Kiss frontman Paul Stanley knows that his Chevrolet C8 Corvette is a “collector’s dream” and therefore he wants to make sure it goes to someone who can really appreciate it.
The rocker is teaming up with Barrett-Jackson to sell his 2022 Stingray convertible at the auction house’s upcoming sale in Las Vegas. However, this is not just any old celebrity-owned car – it was first C8 to roll off the line during the last model year.
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Stanley, also known as Starchild, and Corvette go far back. In fact, the sports car was the first new vehicle the singer and guitarist bought for himself in 1977, following his band’s breakthrough earlier that decade, according to Barrett-Jackson. He had later become acquainted with some General Motors higher-ups at the launch of the C7 in 2013 and was even asked to help design a special SEMA version of that car next year. When the 2022 C8 convertible was announced, he hurried to insert his reservation. GM noticed and decided to treat him to something special: the first car from the model year’s production.
Barrett-Jackson
That’s right, the Stanley 2022 C8 convertible is the VIN 001. The rocker already owns a 2020 Stingray coupe, knows how special it makes the car, but it also made him wonder if someone else would make better use of the vehicle. After deciding that he “could not do it justice”, Stanley decided that the best thing was to auction it off.
“I want to make it available to anyone who might be able to get more out of it, whether it’s for adding to a collection or for running it,” he said in the statement.
Barrett-Jackson
The winning bidder gets more than just a car with a rich pedigree and coveted number. Stanley’s convertible comes in a beautiful coating of Red Mist Metallic with accentuation of glossy black aero elements including a rear wing. This shade is quite nicely offset by the vehicle’s saddle interior and tin wheels, which help give it a warmer feel than you usually get from American sports cars. Under the bonnet is a 6.2-liter LT2 V8, which is paired with an eight-speed manual and capable of propelling 490 hp and a torque of 465 ft lbs.
You have your chance to bid on Stanley’s C8 convertible during Barrett-Jackson’s Las Vegas event, which runs from June 30 to July 2. The vehicle is sold without reservation and comes with a signed Ibanez PS120, which is the rocker’s signature guitar. Be warned though, VIN 001 ‘Vettes can go for a lot.
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