Inappropriate Power for the Owner
Imagine the situation: after months of waiting, you finally receive your dream—a brand new Corvette ZR1, one of the fastest and most powerful production cars in the world. You feel like the happiest person in America, but just an hour into the drive, you realize you are also the most terrified. This is reportedly what happened to the owner of a 2026 model, who is now putting his almost unused supercar up for auction on Bring a Trailer.
Reason for Sale
The gleaming white car has only 40 miles on the odometer, and the dealer handling the sale insists that the owner is not a flipper trying to profit from early deliveries. Instead, he simply found the car’s power to be too much for him. In the listing comments, the dealer notes: “Our client did not purchase this car for resale… he genuinely wanted it. To get this model, he first had to buy a Z06 above the recommended price and then trade it in for a ZR1, also overpaying. He loves this car, but 1064 horsepower is more than he needs.”
Technical Specifications
With a twin-turbo 5.5-liter LT7 V8 engine producing 1064 hp and 828 lb-ft of torque, the 2026 ZR1 exceeds the needs of any driver. Such energy can turn even confident car enthusiasts into frightened passengers in their own car.
Equipment and Cost
The listing showcases the ZR1 in perfect condition, equipped with the 3LZ package (GT2 seats, Bose audio system) and the $4395 ZTK package (special dampers, carbon-ceramic brakes, Michelin Cup 2R tires). A $10,495 carbon fiber aero package was also added, including a Gurney flap on the hood, front spoilers, and other elements. The total cost of the car for the seller was $214,800, while the base price starts at $182,395. Demand for the ZR1 has caused prices to skyrocket, and at the time of writing, the bid for this specimen had reached $296,000, with one day remaining until the auction ends.
Risks for Buyers
Although a ZR1 for $300,000 seems like a better deal compared to other supercars, there is concern that the appearance of the new ZR1X model could lower ZR1 prices, as has already happened with the Z06. Another serious factor is the warranty: General Motors has announced the voiding of warranties on cars sold by flippers to prevent speculation. If this applies to this case, the new owner will be forced to seek third-party insurance.
This story highlights how technological progress in the automotive industry sometimes outpaces the psychological readiness of drivers. Even the most experienced car enthusiasts can face unexpected challenges when it comes to handling super-powerful machines. Similar cases of selling almost new cars due to fear of power are becoming increasingly common, forcing manufacturers to reconsider approaches to safety and adapting technology to different levels of experience.