What is the most sought after Corvette?

The Chevrolet Corvette is one of the most iconic and beloved sports cars in the world, with a rich history spanning over seven decades. Among the many Corvette models produced over the years, one stands out as the most sought-after: the Corvette C2, also known as the "Sting Ray."

The Corvette C2 Sting Ray

The Corvette C2 Sting Ray was produced from 1963 to 1967 and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and influential sports car designs of all time. The Sting Ray's sleek, aerodynamic body, sharp lines, and distinctive split-window design (on the 1963 model) made it an instant classic.

Under the hood, the Corvette C2 Sting Ray was powered by a range of powerful V8 engines, including the legendary 327 cubic inch (5.4-liter) small-block V8, which produced up to 375 horsepower in its most potent form.

Why the Sting Ray is So Sought-After

The Corvette C2 Sting Ray is highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts for several reasons:

• Timeless Design: The Sting Ray's sleek, iconic design has aged incredibly well and is still widely admired today.


• Performance: The Sting Ray's powerful V8 engines and advanced suspension system made it a formidable performer on the road and track.


• Rarity: The Sting Ray was only produced for a relatively short period, with a total of just over 117,000 units built across the five-year production run. This limited production run adds to the model's desirability.li>
  
• Collectability: As one of the most influential and recognizable Corvette models, the Sting Ray has become a highly sought-after collector's item, with pristine examples fetching high prices at auctions.li>
  

The Corvette C2 Sting Ray's combination of timeless design, impressive performance, and limited production has made it one of the most coveted Corvette models among collectors and enthusiasts alike. Its enduring legacy and status as a true automotive icon ensure that the Sting Ray will continue to be one of the most sought-after Corvettes for years to come.

What is the most sought after year Corvette?

The most sought-after Corvette years are generally considered to be the 1963 Sting Ray for its iconic split-window design and the 1967 for its powerful engines and refined styling, with modern collectors also valuing the 2020 C8 for its revolutionary mid-engine layout. However, specific rare models like the 1969 ZL1 and the 1967 L88 also command extremely high value due to their rarity and performance.
 
Classic and highly sought-after

• 1963: Marked the debut of the Sting Ray and featured the now-iconic split rear window, making the coupe model a collector's favorite. It was also the best-selling Corvette to date at the time. 
• 1967: Widely considered a peak year for performance and design, featuring the powerful big-block engines and refined styling just before a redesign. The rare L88 version is one of the most valuable Corvettes ever produced. 
• 1969: The ZL1 model, with its all-aluminum version of the big-block engine, was incredibly powerful but extremely rare, with only two being built. 

Modern and sought-after

• 2020: The first model year for the C8, which features a revolutionary mid-engine design that significantly changed the Corvette's performance and engineering. 

Other notable mentions

• 1961: The "Mako Shark" concept car, inspired by Bill Mitchell's catch, previewed the styling direction for the next generation, making the concept design highly desirable. 
• 1990: The C4 ZR-1 is considered a performance bargain with significant modern performance that is gaining value. 

Is the Z06 or ZR1 faster?

The ZR1 is faster than the Z06, due to its significantly higher horsepower and more aggressive aerodynamics. For example, the new 2025 Corvette ZR1 produces 1,064 horsepower, while the 2024 Z06 has 670 horsepower from its naturally aspirated engine. This power advantage allows the ZR1 to achieve quicker acceleration (0-60 mph in 2.3 seconds), a higher top speed (233 mph), and faster lap times.
 

• ZR1: Features a supercharged engine, significantly more horsepower (1,0641 comma 0641,064 hp), and more downforce to achieve superior acceleration and top speed. 
• Z06: While also a high-performance track car, it is lighter than the ZR1 and uses a naturally aspirated engine with 670670670 horsepower. It has a faster 0-60 mph time of around 2.52.52.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of about 10.410.410.4 seconds. 

Which Corvette holds the most value?

The C8 generation of the Chevrolet Corvette, particularly recent models like the 2023 and 2025 versions, holds its value the best, winning multiple awards for resale value from Kelley Blue Book. For older models, certain performance trims like the Z06 and ZR1 can also hold value better, though the general rule is that newer, high-demand C8s are currently the strongest performers in resale. 
Recent models

• C8 Corvette (2020-Present): This generation has won the Kelley Blue Book (KBB) Best Resale Value Award for sports cars for multiple years in a row. 
• Recent specific model years: The 2023 and 2025 models, specifically, were highlighted by KBB for their strong resale values, with KBB estimating they retain a significant percentage of their original price after five years. 

Older models and specific trims

• Special trims: High-performance versions like the Z06 and ZR1 from various generations (e.g., C6 and C7) are likely to hold value better than base models due to their prestige and performance. 
• Historic and special editions: Some rare and historic models, such as certain 1996 and 2013 models, are considered the most valuable in their respective generations. 

Why the C8 performs well

• Engine and performance: The C8's mid-engine design and performance capabilities have been praised for offering "supercar performance at a lower price point". 
• Design: The car's striking and modern design has been a significant factor in its popularity and strong market demand. 
• Brand recognition: The Corvette has a strong brand name and long history, which contributes to its consistently good resale value compared to many other vehicles. 

What is the holy grail of Corvettes?

But there is one Corvette they have never been able to buy: Project XP-64. It is a pure factory race car, and the only one in existence. Since its creation more than six decades ago it has never been sold. It is the holy grail.