A one-of-one Stars & Steel–inspired Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X sold for $2.6 million during the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction, marking one of the most significant charity sales in recent Corvette history. The vehicle crossed the block on Saturday, January 24, with the full sale amount directed to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
The ZR1X was based on the fastest American production car to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife and was transformed into a bespoke, single-production example by Chevrolet. The Stars & Steel collection was developed to reflect American pride and commemorate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, aligning the car’s purpose with its charitable mission.
All proceeds from the sale will support Tunnel to Towers programs focused on providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star families and families of fallen first responders with young children. Funds will also assist in building custom smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, as well as delivering housing and services to homeless veterans.
The winning bidder was Rick Hendrick, chairman and chief executive officer of Hendrick Automotive Group and owner of Hendrick Motorsports. Hendrick has been a repeat buyer of high-profile charity Corvettes at Barrett-Jackson auctions. The ZR1X will feature a hand-painted Dark Satin Steel exterior completed by General Motors’ Design Fabrication team, along with blue brake calipers, a Santorini Blue interior, and blue accents on the Carbon Aero rear wing.
In addition to the vehicle itself, the purchase includes exclusive experiences and memorabilia. Those elements include participation in the assembly of the car’s twin-turbo V8 engine, delivery of the vehicle inside the GM Design Dome, and a curated collection tied to the project.
General Motors and Chevrolet have supported the Tunnel to Towers Foundation for more than a decade, raising over $11.6 million for wounded veterans during the past 12 years. Chevrolet’s collaboration with Barrett-Jackson’s charity auction program spans more than 15 years.
With the sale of the Stars & Steel ZR1X, total funds raised through eighth-generation Corvette charity auctions have reached $15.5 million. The record-setting result underscored how limited-production performance vehicles continue to serve as powerful fundraising tools, combining engineering prestige with philanthropic impact.