A bespoke example of the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X has raised millions of dollars for charity.
Sold as part of the prestigious Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction, the Stars & Steel-inspired Corvette ZR1X attracted a winning bid of $2.6 million.
It makes for a substantial markup over the $212,195 recommended retail price for the 1,250 horsepower hybrid supercar. However, this particular ZR1X was truly unique.
The winning bidder is no stranger to collectible Corvettes, either. Rick Hendrick previously took home the first 2021 Stingray, 2023 Z06, and 2025 ZR1 models in similar circumstances.
In fact, Hendrick, CEO of the Hendrick Automotive Group and owner of Hendrick Motorsports, has been the winning bidder in 40 Barrett-Jackson charity vehicle auctions – single-handedly raising more than $30 million for charity.
A unique ownership experience
Based on the already limited-production Stars & Steel version of the flagship Corvette, the auctioned car was hand-painted by experts at General Motors’ Design Fabrication shop, with a custom Dark Satin Steel finish.
A host of blue detailing was then added to the ZR1X, including on its brake calipers and gigantic carbon fiber rear wing. On the inside, the Corvette is trimmed in Santorini Blue leather.
As part of the winning bid, Rick Hendrick also has the opportunity to help assemble the ZR1X’s 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged “Gemini” V-8 engine.
General Motors has reinstated the popular “Build Your Own Engine” program, last seen on the Corvette in 2019, for customers who purchase a high-performance Z06, ZR1, or ZR1X.
Ticking the box to build your own engine means the owner can work alongside master engineers in Chevrolet’s Performance Build Center, located at the famed Bowling Green Assembly plant in Kentucky.
Helping families of fallen heroes
All the proceeds from the auction of the special Corvette ZR1X will be donated to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.
The charity works to provide mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children. This includes building custom smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, and providing housing and services for homeless veterans.
Tunnel to Towers CEO Frank Siller commented: “This incredible gift will help us continue delivering on our promise to never forget the families of our fallen heroes and to ensure our catastrophically injured veterans can live their lives with the dignity and independence they deserve.”
Scott Bell, vice president of Global Chevrolet, added: “To honor those who serve, Chevrolet created a one-of-one edition of America’s quickest production car: the Corvette ZR1X.
“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.”
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