100% of the hammer price to go to Detroit Children's Fund.
It was a sight to behold. The very first production 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 sporting VIN 001 was led to the Barrett-Jackson auction stage in Scottsdale surrounded by an entourage, almost like a boxer pumped and ready for a match. The vibe was contagious through televisions and computer screens everywhere as GM's first production C8, and the first produced with a mid-engine, started raking in the bids. Just last year, the very first 2020 Toyota Supra and 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 respectively brought in $2.1 million and $1.1 million, and all of the proceeds went to charity. For the very C8 Corvette, the hammer dropped down at $3 million with 100 percent of the hammer price benefiting Detroit Children's Fund, a non-profit organization that gives back to the school system in the Motor City.
So, who placed the $3 million bid on the C8 Corvette? The buyer was none other than Rick Hendrick, the owner of Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR team. General Motors CEO Mary Barra was alongside the 'Vette as the action unfolded and the final bid was placed by Hendrick. Not only did he nab the the 2020 Corvette VIN 001, Hendrick spent about $4 million in Scottsdale this past weekend as he also placed the final $500,000 bid on the first production 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS, also sporting VIN 001. The Camaro, driven onto the auction block by IndyCar star Will Power, was also auctioned off for charity to benefit Kettering University.
Hendrick is a familiar face at Barrett-Jackson well-known for placing winning bids to add to his 200-plus car collection at the Hendrick Motorsports campus in Concord, North Carolina. In fact, he is known for collecting cars with VIN 001 such as the 2010 Camaro, 2011 Camaro convertible, 2014 Corvette, 2015 Corvette Convertible, and 2017 Acura NSX hybrid sports car. Even more, he owns the very first VIN number Corvettes from 1955 through 1957 where he paid $1.65 million. Among his collection is also "Optimus Prime", a Peterbilt truck known in the movie "Transformers" which he paid $100,000 for. His collection is very Corvette heavy, and he may have the very best collection of them to date.
While the 2020 Chevy Corvette that rolled across the auction block was a shiny red, it was merely just a placeholder as Hendrick's car has yet to be built. Likely to roll off the assembly line in the first quarter of the year, Hendrick's model is said to be black-on-black and be a fully loaded 3LT edition. With that, it will come with GT2 seats, rear spoiler, and Chevy's Performance Data Recorder. In addition, it will have the Z51 package that features performance exhaust, electronic LSD screen, big Brembo brakes, a more aggressive suspension setup, better cooling, and it will sit on Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber. This is said to be the quickest base model Corvette to date, as it can sprint from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a lightning 2.9 seconds.
Hendrick has the option to take delivery of his 2020 Corvette in Bowling Green, Kentucky, at the Corvette plant. It will come with unique artwork along with an official Letter of Authenticity.
