If there is one car that holds American icon status above all others it's undoubtedly the Chevrolet Corvette, the original American racer.  For decades the Corvette has stood as the epitome of the Chevrolet brand and American individualism, shrugging off high priced Italian imports and tuning in favor of good old fashioned (and excellently honed) United States blood coursing through every corner, crevice, and turn of the sheet metal.

For proof of the car's legacy just look at collectors; from Barret-Jackson automotive auctions to the richest of the rich, those who can afford the older Corvettes in their untainted, originally factory-stamped forms are sought after as prized possessions among all automotive collectors.  In fact right here in Handy Chevrolet's hometown of St. Albans, VT, a local oil and gasoline tycoon houses nearly a dozen 100% original, prime condition, insanely low mileage Corvettes from the late 1950s through mid '60s, one of which he outbid the famous New York Yankee Reggie Jackson for due to the 'Vette's status among Corvettes as a unique piece (forgive my ignorance, but I believe it was a 1967 Corvette 397 or something like that).  What I mean to tell you with this little tale is that famous fellows from the three-home-run-hitting Jackson to local Jolley Associates employees love Corvettes.

So does it really come as a surprise that Chevrolet's releasing another super powered sports car next to its upcoming Chevy Camaro ZL1?

Dubbed by some as the "ultimate in sibling rivalry," the Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible is not only coming but it's coming fast; already having been spotted by news syndicates like AutoWeek and Car and Driver, and Edmunds.com, and the word on the proverbial street is that the car is a mean mother of god.

Being called by all but the heaviest of pundits as Chevrolet's coup d'etat in the Chevy Corvette realm, the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible marks the 60th anniversary of America's favorite vehicle.  As Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Motors' global marketing and strategy department has said, "the 2013 model year will be historic for Corvette, marking its 60th anniversary and the final year for the current 'C6' generation.  We couldn't think of a more fitting way to celebrate these milestones than bringing back one of the most coveted combinations in the brands history - the Corvette convertible and the 427 cubic-inch engine" (source:  Chevrolet In The News, "Chevy Unchains a New Corvette 427 Convertible," January 20, 2012).

Shown here in its current, upcoming form, the 2013 Chevy Corvette 427 Convertible displays the aggressive, modern lines of the Corvette Z06 or Corvette ZL1 while harkening back to earlier times with a bit of throwback design

The original, and arguably the best; this 1953 Corvette Roadster was the first Corvette model to come of the Detroit factory lines.  Loved instantly, low mileage versions of these cars are auctioned off for hundreds of thousands of dollars - to collectors that don't bat an eye.

So what does the Corvette 427 sound like?  Time will tell as we have yet to see one in person of course, but as far as specifications goes the list is deep.

• 7.0-liter LS7 hand-built engine
• 505 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft.
• 0-60 mph time of only 3.8 seconds
• An 11.8 second quarter mile
• Top speeds of over 190 miles per hour
• Only available in a six-speed manual transmission
• The Corvette Z06's rear axle system
• The Corvette ZR1-style Michelin PS2 tiresLightweight, machine faced wheels
• Magnetic selective ride controlCarbon fiber body work
• Race-tuned suspension

And there is much more to come as far as toys for racing fans.  Keep in mind that while the 2013 model year makes this Corvette 427 Convertible sound eons away, Chevy dealers in VT are said to get them this summer.  Stay tuned for more details, email your sales consultant today, or subscribe to our blog for up to the minute news delivered straight to your inbox.

Chris Dugan
Handy Chevrolet
St. Albans, VT  05478