a new, supercharged 6.2L LS9 V-8 that produces at least 620 horsepower and helps propel the car from 0-60 mph in less than 4 seconds and to a top speed of more than 200 mph.

Supporting its prodigious power output are race-bred elements that include a six-speed manual transmission with a dual-disc clutch; massive Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes; 19-inch front wheels and 20-inch rear wheels; the second-generation of GM's Magnetic Selective Ride Control; and stronger axles.

The ZR1 is instantly recognizable, thanks to unique exterior appointments that were developed to enable the car's performance, including extensive use of lightweight carbon fiber on the hood, fenders and roof. Some of the carbon fiber components, including the front splitter, rocker extensions and roof panel, feature a visible carbon fiber pattern coated with a unique, UV ray-blocking finish.

Distinguishing visual cues also include a polycarbonate window in the hood that offers a view of the LS9's intercooler below, new and wider front fenders that have a unique dual-vent design and a full-width rear spoiler. The large, 19- and 20-inch wheels also are specific to the ZR1.

Production begins in July 2008 and is limited to only 2,000 vehicles per year - each identified with a special VIN that denotes its sequential build number.

[proexpert]

So Tom, what's your bid?

[GR8 WHITE]

I will open it up with $5.00 But I am not going any higher than $50.00


Should be an exciting auction to see who is the craziest person with a fat wallet.

SOLD TO THE SUCKA WHO WILL MOST LIKELY NEVER DRIVE IT!

[Zippy]

Also read that this first ZR1 will have a one of a kind VIN with "BD1" for Blue Devil #1. Certainly will add $$$ to the collectability of this one.

I'm guessing $300,000 dead presidents...what about you?

[ZO6 AL-X]

Would be nice to get a tour of Jay's garage.

[YumaZ06]

Originally Posted by FRC Tom

A three-day experience at the Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, with renowned Corvette racer Ron Fellows serving as a special instructor.

I would rather do this.

[Eddie 70]

Originally Posted by Zippy

Also read that this first ZR1 will have a one of a kind VIN with "BD1" for Blue Devil #1. Certainly will add $$$ to the collectability of this one.

I'm guessing $300,000 dead presidents...what about you?

This could be a fun thing to do.

Since we are guessing and its not my money, I am going to go higher, $500,000. Tonight is the night when all the boys with the big money come out to play.

[Zippy]

It's up NOW!

Sold for $1,000,000.00

[JOEZ06]

Any pictures of it available? I saw what looked like a clear fiber engine reveal on the hood, very Euro... Nice.

[bean]

Originally Posted by Zippy

It's up NOW!

Sold for $1,000,000.00

CRAP!!!! My phone went dead just as I was bidding $1,000,000.01!!!!

[hugoagogo]

could have bought ten of them if he waited!

[Z06phile]

The guy that bought the ZR1 also has a '53 Vette, VIN 003. He paid $1M for it too.
ZR1 VIN 001 will be the only one painted Lemans Blue and it will have a unique RPO. The power was stated to be 620. Jay Leno was there on his on dime to introduce the car. He was pretty pumped about it.

[RalphP]

Originally Posted by JOEZ06

Any pictures of it available? I saw what looked like a clear fiber engine reveal on the hood, very Euro... Nice.

I was there Friday. Here are a few pics of the car. It is really really gorgeous. Leno gave GM a great pump-up last night when he said he can drive anything and he drives a Z06.

[PerforminNorman]

Thanks for the pics Ralph. I Wish I could have seen it in person also.

[Tony Skarbic]

Great photos, thanks for sharing.