The National Corvette Museum celebrates a milestone with its 20,000th R8C delivery, a Sebring Orange 2026 Stingray Convertible.
The National Corvette Museum has reached a major milestone, delivering its 20,000th car through Chevrolet’s R8C museum delivery program.
The landmark vehicle, a 2026 Corvette Stingray Convertible finished in Sebring Orange, was handed over to Tim Vandagriff of Ardmore, Oklahoma. The ceremony marked three decades of the program, which has become a rite of passage for many Corvette enthusiasts since it was introduced in 1995.
Launched for the 1996 model year, the program allows buyers to take delivery of their new Corvette at the museum located next to the automaker’s assembly plant in Bowling Green. The proximity to the factory makes the experience possible, and the museum says cars have been delivered to buyers from all 50 states and abroad.
Option code R8C, as the delivery service is officially known, costs $1,495. The package includes a one-year museum membership, a guided tour, a personalized wall plaque, and a photo of the owner with their car in front of the museum. Buyers also receive a doorjamb decal and an interior plaque to mark the special delivery.
Owners are responsible for their travel and transportation costs, whether that means driving the car home themselves or arranging shipment. For many, however, the road trip that follows becomes a highlight of the experience, turning a car purchase into a memorable journey.
The first deliveries under the program were fourth-generation Corvettes. Since then, models ranging from base Stingrays to high-performance ZR1s have passed through the museum’s doors. The 20,000th delivery underscores the enduring appeal of combining heritage with ownership, giving buyers not just a new sports car but a tangible connection to Corvette history.
Would you make the trip to Bowling Green for your Corvette handoff?
