Today, CorvSport drops you right into the controlled chaos of Barrett-Jackson’s season opener at WestWorld in Scottsdale, where the tents are massive, the energy is relentless, and every single car crosses the block with no safety net. This is the auction world’s ultimate pressure cooker—100 percent pass-through, no reserves, and a bidding atmosphere that turns spectators into participants. Whether it’s the (surprise, surprise) VIN 001 multi-million-dollar purchase by Rick Hendrick for charity, or oddball Custom Corvettes, or Mid-Year beauties that brought big money, we have the story that formed Barrett-Jackson’s season opener.
A 54-Year Legacy Hits Full Throttle
Now in its fifty-fourth year, the Scottsdale spectacle once again proved why Barrett-Jackson sits on top of the auction food chain. Thousands (over 6,500!) of registered bidders flooded the lanes, squaring off over nearly 2,000 no-reserve collector cars, while hundreds more pieces of genuine automobilia changed hands. When the dust settled, the scoreboard told a familiar story—$195.2 million dollars in total sales, with $5.85 million generated through nine charity vehicles that reminded everyone this auction still knows how to give back.
The King of No-Reserve Delivers Peak Drama
This is what happens when every car must sell, and every bidder knows it. The format fuels fast decisions, louder paddles, and emotional bidding wars that feel more like a sporting event than a sale. Scottsdale’s opener wasn’t just busy—it was electric, with momentum building lane by lane as the crowd realized that once again, Barrett-Jackson had assembled a lineup capable of shocking even seasoned collectors.
A Viral Corvette Moment That Shook The Room
Among the early shockwaves was the one-of-one Stars & Steel ZR1X, which didn’t just raise charity dollars—it detonated across social media. The sale rocketed into the millions for a good cause and sparked thousands of online reactions, hundreds of comments, and waves of shares as the moment escaped the auction tent and took on a life of its own. This was more than a hammer price; it was a modern collector-car phenomenon unfolding in real time.
From European Flair To Mid-Year Perfection
Scottsdale also delivered its share of curveballs, including a truly singular 2005 Custom Corvette known as Anteros, named after the ancient god of passion. Draped in a hand-crafted carbon-fiber body finished in Dark Ming Blue Metallic, it carried a distinctly European design language that made it feel worlds apart from its factory roots. On the opposite end of the spectrum stood a 1963 Split Window restored by the renowned Naber Brothers, a textbook Mid-Year powered by its original L84 327ci V8 and paired with a Muncie four-speed manual, further elevated by the coveted big-tank Z06/N03 setup and crowned with Bloomington Gold and Top Flight honors.
The Stories That Defined Scottsdale’s Opener
From charity-driven superstars to bespoke customs and blue-chip classics, this year’s Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale kickoff delivered the kind of moments that only the king of no-reserve auctions can produce. These weren’t just sales—they were statements, shockers, and showstoppers that set the tone for the entire auction season and pulled us headfirst into a Corvette-fueled story worth reading all the way to the end.
1 — Stars & Steel ZR1X Fetches Millions And Steals The Show
The one-of-one Stars & Steel ZR1X didn’t just arrive at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale—it owned the room. Chevrolet took an already jaw-dropping 2026 Corvette ZR1X and elevated it into a singular statement piece, crafted specifically to make an impact on the biggest no-reserve stage in the world. When the hammer finally fell on January 24th, 2026, the number told the story loud and clear: $2,605,000, all for charity, and the undeniable centerpiece of the auction’s opening act.
As the bidding passed $2,000,000!
A One-Off Corvette With A Patriotic Pulse
Built to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, this ZR1X Stars & Steel edition wears its inspiration proudly without drifting into excess. Beginning with the Stars & Steel graphics package inspired by the American flag and hand-painted at the GM Design Fabrication shop, the car features a Dark Satin Steel exterior paired with a striking Santorini Blue interior, accented by blue brake calipers and matching highlights on the carbon aero rear wing. While it visually echoes the Stars & Steel Limited Edition theme, this Corvette stands entirely on its own—an exclusive, one-of-one creation that will never be replicated.
Rick Hendrick Claims The Ultimate Prize
It came as little surprise when lifelong Corvette enthusiast and NASCAR powerhouse Rick Hendrick emerged as the winning bidder. Beyond the prestige of ownership, Hendrick receives an experience few will ever match: the opportunity to personally assemble the twin-turbocharged 5.5L LT7 V8 that powers the rear wheels, working alongside an electric drive unit up front for a combined 1,250 horsepower. The moment is capped by being the first Corvette customer to take delivery inside GM’s Design Dome, along with a curated package of exclusive memorabilia tied to this historic build.
Millions For Charity, Meaning Beyond The Hammer Price
Every dollar of the $2,605,000 sale benefits the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, supporting its mission to provide mortgage-free homes for Gold Star families and fallen first responder families with young children, build custom smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, and deliver housing and services to homeless veterans.
As Scott Bell, Vice President of Global Chevrolet, explained: “To honor those who serve, Chevrolet created a 1-of-1 edition of America’s quickest production car, the Corvette ZR1X. We’re proud to know the winning bid will go directly to supporting first responders and veterans in need across the United States through the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.” For perspective, a standard 2026 ZR1X 1LZ coupe starts at $209,595—underscoring just how extraordinary this Stars & Steel moment truly was.
Additional Sources For #1: GMAuthority
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2 — 1963 Split Window Z06 Big Tank: Where Absolute Purity Meets Seven-Figure Gravity
In a room full of modern horsepower and headline-grabbing charity cars, this Mid-Year icon reminded everyone why originality still rules the collector world. The 1963 Split Window Z06 rolled across the block as a time capsule of intent—built for competition, preserved with care, and coveted for exactly what it is. When the hammer dropped at $1,100,000, it wasn’t shock value driving the number; it was reverence. This Corvette didn’t need theatrics—it let its pedigree do the talking.
Powered by its original, matching-numbers L84 327ci V8 rated at 360 horsepower and paired with a Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission, this factory Z06 example carries the mandatory posi-traction rear end that defined the package. It is one of just 63 Corvettes produced with the N03 36.5-gallon “Big Tank” fiberglass fuel cell, wrapped into the $1,818 Z06 performance option that added competition-focused hardware, including uprated suspension components, a larger front sway bar, and heavy-duty finned drum brakes with sintered linings and a unique dual-circuit master cylinder. Finished in Sebring Silver over a black interior, it wears tinted glass and 6.70-15 blackwall tires, and it stands tall as both Bloomington Gold Certified and a Top Flight award winner. Restored by the renowned Naber Brothers in 2015, shipping records trace its original delivery to MF Jones Chevrolet in Dallas, Georgia, and its condition today remains concours-ready.
Seven Figures For The Right Kind Of Corvette
This is the kind of car that doesn’t just sell—it confirms the market. At Barrett-Jackson’s season opener, the Split Window Z06 Big Tank proved that factory-correct, award-winning Corvettes with bulletproof documentation still command respect at the highest level. Among the shockers and showstoppers of Scottsdale, this one stood apart by doing everything the hard way: staying original, staying pure, and earning every dollar of its seven-figure result.
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3 — 1967 Custom Convertible: Old-School Curves, Modern Muscle, Zero Apologies
This ’67 didn’t show up to blend in—it arrived to redraw the boundaries of what a custom Corvette can be. Built by Jeff Hayes Customs and completed just months before Scottsdale, this convertible landed squarely in the showstopper category, where craftsmanship and confidence meet. As bidding climbed, it became clear this wasn’t nostalgia driving the room; it was execution. When the hammer fell at $770,000, the message was unmistakable: elite builds still stop the show at Barrett-Jackson.
At its core, this Corvette blends classic identity with contemporary performance and comfort. Power comes from an LS3 Hot Cam engine rated at 540 horsepower, matched to a 4L70E automatic overdrive transmission and anchored by an Art Morrison sport chassis. The car is equipped with polished Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes, power steering, power windows, and a power hood. Finished in Ferrari Bianco Fuji Pearl White with an Oyster convertible top, it pairs an Indigo Blue interior with a teak steering wheel, chrome Ididit steering column, and an AM/FM Bluetooth stereo feeding Polk Audio speakers. Schott wheels with white line tires complete the stance, and even a Ferrari-style battery tender was included for good measure.
A Custom That Commanded The Crowd
This wasn’t a reimagined Corvette chasing trends—it was a fully realized vision that knew exactly what it wanted to be. In a week defined by shockers and surprises, the Jeff Hayes-built ’67 proved that high-end customs still command serious respect when the details are right, and the execution is flawless. Scottsdale rewarded that confidence with a big number and a lasting impression.
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4 — 1961 Custom, “Timeless” — Mid-Century Soul, Supercharged Shock Value
Some cars whisper history; this one rewrites it. Built solely for the 2026 Scottsdale stage and never shown anywhere else, the custom 1961 Corvette known as “Timeless” arrived as a clean-sheet statement. The name fit perfectly—classic lines on the outside, a jaw-dropping surprise underneath. As the bidding unfolded, the crowd quickly realized they were witnessing a one-of-a-kind creation, purpose-built to leave an impression and disappear into a private collection that night. The $770,000 hammer price reflected all the drama “Timeless” generated.
Timeless underwent a full body-off rotisserie restoration by Why Not Motors, blending iconic design with contemporary execution. Power comes from a GM E-Rod crate package featuring a supercharged LT4 6.2-liter V8 rated at 650 horsepower, paired with a new 10L90E 10-speed automatic transmission, all managed by factory GM wiring and computers. The car rides on a fully independent Art Morrison chassis with adjustable ride height via Strange coilovers, with stopping handled by Wilwood 14-inch rotors and six-piston calipers.
Hydroelectric power steering sharpens the driving experience, while the fiberglass body was stripped bare and refined with a smoothed firewall, custom inner fenders, a subtly reworked rear for quad exhaust, and a power-operated hood with flush LED lighting. Finished in Why Knotty Blue with Ferrari soft white coves, the undercarriage received the same meticulous attention as the exterior. Inside, a handcrafted cabin trimmed in imported Italian leather was created using advanced 3D scanning and printing technology, capped by a vintage pocket watch mounted in the dash. Custom billet Schott wheels—19 inches up front and 20 in the rear—wrapped in Diamond Back whitewall tires complete the modern-classic stance.
A One-Night-Only Creation That Delivered
At $770,000, Timeless proved that exclusivity still carries serious weight at the king of no-reserve auctions. Purpose-built, never repeated, and unveiled under the brightest lights in Scottsdale, this 1961 Corvette didn’t rely on nostalgia alone—it fused past and present into a shocker that rewarded bold vision with a headline-worthy result.
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5 — 1958 Custom Convertible: Classic Chrome, LS7 Attitude, Zero Restraint
This ’58 Corvette didn’t lean on nostalgia—it leaned into fun. Rolling across the Scottsdale stage as a fully realized modern build wrapped in unmistakable late-’50s style, this custom convertible struck a balance that bidders clearly understood. It looked familiar enough to pull you in, then revealed just enough bite to keep paddles in the air. At $396,000, it landed as one of the weekend’s most approachable shockers, proving you don’t need seven figures to steal attention.
Underneath the vintage silhouette sits a modern foundation built for real-world enjoyment. Power comes from a new GM LS7 427ci engine rated at 505 horsepower and 470 ft/lbs of torque, paired with a 4L75E automatic transmission. The car rides on a powder-coated Art Morrison GT chassis with compact independent rear suspension, Ridetech coilovers with adjustable ride height, and a Wilwood big-brake package.
The body was plastic media-blasted and refinished using Duratec Vinyl Ester primer and BASF basecoat/clearcoat paint. Inside, the leather-trimmed cabin features custom reclining seats, Vintage Air climate control, Dakota Digital RTX gauges, an electric hood opener, and a Bluetooth-capable flat-screen AM/FM stereo with amplifier and subwoofer. Power windows, an electric parking brake, LED headlights, and custom Curtis Speed Equipment wheels round out the build. Supporting systems include a GM ZL1 fuel pump feeding a custom stainless tank, Kevlar-braided fuel and transmission lines, a DeWitts radiator, and a stainless exhaust system with silver-ceramic–coated Ultimate headers. Completed in September 2025, the car shows approximately 200 test miles.
A Crowd-Pleaser With Real-World Appeal
This 1958 Corvette custom wasn’t built to sit under ropes—it was built to be enjoyed. In a week filled with headline-grabbing sales, it carved out its own lane as a modernized classic that delivered big smiles without big drama. Scottsdale rewarded that philosophy with strong bidding and a result that underscored just how deep the appetite runs for well-executed restomods.
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6 — 2005 Anteros Targa: Carbon-Fiber Passion, Boutique Boldness, And A Shockingly Human Price
Every big-tent auction needs a wildcard, and this was Scottsdale’s. The one-of-one Anteros didn’t thunder across the block with seven-figure bravado—it crept in quietly, daring bidders to really look. Inspired by the ancient god of passion, this Corvette reimagined what a C6 could be when emotion leads the design brief. The result was the most intriguing Corvette of the week, a car that sparked long conversations, raised eyebrows, and delivered a finale no one quite expected. At $36,300, it was missing lots of zeros and the custom deal of the 2026 extravaganza.
Built as a singular creation, the 2005 Corvette Anteros Targa Coupe is powered by the factory 400-horsepower 6.0-liter LS2 V8 paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Its hand-laid, full carbon-fiber body is finished in Dark Ming Blue Metallic, giving the car a distinctly European presence far removed from its production roots.
Inside, the familiar Corvette architecture is upgraded with Italian carpeting and bespoke two-tone leather upholstery. The car rides on billet alloy wheels wrapped in Kumho Ecsta tires and features a Wilwood drilled-and-slotted brake package. The Carfax report notes General Motors safety recalls for roof panel separation dated April 13, 2010, low-beam headlamp concerns dated December 4, 2014, and a potential odometer rollback reported October 20, 2014—details that followed the car right up to the block.
An Asterisk-Filled Sale That Still Turned Heads
When the hammer fell at $36,300, the crowd collectively did a double-take. Yes, the price carried caveats, and yes, this Anteros comes with questions—but that’s exactly what made it unforgettable. In a sea of polished perfection, this passion project stood apart as a reminder that auctions aren’t just about numbers; they’re about curiosity, risk, and the rare courage to be different. As a grand finale, the Anteros didn’t shout—it lingered.
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The CorvSport Takeaway
Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale season opener once again proved why the king of no-reserve auctions sits in a category of its own. From seven-figure charity moments and historically pure Mid-Year icons to fearless customs and left-field curiosities, the range of Corvettes on display told a bigger story about the modern collector market. This wasn’t just about horsepower or headline prices—it was about emotion, intent, and the confidence to put everything on the line under the brightest lights in the hobby.
What tied these wildly different Corvettes together was the drama created by commitment: builders who went all in, collectors who trusted their instincts, and an auction format that demands a decision in the moment. Whether it was a one-of-one ZR1X with lots of zeros, a Split Window preserving history, or a carbon-fiber outlier sparking debate, Scottsdale delivered the full spectrum. For CorvSport, this is exactly where the Corvette story shines brightest—when risk meets passion, and the results leave us talking long after the tents come down.
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