The C6-generation Chevrolet Corvette Z06 put GM back in the world-class performance market in a big way, and one lucky Corvette fan will own a piece of modern Chevrolet performance history when they shake hands over the prototype that started it all.
This 2005 Z06 represents quite a bit for GM (and the aforementioned Corvette fans). It was the first C6 Z06 to roll off the line at Chevrolet’s Bowling Green, Ky., facility; it lapped the Nürburgring Norschleife in the hands of Corvette Racing’s Jan Magnussen in just 7 minutes, 42.99 seconds; it was proven capable of speeds over 200 mph on Germany’s autobahn.
In short, it elevated the “Z06” nameplate from a niche GM enthusiast badge to mainstay competitor on the global stage. And you have the chance to buy it.
Yes, you can buy this glorious, LS7-equipped, 505-horsepower pioneer. You can even display it in your living room, if that’s your style. You can track it to your heart’s content — provided you tow it there, because there’s a catch. You can’t register this prototype for street use.
That’s because it doesn’t have a production VIN. As a prototype, it received a preproduction development serial number.
Still, it’s a beautiful car to display, not to mention a fantastic conversation starter. And as we said above, you’re welcome to take it to the track, where you can drive it the way a Z06 was meant to be driven.
And if that’s your plan, there’s some good news: GM left the car’s safety equipment and race seats installed, so you’re only a set of fresh harnesses away from a track-ready icon.