Chevrolet Rolls Out Nostalgia-Inducing Corvette 427 Limited Edition Z06
Date posted: 02-14-2008
DETROIT — Chevrolet on Thursday confirmed to Inside Line that its new 427 Limited Edition Z06, which is designed to "pay homage to the big-block Stingray models of the mid-1960s," holds the title of the most expensive Corvette to date. The special-edition Corvette has a price tag of $84,195, including an $850 destination charge. That's $6,695 more than the 2007 Ron Fellows Edition Chevrolet Corvette.
A base 2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 starts at $72,125, including shipping — nearly $13,000 less than the 427 Limited Edition Z06.
However, the 427 Limited Edition Z06 appears destined to be a true Corvette collectible — and the price tag is not likely to deter aficionados. "It is aimed, as always with our special editions, at Corvette enthusiasts who like to have something different," said Bob Tripolsky, Chevrolet spokesman. When asked if Chevrolet expected its dealers to tack on a premium to the 427 Limited Edition Z06, he replied: "I don't know. Dealers are independent businessmen. How they price is their decision. We recommend they offer them at the MSRP."
The 427 Limited Edition Z06 stands out from the Corvette pack in a number of ways, starting with the paint job. It features a Crystal Red Tintcoat exterior, which Chevy says makes it the first Z06 ever offered with a red metallic tintcoat paint. Cosmetic touches include hood and fascia graphics that hark back to the style of the "stinger" hood design and graphics that were offered with 1967 models equipped with the 427 engine. Each car is numbered and signed by Wil Cooksey, the Corvette assembly plant manager.
Apparently, 427 and 505 are the magic numbers here. Chevrolet said only 427 will be offered in North America, with 78 more exported outside of North America. "That's a total of 505 production vehicles — the same number of horsepower produced by the LS7 engine," said General Motors in a statement. The 427 designation refers to the cubic-inch displacement for the highest-performance engines offered between 1966 and 1969 — and is also the cubic-inch equivalent of the Z06's 7.0-liter LS7 small-block V8, according to the automaker.
The special-edition Corvette gets the 3LZ premium equipment package with a custom leather-wrapped interior. A $1,750 navigation system is the only option.
What this means to you: You'll pay dearly to get your hands on this special-edition Corvette — but think of it as an investment. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
