Since the launch of the Corvette C8, GM has offered the mid-engine sports car with all kinds of options, ranging from various interior colorways to carbon fiber packages and everything in between. Recently, GM Authority has learned that the 2023 Corvette has just had one of its least popular options pulled – a custom Customer VIN option.
Assigned RPO Code PIN, the option was only available on sold orders and allowed buyers to customize the last five digits of the C8 Corvette‘s VIN as they pleased. It was offered on both the 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 Corvette Stingray as well as the 2023 Corvette Z06.
A 17-digit sequence of numbers and letters that are unique to a vehicle, the VIN usually contains related identifiers for the model type, engine, production facility, and other aspects of the vehicle. It’s typically used to certify vehicles for DMV registration, identify them for recalls, register for insurance coverage and for other vehicle identification and documentation purposes.
This custom VIN was displayed in the same area as VINs on C8 models without the custom VIN option – in a small placard at the base of the vehicle’s windshield, on the driver’s side. Despite being a relatively small, albeit unique detail, this option cost an eye-watering $5,000. For those following at home, this equates to $1,000 per digit.
For this reason, the Customer VIN option wasn’t very popular, with only 31 customers opting for the option for 2020 Corvette orders. This represents a mere 0.15 percent of all customer orders.
In addition, the Customer VIN option was subject to restrictions and approval and wasn’t available on all VINs. These reasons likely helped GM make the decision to discontinue the option.
As a reminder, the 2023 Corvette C8 is available with two engine options, with the C8 Stingray equipped with the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT2 gasoline engine, and the C8 Z06 equipped with the naturally aspirated 5.5L V8 LT6. Both models ride on the GM Y2 platform, and both are produced at the GM Bowling Green plant in Kentucky.
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Comments
Nothing like being reminded of your wedding anniversary or birthday every time you shop for car insurance, renew your registration, or buy spare parts.
Yep, an option I skipped on my 2021, although I read the description and certainly thought about it.
I might have paid $1000, but not $5k.
Speaking of ridiculousness $5,000 for that and they have to put one on a vehicle anyway you know I really think they should just totally cancel the Corvette even though I’m a huge fan because when they go all electric I don’t think they’ll be around anyway people won’t buy them just don’t see it can’t even get a six or seven speed so you can enjoy interacting with the car I think I’ll stay with my C6 Z06
initialy they will be partially electric and the added traction and torque at the front wheels will make them much quicker off the line. nobody really buys a corvette to commute daily or even drive long distance. a Fully electric Corvet with 3 hummer motors and a 0-60 inside of 2 seconds would actually make a little more sense. but if the price gets too high like said hummer it would end the Corvette nameplate something quick.
please explain the benefit of personalizing this number sequence for any amount of money.
I’ve read about instances where people with an older Corvette choose the VIN option so the cars have matching VINs, which might be cool. Or maybe if you’re a pro sports player, you can get your number or something. However, my understanding is that a large number of C8 Z06 buyers were choosing this option, because the cars with custom VIN get built first, so it was a way to get the car more quickly. Not sure if that’s true.
Maybe because the car is no longer available for order. Duh…
Just learned today that Mario Andretti will drive an F1 car in a legends race thanks to McLaren. He said the paddle shifters on the new race cars is much better on the track than the old manual shifters. Keep that in mind and get used to that idea!! Chevy has said it is a faster way around the track with the paddle shifters. My ZL1-1LE was a manual and I couldn’t run with the automatic that came a year later and it wasn’t a dual clutch auto. I love the stick and clutch but I doubt the vette will ever have one again.