Corvette E-Ray #1 auctioned in US

It’s yet to reach showrooms, but the first production example of Chevrolet’s Corvette E-Ray, VIN #001, has sold at auction, raising more than a million dollars for US education charity, DonorsChoose.

At Barrett-Jackson’s Palm Beach Auction on 15 April, Chevrolet offered Corvette E-Ray VIN #001 as a fundraiser for DonorsChoose, and while the car that actually rolled across the block was not unit Number 1 (that car has yet to be built), Corvette Executive Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter was on hand to generate excitement and encourage bids.

Announced in January and due to go on sale later this year, the E-Ray will be the first production Corvette with all-wheel drive, combining an electric motor on the front axle with the existing 6.2-litre naturally-aspirated V8 driving the rear wheels. The combination delivers a claimed 655hp (488kW) and 0-97km/h in 2.5 seconds, making it the fastest accelerating production Corvette ever.

This is the third “first” Corvette that Chevrolet has provided to Barrett-Jackson as a charity lot, following the first retail production models of the 2020 Stingray and 2023 Z06.

At the Palm Beach Auction, Corvette E-Ray #1 sold for US$1.1 million (AU$1.46 million approx.), with the winning bid placed by Rick Hendrick, chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group. Owner of 14-time NASCAR Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports, Hendrick has been the winning bidder for similar charity auction lots in the past.

The entire US$1.1 million sale price will assist DonorsChoose in continuing to meet the needs of public schools in low-income communities in the USA.

“General Motors and Chevrolet are proud to join DonorsChoose on its mission of combatting inequality in school funding by providing underserved communities with the resources needed for a quality education,” said Steve Majoros, chief marketing officer, Chevrolet.

“The Corvette E-Ray is a special product for Chevrolet, and we are honoured that the proceeds from the sale of VIN 001 will aid this organisation in supporting students and teachers around the nation.”

Including Corvette E-Ray VIN #001, eighth generation Corvettes that Chevrolet have provided for Barrett-Jackson auctions have raised a total of US$9.1 million for charity.