The Chevrolet Corvette has a special place in the heart of many collectors and they should pay attention as a 2006 Z06 prototype is going up for auction.
Set to go under the hammer next month, the car is reportedly the first second-generation Z06 built at Bowling Green assembly and has a serial number rather than a VIN.
While the listing doesn’t go into many specifics, it says the car was driven on the Autobahn as well as several tracks – including Spa-Fracorchamps, the Nürburgring, and Virginia International Raceway – during the testing and development process.
Also: See How The Corvette Z06 Has Evolved Through Four Generations On The Track
The listing goes on to say Tony Rifici used the model to hit speeds in excess of 200 mph (322 km/h) on the Autobahn, while Patrick Herrmann set an average speed of 198.6 mph (319.6 km/h) during runs in opposite directions. The vehicle was also used in press events and Jan Magnussen used it to lap the Nürburgring in 7:42.99.
While the car doesn’t look too remarkable from the outside, the interior hints at its prototype status with Sparco Evo L seats featuring five-point harnesses. They’re joined by a fire suppression system, a rear brace, and wiring that was apparently used for data logging.
Following its grueling early life, the car was “refreshed” in 2008. As part of the effort, the model was equipped with a new 7.0-liter V8 engine developing 505 hp (377 kW / 512 PS). The model was also outfitted with a new torque tube and a new six-speed manual transmission.
Corvette prototypes don’t come up for auction very often, and this one includes “original paperwork and historical documents.” It also goes without saying the car isn’t street legal and is sold on a bill of sale,
