The first retail 2023 Corvette Z06 fetched $3.6 million when it crossed the auction block at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction on Saturday, January 29th. The sale marks a new record for a charity vehicle donated by a manufacturer at the annual auction, surpassing the previous record held by the first 2020 Corvette Stingray, by a whopping $600,000.
Retired Corvette Racing champion, Oliver Gavin, had the honor of driving the 2023 Corvette Z06 across the auction block. Unsurprisingly, the highest bidder for the first retail Corvette C8 Z06 is none other than Rick Hendrick, CEO of Hendrick Companies. Hendrick has an affinity for purchasing the first production unit of high-performance GM machines and his company has many GM dealers under its umbrella, while also being the supplier of the chromoly cage for the GM Defense ISV. One hundred percent of Hendrick’s $3.6 million winning bid benefits non-profit organization Operation Homefront.
“We are deeply grateful to our friends at Chevrolet and Barrett-Jackson for choosing Operation Homefront as the beneficiary of this incredible auction,” said John Pray, Jr., president and CEO of Operation Homefront. “The proceeds from the sale of this sensational Corvette Z06 will go a long way to helping us help our military families overcome their financial hardships and have the opportunity to thrive in the communities – our communities – they’ve worked so hard to protect.”
Chevrolet has supported Operation Homefront for over five years now. Since 2017, the automaker has provided seven Silverado full-size trucks to the organization’s headquarters and six regional offices, along with donations to fund various services.
“It’s truly a privilege to support our military members and their families through Operation Homefront,” said Chevrolet vice president, Steve Hill. “Proceeds from the first retail 2023 Corvette Z06 will benefit many U.S. military families across the country who have done so much to serve our country.”
As a reminder, the 2023 Corvette Z06 is powered by the naturally-aspirated 5.5L V8 LT6 gasoline engine rated at 670 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, offering the highest horsepower output of any naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine on the market. All those ponies hit the pavement by way of the rear two wheels, thanks to the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The track-focused monster also features the wide body treatment compared to the C8 Stingray, along with a host of chassis, suspension, and braking upgrades.
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Comments
Not bad for a convicted felon.
Don’t forget the consistently mediocre dealership chain.
With all of the proceeds going to our Veterans support and all you have is negative degrading comments! You are a piece of work! Tomg
Cry more
Richard – Billy Boy Clinton pardoned him in 2000.
$25,000 to the Clinton Foundation. Plus, he was miraculously cured of leukemia.
Richard – Does that surprise you? Pay to play. Just ask the big guy aka Biden.
Are you just as pissed about Honda’s involvement in this, or just a man trying to keep cars on his lot?
No point in even having these types of auctions! Rick Hendrick always wins!
But in the end it’s for a good cause
Hopefully the lifters and 8 speed transmission holds up. Ha ha ha
He now holds the world record for being upside the largest amount of money in history. The car will never be worth $3.4 million.
It’s a write off. They always are.
The money for these vehicles always goes to charity, so if someone wants to pay $3.4 million for a $100k car, it is his deal.
At Barrett-Jackson, the charities are typically for sick children or police, fire and EMS workers. I can support those causes.
I’ve met Rick and I have a great picture with him. I found him to be a very nice guy and he will engage in conversation – in my case hoping Jeff Gordon would win the NASCAR race that weekend. He owns a lot of ‘first’ and ‘last’ Chevrolets in his collection. His purchase offer at this Auction typically is for a registered charity. I believe Hendrick Motorsports can claim this expense as a charitable donation when they file their Corporate Taxes. We have the same thing up here in Canada. A lot of dealerships donate vehicles to the Cancer and Heart & Stoke lotteries and they write-off their donations – both for homes, cottages, and vehicles. At $100.00 for each ticket sold, they make some good coin.
Great charity, I stayed up late just to see the auction on this car…which is something for an old guy like me!!!
I hate to see that everything, including a donation to a great charity turns into a political debate. Accept the fact that Hendrick made a huge donation to a worthwhile charity.
Well done Mr. Hendrick!!
Is it a donation. Or a tax write off?
Sad how some complain about what others have and worry less on how they could make their own.
Sad how some make comments complaining about what others say.
No complaint about what he has. It’s how he got it. Some good dealers and people were collateral damage, because of his actions.
Lying and cheating might be a virtue your world, it’s not in mine.
I’m making mine with integrity. Looking in the mirror without shame means something to me. Being that kind of an example to your children is pretty sick. I just hope he has made amends with his maker. In the end, forgiveness trumps a wallet coverup.
A tax write off. Since it is a donation