As we fly into February of 2025, two of the big dogs in the collector car auction world have already wrapped up their season openers. Depending on who you ask and what collector car auction just finished, it’s a toss-up for which auction reigns supreme in the collector car auction circles. Barrett-Jackson is notorious for their no-reserve auctions, while Mecum tends to bring in more Corvettes to their venues. For comparison, 477 Corvettes migrated to Kissimmee, Florida, for Mecum’s monstrous season kick-off, with 381 hammering off to new owners (see our full coverage here). In contrast, 190 Corvettes made their way over to Scottsdale, Arizona, for Barrett-Jackson’s season opener (you can view the cheapest for each generation here).
Here is the breakdown of the 190 Corvettes that were hammered off to new owners. [Author’s Note: This article is FREE and not behind a paywall. If/when any popups occur, please click to make them disappear and continue enjoying the article. One requires two steps–first, the arrow on the left, then the x on the top right.]
- First-Generation: 42
- Second-Generation: 57
- Third-Generation: 33
- Fourth-Generation: 20
- Fifth-Generation: 16
- Sixth-Generation: 8
- Seventh-Generation: 7
- Eighth-Generation: 7
For the purpose of this ranking, we have eliminated any charity Corvettes, as the large bids they receive skew the actual market. Now, without further ado, let’s dive in!
The Most Expensive Corvette From Each Generation: Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2025
Eighth-Generation
2024 Corvette Z06 3LZ Coupe
Hammer Price: $159,500
- “The mid-engine 2024 Chevrolet Corvette 3LZ Z06 is powered by a naturally aspirated 670hp 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8 engine that sings its siren song to 8500 rpm. Helping the cause are larger air intakes, as well as a distinctive and aerodynamically effective rear wing. It is fitted with Michelin Plot Sport Cup 2 R ZP race tires that measure 13.5 inches wide at the rear. So-equipped, this C8 Z06 hit 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds at a test track, shaving two-tenths of the time required by a 2022 Porsche 911 GT3; 100 mph came up in 5.9 seconds stretching the gap to seven-tenths…” Continue Reading And View More Pictures
Seventh-Generation
2019 Corvette ZR1 3ZR Coupe
Hammer Price: $192,500
- “This 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter LT5 engine producing 755hp, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. It is finished in a Sebring Orange Tintcoat exterior with a Jet Black Nappa leather and black microfiber suede interior. It is equipped with 3ZR Premium Equipment Group, Track Performance Package and ZR1 Sebring Orange Design Package, as well as carbon-ceramic brakes, Magnetic Ride Control, a performance data recorder, high rear wing, heated and ventilated Competition Sport bucket seats, and front curb-view cameras. This Corvette rides on black five-twin-spoke wheels with orange ZR1 inserts, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires…” Continue Reading And View More Pictures
Sixth-Generation
2012 Corvette 1LT Coupe
Hammer Price: $330,000
- “This 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is powered by a 430hp 6.2-liter V8 engine mated to a 6-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission. It features traction control and active handling, as well as optional chrome aluminum wheels and a transparent roof panel. The interior features a 6-way power driver’s seat. 65 actual miles. From the David M. Ressler Collection….” Continue Reading And View More Pictures
Fifth-Generation
1998 Corvette Callaway C12 Custom Coupe
Hammer Price: $104,500
- “With the only optional Paint-to-Sample car finished in Ferrari Yellow, this custom 1998 Chevrolet Corvette Callaway C12 is powered by a 5.7-liter all-aluminum Supernatural V8 engine from Callaway, a naturally aspirated LS1-based engine producing 440bhp at 6,300 rpm and 395 ft/lbs at 4,400 rpm. Callaway C12 was originally created to win the GT2 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Built in conjunction with the IVM Engineering Group of Germany, this C12 project was a combined effort of Callaway Cars USA and Callaway Competition Germany. With styling provided by Callaway’s accomplished designer, Paul Deutschman, this C12 used the C5 1997-2004 Corvette platform. With the completely new body to take advantage of Le Mans dimensional regulations, Callaway engineers developed the C12 coilover suspension with its own unique control arm forgings and tuned, adjustable dampers. Only 20 Callaway C12 road cars were ever produced, purchased at an average price of approximately $200,000. With no panels from the Corvette body carried over, the new Callaway body was made from carbon-Kevlar, and it was considerably wider than the original – now measuring in at close to 2 meters to stay within Le Mans regulations…” Continue Reading And View More Pictures
Fourth-Generation
1989 Corvette “Speed Racer” Re-Creation
Hammer Price: $110,000
- “This 1989 Chevrolet Corvette is a re-creation of “Mach 5” as seen in the “Speed Racer” television series that aired from 1967 to 1968. An early and wildly popular Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Tatsuo Yoshida, Speed Racer was originally serialized in print in Shueisha’s 1966 Shonen Book. Released in “tankobon” form by Sun Wide Comics and later re-released in Japan by Fusosha, “Speed Racer” was adapted into anime by Tatsunoko Production and 52 episodes aired on Fuji Television from April 1967 to March 1968, with the show aired in the United States in syndication at roughly the same time. Subsequently, the franchise was published in numerous media, and the TV show was rebroadcast to new audiences in 2008. The anime was later rebroadcast on Tokyo MX from July 1 to September 25, 2008, which heightened interest in a 2008 film adaptation. The main character of “Speed Racer,” named Go Mifune, drove the technologically advanced Mach 5 that was finished in white with a large “M” on its hood, the logo for the Mifune family business, Mifune Motors, and a red interior. Although technically outclassed by its archrivals, the Mach 5 still manages to win most races, thanks to Speed’s superior driving…” Continue Reading And View More Pictures
Third-Generation
1968 Corvette Custom Coupe
Hammer Price: $418,000
- “This custom 1968 Chevrolet Corvette is powered by an all-new GM Performance Crate Package with a supercharged 650hp LT4 engine mated to a 4L75E transmission with a GM Engine Control System. This Corvette sits on a Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis with a Strange 9-inch rear and 3.55 stealth gears, and Baer 14-inch brakes front and rear. It is also equipped with a Rick’s stainless Vaporworx tank with a ZL1 fuel module. The engine is cooled with a DeWitt’s radiator featuring duel Spal brushless fans. It is also equipped with a 3-inch polished stainless under-car exhaust with electronic side-exhaust cutouts. This Corvette is finished in Axalta G-Man Super Jet Black paint and rides on Forgeline GT3C 19×12-inch and 19×9-inch wheels with Firestone tires. The exterior features custom-fit bumpers, factory-style side exhaust covers, all-new tinted glass, and electric headlight and wiper doors. The interior features Recaro leather seats, square-weave carpet, a RetroSound stereo with SiriusXM, a Vintage Air system, power windows, tilt column, factory-style gauges and a Nardi leather-wrapped wheel….” Continue Reading And View More Pictures
Second-Generation
1963 Corvette Custom Split Window Coupe
Hammer Price: $990,000
- “This 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window Resto-Mod was completed by Jeff Hayes Customs in September 2024. It is powered by a new LS3 Hot Cam engine with 540hp backed by a new 4L70E automatic transmission. This Corvette sits on an Art Morrison Sport chassis with 4-wheel polished Wilwood disc brakes, a power hood, power steering, power windows and a Vintage Air system. The exterior is finished in Bianca Fuji paint and rides on custom-built Schott wheels with white line radial tires. The Camel interior features extensive lighting with custom-made lighted door sills, along with an Ididit chrome steering column with a custom mahogany steering wheel…” Continue Reading And View More Pictures
First-Generation
1961 Corvette Custom Coupe
Hammer Price: $550,000
- “This custom 1961 Chevrolet Corvette is the recipient of a complete body-off nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration built by Why Not Motors. It is powered by an all-new crate LT4 supercharged direct-injected 6.2-liter V8 engine paired with an all-new crate 8L90E 8-speed automatic transmission, with the powertrain producing 700hp. This Corvette rides on a fully independent Art Morrison chassis, with fully adjustable ride height, completely powder-coated in a Light Metallic Gray that matches the coves. Braking is handled by Wilwood with 14-inch rotors and 6-piston calipers. The all-original fiberglass body was stripped down completely and fitted with a new smoothed firewall and custom front inner fenders, while the back portion was slightly modified to fit the quad exhaust tips. The power hood has flush-mounted LED lights to display the modern engine. Upon completion of the bodywork, the car was painted in Ferrari Alloy Sliver with a Ferrari Gray Metallic coves, with extra care and time taken to make the bottom of the car look as nice as the top side…” Continue Reading And View More Pictures
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*All images and information are fully credited to Barrett-Jackson.
