In The Auction Ring, Bout #8: Will The Reserve Or No-Reserve Corvettes Win?

In this original CorvSport series, we match up three pairs of nearly identical Corvettes in our virtual boxing ring. After eight episodes, do no-reserve auctions really matter? Do they fetch more money than sellers who put a bottom dollar on their auction? When we began this analysis over four months ago, we had no idea how the different auction approaches would actually perform, but we did think the “No-Reserve Bright Lights at Barrett-Jackson Effect” would generate the hype needed to push the no-reserve auctions over the edge.

However, that preconceived notion has been challenged. After 42 Corvettes have duked it out in our virtual ring, the reserve Corvette auctions have a decided lead — you can see our full archives and running tally below today’s bout. Will the no-reserve auctions redeem themselves and generate the hype necessary to narrow the gap?

As always, we visit one of the largest online collector car auctions in the world, Bring a Trailer, and tap into their extensive database of sold Corvettes. Not only do they provide relevant sales data, but they also provide additional statistics that enhance our analysis, such as bidding activity and auction views. Our methodology is simple: We find three pairs of near-identical Corvettes, one with a reserve, one without, and pit each duo against each other for a three-round bout. Let’s get ready to rumble!

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In The CorvSport Ring

The No-Reserve vs. Reserve Corvette Battle

ROUND ONE

♦ In The No-Reserve Corner:

1971 Corvette LT-1 Coupe 4-Speed
Miles: 57k shown, TMU
Date Sold: 11/01/2025
Link to full listing

VS

♦ In The Reserve Corner:

1971 Corvette LT-1 Coupe 4-Speed
Miles: 31k shown
Date Sold: 6/11/2025
Link to full listing

♦ And The Round One Decision Goes To!

The RESERVE Corvette Wins!

Reserve Sales Price: $51,025
No-Reserve Sales Price: $25,500
Reserve Bids: 23
No-Reserve Bids: 31
Reserve Views: 10,782
No-Reserve Views: 14,643

More About Our Winner:

350ci LT-1 V8
Four-Speed Manual Transmission
Positraction Limited-Slip Differential
Repainted Bridgehampton Blue
Black Leather Upholstery
15″ Rally Wheels
Four-Wheel Disc Brakes
Removable Roof Panels
Pop-Up Headlights
Push-Button AM/FM Radio

ROUND TWO

♦ In The No-Reserve Corner:

2004 Corvette Z06 Commemorative Edition
Miles: 95,816
Date Sold: 10/27/2025
Link to full listing

VS

♦ In The Reserve Corner:

2004 Corvette Z06 Commemorative Edition
Miles: 83,000
Date Sold: 10/30/2024
Link to full listing

♦ And The Round Two Decision Goes To!

The NO-RESERVE Corvette Wins!

No-Reserve Sales Price: $25,000
Reserve Sales Price: $20,000
No-Reserve Bids: 30
Reserve Bids: 6
No-Reserve Views: 7,434
Reserve Views: 7,791

More About Our Winner:

5.7-Liter LS6 V8
Six-Speed Manual Gearbox
Limited-Slip Differential
Le Mans Blue Paint
Black & Blue Leather Upholstery
17″ & 18″ Lightweight Alloy Wheels
Pop-Up Headlights
Sony Head Unit
Rearview Camera
Aftermarket Speakers
Head-Up Display

ROUND THREE

♦ In The No-Reserve Corner:

2001 Corvette Z06
Miles: 71,196
Date Sold: 10/21/2025
Link to full listing

VS

♦ In The Reserve Corner:

2001 Corvette Z06
Miles: 51,885
Date Sold: 10/02/2025
Link to full listing

♦ And The Round Three Decision Goes To!

The RESERVE Corvette Wins!

Reserve Sales Price: $22,500
No-Reserve Sales Price: $17,800
Reserve Bids: 24
No-Reserve Bids: 24
Reserve Views: 5,526
No-Reserve Views: 6,874

More About Our Winner:

5.7-Liter LS6 V8
Six-Speed Manual Gearbox
Limited-Slip Differential
Torch Red Paint
Torch Red & Black Leather Upholstery
17″ & 18″ Alloy Wheels
Pop-Up Headlights
Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
Bose Sound System
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
Clean Carfax Report

*All pictures and information are fully credited to Bring a Trailer

BOUT #8 Summary

Were you expecting to see the no-reserve LT-1 C3 to get beat to a pulp?!? And look at that strong price on the no-reserve high-mileage Commemorative Edition Z06. Lastly, the “resell red,” lower miles, and an original front bumper helped push the 2001 Z06 past the no-reserve Millennium Yellow example. It wasn’t exactly a fair fight, but the Torch Red Z06 was the closest comp we could source. In summary, the beatings from the reserve Corvettes continue.

Thank you for joining us today. As always, it’s worth noting that CorvSport recognizes this is not a scientific study and is primarily intended for entertainment purposes. While we attempted to find nearly identical models with sale dates and miles that are close to each other, the auction market databases do limit how perfect our comparisons can be.