The 11 Rarest Corvettes Ever Built

Some Corvettes are harder to find than others. These rare models carry stories, special builds, and low production numbers that make them stand out. Over the years, collectors have looked for these cars because of their unique details and history. If you enjoy vintage vehicles or just want to know what makes a Corvette special, this is a good place to start. Keep reading to learn about the rarest ones ever made.

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1963 Corvette Grand Sport

The 1963 Grand Sport is one of the rarest Corvettes ever made, with only five units built before the project was shut down. It was developed by Zora Arkus-Duntov to challenge Shelby Cobras in racing. The car used lightweight materials and a powerful V8 to compete at high speeds. It never entered full production due to rule changes.

Each of the five cars has a unique story and has become a legend in Corvette history. With values estimated over $6 million, the Grand Sport is a centerpiece in private collections and museums. The design was based on the C2 but with major modifications for racing. These cars remain symbols of what could have been in American motorsports.

1967 Corvette L88

The 1967 L88 is one of the most sought-after Corvettes due to its limited production and high power. Only 20 units were built, all meant for racing rather than regular driving. It featured an aluminum-head 427 engine that was underrated at 430 horsepower. Chevrolet kept the L88 low-profile to discourage everyday use.

This model had no radio, heater, or comfort options, keeping the car lightweight and race-ready. Current market values often go beyond $3 million at top auctions. Its raw power and purpose-built design make it stand apart from other 1960s Corvettes. Collectors prize the L88 for its performance history and rarity.

1967 Corvette L89

The 1967 L89 Corvette included aluminum cylinder heads as an upgrade to the L71 engine. Only 16 units were made, which makes it even rarer than the L88 of the same year. The aluminum heads offered weight savings while still producing 435 horsepower. It shared the same displacement as the L71 at 427 cubic inches.

This car blended top-end speed with street-ready features, which appealed to both racers and collectors. In today’s market, the L89 is valued around $400,000 to $500,000. It is one of the least seen but most respected versions from the late 1960s. Many Corvette fans consider it a hidden gem from the C2 generation.

1963 Corvette Z06 Big Tank

The 1963 Corvette Z06 Big Tank was built as a race-ready model with special high-performance parts. It earned its nickname from the oversized 36-gallon fuel tank designed for long-distance racing. Only 199 Z06 units were made, and far fewer had the Big Tank option. The car was first released during the debut year of the Sting Ray body style.

This model stands out for its lightweight chassis, heavy-duty brakes, and unique racing suspension. Today, surviving examples in clean condition can reach $500,000 or more depending on originality. It remains a favorite among collectors due to its early racing heritage. This Corvette set the stage for many of the performance features that followed.

1969 Corvette ZL1

The 1969 ZL1 is famous for its all-aluminum 427 engine and extremely low production count. Only two were built, making it one of the rarest Corvettes ever sold to the public. The engine was race-proven and very expensive at the time, pushing the total price close to $10,000. Chevrolet offered it as a hidden option for those who knew how to order it.

The ZL1 could outperform nearly every car of its time thanks to its power and light weight. Today, one of the two known cars can fetch up to $3 million or more. It remains a secret legend in Corvette history due to its quiet release and unmatched performance. Only the most dedicated collectors have had the chance to own one.

1971 Corvette ZR1

The 1971 ZR1 was a special package designed for those who wanted a road-legal race car. Only eight units were made, making it extremely rare. It used a 350 cubic inch LT1 engine along with upgrades to suspension, cooling, and brakes. The package removed comfort items like power windows and radio to reduce weight.

The ZR1 of this era should not be confused with later models using the same name. Current values range from $350,000 to $450,000, depending on condition and originality. It remains a favorite among collectors who focus on track-ready Corvettes. This car was about pure performance without distractions.

1971 Corvette ZR2

The 1971 ZR2 used a 454 cubic inch LS6 engine and came with heavy-duty components for racing. Only 12 units were built, making it one of the rarest big-block Corvettes. It produced 425 horsepower and had no air conditioning or luxury features. The package was costly and focused fully on track capability.

Because of its size and power, the ZR2 has become a rare find among collectors. Values today often exceed $475,000, especially when original documentation is included. The ZR2 marked the end of an era before emissions rules changed high-performance design. It stands out for combining brute force with racing parts.

1960–1970 Baldwin-Motion Phase III GT Corvettes

These Corvettes were modified by Baldwin Chevrolet and Motion Performance for buyers who wanted extra power and custom looks. Each car came with a warranty despite having major engine and body changes. The Phase III GT builds included side exhausts, hoods with scoops, and engines rated well over 500 horsepower. Fewer than ten GT models were ever confirmed.

Buyers could choose performance upgrades based on their driving goals. Today, these cars can reach over $500,000 depending on build specs and condition. The Baldwin-Motion cars hold a special place in muscle car history due to their unique mix of factory and tuner performance. Each one was built by hand for individual owners.

1983 Chevrolet Corvette C4

There is only one 1983 Corvette in existence, and it never went into mass production. This makes it completely unique among all Corvettes ever made. The model served as a test vehicle before full production began for 1984. Due to emission and production issues, Chevrolet skipped the 1983 model year entirely.

The lone survivor is on display at the National Corvette Museum in Kentucky. It cannot be sold, but if it were, estimates place its value around $1 million or more. The car represents a turning point between two Corvette generations. Collectors visit the museum just to see this rare piece of history.

2009 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT1 Championship Special Edition

This special edition honored Corvette Racing’s success in the GT1 class. Only 125 units were built with this package, based on the already powerful Z06 model. It featured special decals, black wheels, and racing-themed interior accents. The LS7 engine under the hood produced 505 horsepower.

Buyers received numbered cars with unique color and trim options tied to racing history. Current values for clean examples range from $70,000 to $95,000. This edition marked the end of an era for Corvette’s presence in GT1 racing. It is popular among fans who follow the motorsport side of the brand.

Every rare Corvette tells a different story, shaped by limited builds, unique features, and strong collector interest. These cars remain a big part of what makes the Corvette name so respected. From racing legends to one-off models, they continue to draw attention at shows and auctions. Take the time to learn their history and appreciate what makes each one stand out.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.