Introducing the 70th Anniversary Edition Corvette
A few weeks back, Corvsport.com posted a story about the unprecedented sale of the first 2023 Corvette Z06 at Barrett-Jackson for a staggering $3.6-million dollars. Although the car that crossed the block was one of the Chevrolet prototype models of the new Z06 platform, the car that NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick actually purchased will be the first Z06 production model, VIN #001 – a 2023 70th Anniversary Edition Z06 Corvette.
Now that the dust has settled a bit from that record-breaking charity sales event, we thought it would be worth taking a closer look at what Hendrick, along with a multitude of other future Z06 owners, can look forward to from the 2023 Corvette Stingray and Z06 70th Anniversary Edition coupe and convertible.
To start, the 2023 model year marks the 70th anniversary of the Corvette moniker. The first car rolled off the assembly line on June 30, 1953, and its been in production ever since, save for the 1983 model year, and even then, more than 40 pre-production cars were assembled in Bowling Green, but rapidly changing emission requirements and new manufacturing processes kept GM from producing any cars that year. (There is ONE 1983 Corvette – which would have marked the brand’s 30th anniversary – on display at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky.)
For 2023, Chevrolet has created something truly special – a milestone Corvette Stingray specially robed in a special 70th Anniversary Edition package.
“Passion for Corvette runs deep at Chevrolet and this anniversary is extra special because of the excitement and sales success we’ve achieved with the eighth generation of America’s iconic sports car,” said Steve Majoros, vice president, Chevrolet marketing. “Even after 70 years, Corvette still makes hearts race and kids dream of the open road.”
The 70th Anniversary Edition Corvettes will be unique, even amongst other 2023 Corvettes, in the following ways: First, the Anniversary Edition cars will be offered in two exclusive color packages – an all-new White Pearl Metallic Tri-coat or a Carbon Flash Metallic. An optional stripe kit will also be offered in complimenting colors – Satin Gray on the Pearl White Metallic, and Black on the Carbon Flash Metallic. The cars will also be fitted with unique-and-distinct wheels with commemorative wheel center caps.
Although the Stingray and Z06 models will each have their own, unique wheel design, both will share a similar dark finish and Edge Red stripe. Braking power will come from specially painted Edge Red brake calipers. Of course, the exterior will also be adorned with custom “70th Anniversary Edition” badging, including a special Corvette cross flags emblem on the front and rear fascias. Finally, each 70th Anniversary Edition Stingray coupe will also include an Edge Red engine cover.
Moving to the car’s interior, the cockpit will be fitted with two-tine Ceramic Leather GT2 or Competition Sport seats. The interior will also be accented with red stitching throughout, as well as red seatbelts, sueded microfiber seat inserts, and a sueded microfiber steering wheel. Both the driver and passenger seats will include special “70th Anniversary Edition” logos on the seats, steering wheel, and sill plates. Custom luggage will also be included with red stitching and the 70th Anniversary Edition logo.
The 70th Anniversary Edition package will be available to current-and-future Corvette buyers when production starts later this year. The Anniversary package will be available to consumers purchasing either a 2023 Corvette Stingray 3LT or Z06 3LZ coupe or convertible. For customers interested in learning more about this package, or about any Corvette (or other Chevrolet vehicle), you can take advantage of Chevrolet’s latest offering, the 2023 Corvette Z06 visualizer, which can be viewed live on Chevrolet.com. The 70th Anniversary Edition Corvette package is now available for a virtual tour.
All 2023 Corvettes will feature a commemorative 70th Anniversary interior plaque mounted to the center speaker grille and a graphic imprinted on the lower rear window.
We can’t wait to see this latest Corvette at the National Corvette Museum in April at the NCM Bash and this summer on the open road!!
