Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible 2013 Collector Edition

 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible 2013 Collector Edition

The Corvette is currently celebrating its 60th anniversary with a special 60th Anniversary Package that will be available on all 2013 Corvette models, as well as a Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition.

"The 2013 model year will be historic for Corvette, marking its 60th Anniversary and the final year for the current 'C6' generation," said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Marketing and Strategy for Chevrolet. "We couldn't think of a more fitting way to celebrate these milestones than bringing back one of the most-coveted combinations in the brand's history - the Corvette convertible and a 427 cubic-inch engine."

The new 427 Convertible Collector Edition is powered by an LS7 engine that delivers a total of 505 HP and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds and can hit a top speed of 190 mph.

 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible 2013 Collector Edition

The LS7 was co-developed with the Corvette Le Mans-winning GT1 engine and features lightweight titanium connecting rods and intake valves, as well as racing-inspired high-flow cylinder heads and a dry-sump oiling system. It is assembled by hand at GM's Performance Build Center, where customers who purchase the 427 Convertible Collector Edition can purchase the Corvette Build Experience option and assemble the engine that will power their new car.

Supporting performance elements in the Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible include the driveline and rear axle system from the Corvette Z06, a rear-mounted battery and standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control. The standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are wrapped in ZR1-style Michelin PS2 tires. Lightweight machine-face Cup wheels - introduced on the 2012 Corvette Z06 with Z07 and Corvette ZR1 with PDE performance packages - come standard and include unique gray-painted pockets. Black Cup wheels or chrome ZR1-style wheels are also available.

 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible 2013 Collector Edition

All 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible will carry a unique vehicle identification number sequence, similar to the Corvette ZR1. And if you’re interested, you better act fast as this model is likely to run out quick and we’re not sure when Chevrolet is likely to offer another.

The new Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition will be available in the 2LT, 3LT, and 4LT trim levels. Prices will be announced at a later date, but the first units will be auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale collector car auction, on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Drive to End Hunger food relief program.

Competition

 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible 2013 Collector Edition

The model can also be combined with the new 60th Anniversary package that includes an Arctic White exterior with a Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior and suede accents. Other features include a ZR1-style rear spoiler, special badging, gray-painted brake calipers, and "60" logos on the wheel center caps, steering wheel, and seat headrests.

The 60th Anniversary Package as well as the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition will make their public debut at the Barrett Jackson car auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 21. First sales start early this summer.

 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible 2013 Collector Edition

As Chevrolet themselves confirm, the new 427 Convertible Collector Edition will take on models like the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet, the Audi R8 V10 Spyder, the Aston Martin DBS Volante, and the Ferrari California.