With the unveiling of three models, Chevrolet had plenty going on at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, and none of them happened to be this. For those that don’t know, the mighty Corvette is turning 60 years old, and will celebrate the occasion by offering a 60th Anniversary Package on all 2013 models. It will go great with the Centennial Edition model parked in Jay Leno’s garage. But if he’s going to buy the 60th Anniversary Corvette, he’s gotta make sure it’s featured on the limited edition Corvette 427 Convertible.
Judging by the numerical designation, you probably already guessed what makes the Corvette 427 Convertible special: a thunderous naturally aspirated LS7 V8 engine as seen in the the Z06. That gives the 427 Convertible 505 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful Corvette convertible ever. Give it enough room to run, and it will pass 60 mph in 3.8 seconds from a standstill, while rocketing all the way to 190 miles per hour. And because its a drop-top, your ears will take in the sound of the 7.0L pushrod V8 all the better.
Additionally, the 427 Convertible’s 3.355lb weight gives it a fantastic power-to-weight ratio of 1 horsepower for every 6.64 pounds — making it more mass efficient than a Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet or Audi R8 5.2 RSI Spyder, among other expensive exotics. Oh, and all drivers must know how to manually shift, as there is no automatic alternative to the six-speed manual gearbox.
Cosmetically, The 427 Convertible will don lightweight machine-face Cup wheels of 20 inches in the back and 19 inches up front wrapped in Michelin PS2 rubber, while featuring a range of carbon fiber components such as a raised hood, fenders and floor panels. A CFZ carbon-fiber front splitter and rocker panels are also available, if you’ve got the money. Inside holds a Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior with suede accents, along with unique 60th anniversary stitching and badging. The exterior is coated in Arctic White with optional Pearl Silver Blue striping.
The very first Corvette 427 Convertible will go to the highest bidder at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale collector car auction on Saturday, Jan. 21.
