Yes, some Corvette Anniversary Editions are particularly rare and difficult to find, such as the 40th Anniversary Edition of the Corvette in 1993 and the 50th Anniversary Edition of the Corvette in 2003.
The Corvette is one of the most iconic American sports cars, and every year, Chevrolet releases anniversary editions to commemorate its long history. Some of these anniversary editions are rarer than others, making them highly sought after by collectors.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the rarest and hardest-to-find Corvette Anniversary Editions that have been released over the years.
1963 Corvette Sting Ray Split Window Coupe
This model was only produced for one year, making it highly sought after by collectors. It features a unique split window design, with two separate windows in the rear of the car instead of one continuous piece of glass.
The interior also has some special touches, such as leather seats and wood trim on the dashboard. This model was equipped with a 327 cubic inch V8 engine that could produce up to 360 horsepower.
With its limited production run and unique features, this anniversary edition is an extremely desirable collector’s item that can be difficult to find in good condition today.
1967 Corvette L88 Convertible
This special edition was only produced in limited numbers, making it one of the most sought-after Corvettes ever made. The L88 engine was an ultra-high performance version of the 427 cubic inch V8 engine, producing an impressive 430 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque.
It featured a unique aluminum intake manifold, high compression heads, solid lifters, and a Holley four barrel carburetor. The exterior featured distinctive styling cues such as chrome bumpers with black accents and side exhaust pipes that exited through the rear fenders.
Inside the car had leather seats with red stitching along with other luxury features like power windows and air conditioning. With its combination of performance and style, this anniversary edition is highly collectible today due to its rarity.
1969 Corvette ZL1 Coupe
This limited edition model was only produced in very small numbers, with just 69 units being made available for sale. The ZL1 featured an aluminum 427 cubic inch V8 engine that was capable of producing 430 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful Corvettes ever built.
It also featured special exterior trim and interior appointments that set it apart from other models in the lineup. As such, this Anniversary Edition has become highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike due to its rarity and performance capabilities.
1978 25th Anniversary Edition Pace Car Replica
It was produced to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the first production Corvette in 1953. This special edition featured a unique two-tone silver and black paint scheme, along with distinctive graphics on the hood, sides, and rear deck lid.
The interior was also upgraded with leather seats, power windows, air conditioning, and an AM/FM stereo system. Under the hood was a 350 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 185 horsepower.
Only 6,502 of these cars were made in 1978 making them one of the most collectible Corvettes ever produced.
1988 35th Anniversary Edition Convertible
It was produced to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the first production Corvette in 1953. This special edition featured a unique two-tone paint scheme, with white on top and silver on bottom, as well as special badging and interior trim.
The car also came equipped with an upgraded suspension package, power windows, air conditioning, cruise control, and other features not found on standard Corvettes of that year. Only 2,050 examples were produced making it one of the most collectible Corvettes ever made.
1993 40th Anniversary Edition Convertible
It was released to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the first production Corvette, which debuted in 1953. This special edition featured a unique Sebring Silver exterior with Ruby Red interior, as well as exclusive badging and trim pieces.
The car also came equipped with an LT1 engine that produced 300 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful Corvettes ever made at the time. Only 1,000 examples were produced worldwide, making them extremely hard to find today.
2003 50th Anniversary Edition Coupe and Convertible
These special edition cars were released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first production Corvette in 1953. Only 6,000 of these limited edition vehicles were made, with 3,000 coupes and 3,000 convertibles.
The exterior featured a unique “Anniversary Red” paint job with silver stripes running down the hood and sides. Inside, drivers could enjoy a special interior package that included red leather seats with embroidered logos on each headrest as well as an exclusive instrument panel design featuring chrome accents.
Each car was equipped with a 5.7L LS1 V8 engine capable of producing 350 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque for an exhilarating driving experience. With only 6,000 units available worldwide, these cars have become highly collectible among Corvette enthusiasts due to their rarity and unique features making them some of the hardest Corvettes to find today.
Related Reading
- What Was the First Corvette Anniversary Edition, and How Was It Received By Consumers?
- How Many 25th Anniversary Corvettes Were Made?
- Are Corvette Anniversary Editions Limited in Production, and If So, How Many Are Typically Made?
- How Many 70th Anniversary Edition Corvettes Were Produced?
- What Is the Oldest Corvette Anniversary Edition That Is Still Sought-after By Collectors Today?