Stars & Steel ZR1X Leads Corvettes That Steal The Show At Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2026

A one-of-one Corvette ZR1X raises millions for charity and sparks a viral sensation at the Barrett-Jackson auction

Jan. 27, 2026 at 9:15pm

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Barrett-Jackson's season opener in Scottsdale delivered a lineup of standout Corvettes, including a one-of-one Stars & Steel ZR1X that fetched $2.6 million for charity, a pristine 1963 Split Window Z06 Big Tank that sold for $1.1 million, and several custom Corvettes that commanded top dollar with their bold designs and modern performance.

Why it matters

The Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction is the premier no-reserve event in the collector car world, where every vehicle must sell and bidding wars often reach fever pitch. The diverse array of Corvettes that stole the show this year - from a record-setting charity car to rare classics and innovative customs - underscores the enduring appeal and value of America's sports car, even as the market continues to evolve.

The details

The headline-grabbing moment was the sale of the one-of-one Stars & Steel ZR1X, a Corvette specially built by Chevrolet to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Finished in a Dark Satin Steel exterior with Santorini Blue accents, the 1,250-horsepower ZR1X fetched $2.6 million, with all proceeds benefiting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. At the other end of the spectrum, a pristine 1963 Split Window Z06 with the coveted Big Tank option sold for $1.1 million, demonstrating the continued strength of the market for factory-correct, award-winning Corvette classics. The auction also featured several custom Corvettes, including a 1967 convertible built by Jeff Hayes Customs that sold for $770,000 and a 1961 "Timeless" model that brought $770,000 as well, proving that well-executed resto-mods can still command top dollar.

  • The one-of-one Stars & Steel ZR1X was sold on January 24, 2026.
  • The 1963 Split Window Z06 Big Tank was sold at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction in 2026.

The players

Waymo

An American autonomous driving company and is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company.

Walker Reed Quinn

A 45-year-old San Francisco resident who has a history of vandalism and was out on bail for prior cases related to Waymo vehicles.

Rick Hendrick

A lifelong Corvette enthusiast and NASCAR powerhouse who emerged as the winning bidder for the one-of-one Stars & Steel ZR1X.

Chevrolet

The automaker that created the one-of-one Stars & Steel ZR1X Corvette to honor those who serve.

Tunnel to Towers Foundation

The charity that will receive the $2.6 million raised from the sale of the Stars & Steel ZR1X, supporting its mission to provide housing and services for veterans, first responders, and their families.

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What they’re saying

“To honor those who serve, Chevrolet created a 1-of-1 edition of America's quickest production car, the Corvette ZR1X. We're proud to know the winning bid will go directly to supporting first responders and veterans in need across the United States through the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.”

— Scott Bell, Vice President of Global Chevrolet

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale auction once again proved why it sits atop the collector car world, delivering a diverse lineup of standout Corvettes that captivated the crowd - from a record-setting charity car that sparked a viral sensation to rare classics and innovative customs that commanded top dollar, underscoring the enduring appeal and value of America's sports car.