Flippers Are Cashing In on the Corvette ZR1 While GM's Alerts Go Unheeded | Carscoops

      The value of the new Corvette ZR1 has surged, but the introduction of the hybrid ZR1X may dampen demand.

      

      November 30, 2025, 14:20

      by Brad Anderson

      Bidding for early Corvette ZR1s reached up to $360,000 this fall.

      Earlier this month, one car was sold for a profit of $70,000.

      Despite penalties, buyers are willing to pay substantial premiums at auctions.

      Some vehicles are so eagerly anticipated that they become collectibles even before hitting the road. The new Chevy Corvette ZR1, along with its more powerful ZR1X counterpart, is one such vehicle.

      To prevent those fortunate enough to obtain an allocation for a new Chevy Corvette ZR1 (or the ZR1X) from reselling the car for a quick profit, GM announced that the vehicle’s warranty will be voided if it is resold within the first 12 months of purchase.

      However, this policy hasn’t deterred some enterprising owners from pushing GM’s limits by auctioning off their minimally driven ZR1s online in search of easy profits.

      When $360k Isn’t Enough

      The initial ZR1 to be listed on Bring a Trailer appeared in mid-September, a Seal Wolf Gray model that had only driven 137 miles and included the ZTK Performance Package.

      This Corvette had $19,265 in options, bringing its total sticker price to $205,460. Given the performance capabilities of the ZR1, that price is quite reasonable.

      But, with 2025 Corvette ZR1s in limited supply and high demand, bidding for the car climbed to $360,000. Surprisingly, that was insufficient for Morrison Motor Cars, the dealership selling it, and the car did not meet the reserve price.

      More Listings, Same Outcome

      In October, another C8 ZR1 was listed on Bring a Trailer. This model had a sticker price of $214,800 and had only been driven 40 miles. Bidding reached $333,000, but it also didn't meet the seller's exorbitant reserve.

      That same month, a red 2025 ZR1 was listed with a sticker price of $239,498. Bidding climbed to $270,000, yet again failed to meet the reserve.

      Two additional low-mileage ZR1s were sold on the auction site earlier this month. One sold for $278,500, a significant premium over the $222,990 MSRP, while the other fetched $290,000, granting the seller nearly $70,000 in profit.

      Evidently, buyers are willing to pay considerable premiums for the Corvette ZR1, even if the car they purchase no longer has a warranty. With the buzz surrounding this mid-engine performance model, it's no surprise that some owners are keen to sell theirs for a quick gain. However, the market is already beginning to show signs of cooling and is likely to continue on this trajectory.

      The initial examples of the more powerful 2026 Corvette ZR1X are expected to arrive soon, and it has already overshadowed some of the ZR1's excitement. Additionally, there is a possibility of an even more powerful and faster C8 Corvette being in development.

      Sources: Bring a Trailer, GMAuthority