2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition: The Pinnacle of C6 Performance

The 2013 model year marked a significant milestone for Chevrolet Corvette, celebrating its 60th anniversary and serving as the final year for the iconic ‘C6’ generation. To commemorate these landmark occasions, Chevrolet unveiled a truly special vehicle: the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition. This model wasn’t just another Corvette; it was engineered to be the fastest and most capable convertible in the brand’s storied history, bringing back a legendary engine displacement and combining it with modern performance technology.

2013 Corvette 427 Convertible 60th Anniversary Edition front view

The unveiling of the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition was a highlight, capturing the essence of Corvette’s performance legacy while looking forward to the future. Alongside this special edition, Chevrolet also introduced a 60th Anniversary Package available across all 2013 Corvette models, further emphasizing the celebratory nature of the year. Both the 427 Convertible and the Anniversary Package made their debut at the prestigious Barrett-Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, signaling their importance to enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Unleashing the Legendary 427: The Heart of the Beast

At the core of the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition lies the formidable 7.0L (427 cubic inch) LS7 V-8 engine, borrowed from the esteemed Corvette Z06. This hand-built powerhouse delivers an astounding 505 horsepower (377 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm), making it the most potent engine ever installed in a production Corvette convertible. Exclusively paired with a six-speed manual transmission, the 427 Convertible offers a purist driving experience that connects the driver directly to the raw power under the hood.

The LS7 engine is not just about brute force; it’s a marvel of engineering. Co-developed with the engine that powered Corvette’s Le Mans-winning GT1 race cars, it incorporates lightweight titanium connecting rods and intake valves, racing-derived high-flow cylinder heads, and a dry-sump oiling system. This sophisticated design ensures exceptional performance and reliability, whether on the road or the track. Adding to the exclusivity, customers who purchased the 427 Convertible Collector Edition had the unique option to participate in the Corvette Build Experience, personally assembling the engine that would power their very own car at GM’s Performance Build Center.

Performance Engineering: Z06 DNA in a Convertible Form

The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition masterfully blends elements from the Z06 and ZR1 models to achieve its status as the fastest and most capable convertible Corvette. Beyond the LS7 engine, it incorporates key performance components to ensure exceptional handling and driving dynamics.

It shares the driveline and rear axle system with the Corvette Z06, contributing to its robust and responsive performance. A rear-mounted battery further optimizes weight distribution, enhancing balance and handling. Standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control provides real-time damping adjustments, adapting to road conditions and driving style to deliver both comfort and track-ready control.

The rolling stock is equally impressive, featuring standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels wrapped in ZR1-style Michelin PS2 tires, ensuring maximum grip and cornering capability. Lightweight machine-face Cup wheels, originally introduced on the 2012 Corvette Z06 and ZR1 performance packages, come standard and feature distinctive gray-painted pockets. Optional black Cup wheels or chrome ZR1-style wheels offered further customization.

Lightweight Construction: Carbon Fiber Enhancements

To maximize performance, the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition incorporates significant weight-saving measures through the use of carbon fiber components. These elements not only reduce overall weight but also contribute to a lower center of gravity and improved handling. Key carbon fiber parts include:

• Carbon fiber raised hood: First seen on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Edition, this hood reduces weight at the front of the car, improving responsiveness.
• Carbon fiber Z06-style fenders: Wider and lighter than standard fenders, they accommodate larger wheels and tires while reducing mass.
• Carbon fiber floor panels: Replacing heavier conventional materials, these panels contribute to overall weight reduction and increased structural rigidity.
• Optional Carbon Fiber Ground Effects: The “CFZ” carbon fiber front splitter and rocker panels, optional on the 427 Convertible and included with the 60th Anniversary package, further enhance aerodynamics and reduce lift.

These weight-saving measures bring the 427 Convertible’s curb weight down to an impressive 3,355 pounds (1,522 kg). This, combined with the 505-horsepower LS7 engine, results in a remarkable power-to-weight ratio of 6.64 pounds per horsepower. This superior ratio outclasses competitors like the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, Audi R8 5.2 RSI Spyder, Aston Martin DBS Volante Convertible, and Ferrari California Convertible, underscoring the Corvette’s performance dominance.

Performance Metrics: Speed and Agility

The combination of powerful engine and lightweight construction translates to exhilarating performance figures. The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible is not just fast in a straight line; it’s engineered for all-around performance:

• 0-60 mph: Estimated 3.8 seconds
• Quarter-mile: Estimated 11.8 seconds
• Lateral acceleration: 1.04 g
• Top speed: Over 190 mph

These numbers place the 427 Convertible among the fastest convertibles globally, delivering a driving experience that is both thrilling and refined. Available in 2LT, 3LT, and 4LT trim levels, the 427 Convertible also features a unique vehicle identification number sequence, similar to the high-performance Corvette ZR1, further highlighting its special status.

60th Anniversary Package: A Celebration of Corvette Heritage

To further commemorate Corvette’s 60th anniversary, all 2013 Corvette models, including the 427 Convertible, were offered with a special 60th Anniversary Package. This package added unique aesthetic enhancements that celebrated Corvette’s rich history.

The 60th Anniversary Package is characterized by an exclusive Arctic White exterior finish complemented by a Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior with elegant suede accents. Convertible models featured a distinctive blue top, adding to the visual appeal. Additional elements included a ZR1-style rear spoiler, special 60th Anniversary badging, gray-painted brake calipers, and the “60th” logo tastefully placed on the wheel center caps, steering wheel, and seat headrests. An optional graphics package added full-length racing stripes in Pearl Silver Blue, with a tonal stripe stitched into the convertible top, extending the visual theme seamlessly over the car’s silhouette.

Beyond the specific package, all 2013 Corvettes received 60th Anniversary badges on the fascias and the “waterfall” panel on convertible models. The instrument panel gauge cluster and sill plates also featured the 60th logo, ensuring that the anniversary theme was subtly yet consistently present throughout the entire Corvette lineup for the 2013 model year.

Charity and Collectibility: The First 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible

Adding another layer of significance, the very first 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible offered to the public was auctioned off at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale event on January 21st. Chevrolet partnered with Hendrick Motorsports for this charity auction, bringing together NASCAR icons Jeff Gordon and team owner Rick Hendrick. The proceeds from this sale were donated to AARP’s Drive to End Hunger initiative, a program aimed at combating hunger among older Americans.

This charitable auction not only raised funds for a worthy cause but also underscored the collectibility of the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition. As a limited-production model celebrating a major anniversary and featuring a unique combination of performance and heritage, it was destined to become a sought-after vehicle for collectors.

The Legacy of 427 Corvettes: A Golden Era of Performance

The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition is not just a standalone model; it’s a continuation of a storied lineage of 427-powered Corvettes that stretches back to the 1960s. Early 427 Corvettes, particularly those produced between 1966 and 1969, are highly prized by collectors and represent a golden era of Corvette performance.

The first 427 engine appeared in the 1966 Corvette, offered in two initial performance variants: the “L30” rated at 390 horsepower and the more potent “L72” producing 425 horsepower. Both versions delivered a substantial 460 lb-ft of torque. The 427 engine lineup expanded in 1967 with the introduction of the “L71” and “L88” options. The L71, with its triple-carburetor induction system, boosted output to 435 horsepower, creating the legendary “427/435” Corvettes, which are especially coveted in convertible form. The “L88” engine, despite being officially rated at 430 horsepower (with a single four-barrel carburetor), was designed for racing and featured racing-tuned aluminum heads. Only a limited number of L88 Corvettes were produced between 1967 and 1969, further enhancing their rarity.

In 1969, the “L89” engine combined the L71’s induction with the L88’s aluminum heads, offering a performance advantage with reduced weight. That same year also saw the creation of two “ZL1” 427 Corvette coupes, featuring an all-aluminum version of the L88 engine, primarily intended for racing applications.

By 1970, the big-block Corvette engine grew to 454 cubic inches, marking the end of the 427 era but solidifying its place as a performance icon. The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition serves as a modern embodiment of this powerful heritage.

Commemorative Corvette Editions: A Tradition of Excellence

Chevrolet has a long-standing tradition of creating commemorative Corvette models to mark significant anniversaries and generational transitions. While rare and low-production Corvettes existed from the beginning, the official commemorative series began in 1978 with the 25th Anniversary model, also known as the Silver Anniversary Corvette. This tradition continued with Collector Editions and Anniversary Editions through subsequent generations, solidifying these special models as integral parts of Corvette history.

The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible uniquely represents the convergence of both a Collector Edition and an Anniversary Edition within the same model year and on the same car. This dual designation underscores its significance as a vehicle that not only celebrates the 60th anniversary but also marks the end of the C6 generation with a high-performance collector’s item.

2013 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 427 CONVERTIBLE COLLECTOR EDITION – PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

* SAE certified. Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.