On Saturday, January 24, a one-of-one Stars & Steel–inspired Corvette ZR1X crossed the block at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction—and rewrote the record books in more ways than one. Based on the fastest American production car ever to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the bespoke ZR1X sold for an eye-opening $2.6 million.
Every dollar of that hammer price goes directly to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, supporting its mission to provide mortgage-free homes for Gold Star families and fallen first responder families with young children, build custom smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, and deliver housing and services for homeless veterans. It’s a cause that aligns perfectly with Chevrolet’s Stars & Steel collection, created to honor American pride and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
To mark the moment, Chevrolet turned its quickest production car into a true one-off.
“To honor those who serve, Chevrolet created a 1-of-1 edition of America’s quickest production car, the Corvette ZR1X,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Global Chevrolet. “We’re proud to know the winning bid will go directly to supporting first responders and veterans in need across the United States through the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.”
The winning bidder was (once again) Rick Hendrick, chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group and owner of Hendrick Motorsports. His ZR1X will be finished in a hand-painted Dark Satin Steel exterior by GM’s Design Fabrication team, accented with blue brake calipers, a Santorini Blue interior, and blue highlights on the Carbon Aero rear wing. Beyond the car itself, the package includes a once-in-a-lifetime experience: the opportunity to help build the twin-turbo V8 engine, the first-ever Corvette delivery inside the GM Design Dome, and a curated collection of memorabilia.
Giving Back
GM and Chevrolet’s relationship with Tunnel to Towers spans more than a decade, with over $11.6 million raised in support of wounded veterans over the past 12 years alone.
“General Motors and Chevrolet have proudly stood with Tunnel to Towers in honoring those who serve and sacrifice for our nation,” said Frank Siller, chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. “This incredible gift will help us continue our promise to never forget the families of our fallen heroes and ensure catastrophically injured veterans can live with dignity and independence.”
Chevrolet’s long-running partnership with Barrett-Jackson’s charity auction program now stretches back more than 15 years. With the sale of this ZR1X, total funds raised through eighth-generation Corvette charity auctions climbs to $15.5 million.
“The Chevrolet Corvette has represented American performance and engineering for over 70 years,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “This 1-of-1 Stars & Steel–inspired ZR1X isn’t just a rare collectible—it’s a meaningful piece of automotive history that helps raise awareness and support for our first responders and veterans.”
Fast, rare, and undeniably American, this ZR1X proved that sometimes the most powerful thing a performance car can do is give back.
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