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The first Z06 was actually an option package first offered with the 1963 Corvette. The package was developed by Corvette's legendary lead engineer and racing advocate Z0ra Arkus-Duntov.  The Z06 option was designed to allow consumers to bolster the 1963 "Split-Window" Corvettes performance and handling capabilities for use on the race track. Selecting regular production option (RPO) Z06 when ordering a Corvette resulted in a car equipped with some tasty options.
For only the second time in Chevrolet history, a Corvette is now available in a Drivers Series special edition. Actually, there’s four, all Grand Sports designed in collaboration with Corvette Racing team drivers Milner, Gavin, Magnussen and Garcia. The idea came from Chevrolet exterior design manager Kirk Bennion, a racing fan who was also at the Rolex 24, according to Corvette Marketing Manager Todd Christensen. Four Drivers Series special editions is definitely more fun than one.
The 427 Limited Edition option, code Q8A and Z44, was limited to 505 examples globally with 427 destined for North American customers. As a retirement gift to Wil Cooksey, the Corvette plant manager from 1993 to 2008, he chose the color scheme and hand signed and numbered the underside of the armrest console lids on all 505 examples in which this example is #6. As part of the package, the seats and the floor mats have “427” embroidery, and the center-console trim plate is color matched.