The high-octane market for Chevrolet’s Corvette ZR1 is showing signs of a significant correction. After months of auction prices soaring well above manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), recent sales indicate that the peak may have passed, leaving some early resellers facing substantial losses.
The Recent Surge and Subsequent Dip
Between October and early December, low-mileage 2026 Corvette ZR1 models commanded exorbitant prices on platforms like Bring a Trailer. One example sold for $301,000—a $91,205 premium over its $209,795 MSRP. Another fetched $286,000 against a $211,000 sticker price, demonstrating the initial frenzy surrounding the high-performance vehicle.
However, the market shifted sharply in late December. ZR1s with minimal mileage began to fall short of expectations. A black model with just 174 miles stalled at $265,000 (versus a $227,210 MSRP), while an orange example failed to sell at $241,000 on a $214,330 sticker.
The Case of the Red Mist Metallic ZR1
The trend continued into New Year’s Eve, when a Red Mist Metallic Tintcoat ZR1 with 49 miles sold for $266,000. Though a sale, it represented a significant drop from the $300,000-plus figures seen just months prior. Equipped with the top-tier ZTK Performance Track and ZR1 Carbon Fiber Aero packages, the car’s MSRP was $241,373, meaning some early investors now face a loss of over $60,000 on their investment.
Why Now? Two Key Factors
Several forces are converging to dampen demand. First, Chevrolet’s warranty policy voids factory coverage for ZR1s resold within the first year of purchase. This makes later listings less attractive to buyers who want the security of a full warranty.
Second, Chevrolet has not imposed strict production caps on the ZR1, meaning supply is more reliable than some buyers initially assumed. This diminishes the urgency to overpay for a vehicle that may soon be available at MSRP.
“A cooler head might end up with both the car and the warranty,” as one observer put it.
The market correction suggests that patience could be the most valuable asset for potential buyers. Waiting for either a fresh build or a ZR1 outside the warranty voiding window may yield substantial savings. The era of instant, six-figure profits on Corvette resales appears to be over.
