As per tradition, the final Friday and Saturday nights at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale auctions always feature the most anticipated and valuable vehicles.
While there were hundreds of gorgeous cars making their appearance on the auction block, some rose above the crowd and made it into the highlights of the event.
This includes the three Chevrolet Corvettes you’ll see below, and as is the case currently, restomods rule. Dressed in black and red, and geared for performance, these cars became the most valuable Chevys in Scottsdale.
Jeff Gordon’s 2016 Chevrolet Corvette C7.R – $600,000
One of the celebrity cars for sale on Friday came from NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon. He donated his personal 2016 Chevrolet Corvette C7.R to sell for charity. Proceeds will go to the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation, which works with young cancer patients.
Jeff Gordon himself drove the Corvette to the auction block. He was accompanied by Lila Downey – a 10-year-old childhood cancer survivor.
Initially, the hammer went down on a $400,000 bid by Ron Pratte, who donated the car back to the auction to sell again. A second bid of $200,000 brought the sum to a total of $600,000 all of which will go directly to children fighting cancer.
This Corvette is tricked out with all available options:
- C7.R Special Edition
- Z07 Performance Package
- 3LZ Preferred Package
It’s driven by a 6.2-liter LT4 V8 engine, producing 650hp. An 8-speed automatic transmission sends power to an electronically controlled limited slip differential. A differential oil cooler sits in the back next to a performance exhaust.
A set of aluminum painted wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires put power to the ground. All around ABS brakes with 6-piston Brembo calipers and slotted carbon ceramic rotors ensure the car stops when you want it to.
This Corvette features magnetic suspension damping, active handling stability control, and traction control.
You’ll find carbon fiber features all around the vehicle – the hood, front air dam, and various interior elements.
1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible – $330,000
If we exclude charitable sales, this Corvette was the most expensive car sold on Friday, generating a $330,000 winning bid.
The car looks like it’s 50 years old but under the classic body panels, everything is brand new and high-tech. Roadster Shop has rebuilt this classic Chevrolet Corvette into a modern pro-touring sports car.
The team fitted their Fast Track chassis to the original body. It features independent suspension all around with adjustable coilovers.
Propelling the vehicle is a racing spec, 7.0-liter, LSX V8 engine, producing 625 hp. The LSX engine has never featured into a production car but has a big fan base among custom car builders. Engine features include:
- KaTech powder-coated valve covers
- Concept 1 front runner system
- Coil relocation kit
- Beautiful carbon-fiber intake cover
Stainless Works long-tube exhaust headers merge into 4 to 1 collectors and flow out 3-inch side pipes. Roadster Shot custom-fabricated the Auger inserts.
Cooling comes from DeWitts, dual-fan, LS radiator from with custom stainless steel plumbing.
A T-56, 6-speed manual transmission with a hydraulic clutch takes the power to a custom rear axle with a Posi-traction differential.
The BOZE custom wheels are equipped with Wilwood brake calipers – 6 pistons in the front and 4 pistons in the back. The rotors are both drilled and slotted.
The car is equipped with tons of comfort features:
- Power steering
- Power windows
- Heated seats
- Programmable gauges
- Custom audio system
- VintageAir air conditioning
The crimson red leather interior sits beautifully against the black glossy paint of the body. Wider rear quarter panels make the car more aggressive and provide room for wider wheels and tires on the driven axle.
Overall, the build is phenomenal. The car combines killer looks and cutting edge performance for a really enjoyable touring car.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-window Custom Coupe – $385,000
This red Chevy made its way to the auction block on Saturday and sold for $385,000. Its the most expensive, non-charity, Chevrolet Corvette sold at Scottsdale 2019.
The car was custom built by Jeff Hayes and the American Speed Shop. They took an original 1963 Corvette split-window coupe and gutted it, leaving just the body.
It was put on an Art Morrison Sports chassis. It’s an improved design, capable of handling modern-day performance driving. At the same time, the new chassis bolts into place just like the original, preserving the body intact.
Providing power is a brand new 5.2-liter LS3 V8 engine. It features the so-called hot cam – a camshaft with higher lift and longer duration to provide more power. The final output is 540 horsepower and torque in the 500s lb/ft.
Power is transferred to the rear axle via a 4L70E automatic transmission. The car rides on a set of Schott wheels with custom red line tires.
Comfort features include:
- Power steering
- Power hood
- Vintage Air heating and air conditioning
- Back-up camera
The interior is composed Saddle-colored Brazilian leather all around and carbon fiber trim.
The finish and build quality on this car is spectacular – inside and out. It’s a sexy, classic shape with a beast under the hood.
