2013 Corvette 427 Convertible: Celebrating 60 Years of American Performance

DETROIT – Chevrolet marked a significant milestone in Corvette history with the unveiling of the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition. This model not only celebrated the iconic sports car’s 60th anniversary but also served as the final and arguably most potent iteration of the C6 generation. Alongside this special edition, Chevrolet introduced a 60th Anniversary Package available across the entire 2013 Corvette lineup, ensuring all models could partake in the diamond jubilee celebrations.

2013 Corvette 427 Convertible 60th Anniversary Edition front view

Chris Perry, then Vice President of Global Marketing and Strategy for Chevrolet, emphasized the historical importance of the 2013 model year, recognizing both the 60th Anniversary and the conclusion of the C6 era. He stated that bringing back the revered combination of a Corvette convertible with a high-performance 427 cubic-inch engine was the perfect way to commemorate these landmarks. The 60th Anniversary Package and the 427 Convertible made their debut at the prestigious Barrett-Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, in January 2012, building anticipation for their arrival at Chevrolet dealerships that summer.

The Pinnacle of C6 Convertibles: Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition

The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition stands as a testament to Chevrolet’s engineering prowess, effectively merging elements from the high-performance Z06 and ZR1 models. This fusion resulted in the fastest and most capable convertible Corvette ever produced up to that point, delivering an unparalleled open-top driving experience.

At the heart of this exceptional vehicle lies the formidable 427-cubic-inch (7.0L) LS7 V-8 engine, borrowed directly from the Corvette Z06. This naturally aspirated powerhouse delivers a staggering 505 horsepower (377 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm). It’s the most powerful engine ever fitted to a production Corvette convertible, ensuring breathtaking acceleration and performance. Reflecting its performance pedigree, the 427 Convertible was exclusively paired with a six-speed manual transmission, appealing to driving purists.

The LS7 engine’s design is rooted in Corvette’s Le Mans-winning GT1 racing program, incorporating advanced materials and technologies. Lightweight titanium connecting rods and intake valves contribute to the engine’s high-revving nature and responsiveness. Racing-inspired high-flow cylinder heads optimize airflow, while a dry-sump oiling system ensures consistent lubrication even under extreme cornering forces. Adding to its exclusivity, each LS7 engine is hand-assembled at GM’s Performance Build Center. Owners of the 427 Convertible Collector Edition were even offered the unique Corvette Build Experience option, allowing them to personally participate in assembling the engine for their car.

The performance enhancements extended beyond the engine. The 427 Convertible adopted the robust driveline and rear axle system from the Corvette Z06 to handle the increased power. A rear-mounted battery further optimized weight distribution, contributing to balanced handling. Standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control provided real-time adjustable suspension damping, adapting to road conditions and driver inputs for optimal ride and handling. The car rode on 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, wrapped in high-performance ZR1-style Michelin PS2 tires, ensuring exceptional grip. Lightweight machine-face Cup wheels, initially featured on the 2012 Corvette Z06 and ZR1 performance packages, were standard, adding to the car’s aggressive stance. Optional black Cup wheels or chrome ZR1-style wheels offered further customization.

Weight reduction was a crucial factor in achieving the 427 Convertible’s remarkable performance. Carbon fiber components were strategically used throughout the vehicle, including:

• A distinctive carbon fiber raised hood, originally introduced on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Edition.
• Lightweight carbon fiber Z06-style fenders.
• Carbon fiber floor panels, reducing overall weight and lowering the center of gravity.
• Optional “CFZ” carbon fiber front splitter and rocker panels, which were included with the 60th Anniversary package, further enhancing aerodynamics and visual appeal.

These weight-saving measures brought the 427 Convertible’s curb weight down to an impressive 3,355 pounds (1,522 kg). Combined with its 505-horsepower LS7 engine, this resulted in a phenomenal power-to-weight ratio of 6.64 pounds per horsepower. This figure surpassed competitors like the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, Audi R8 5.2 RSI Spyder, Aston Martin DBS Volante Convertible, and Ferrari California Convertible, highlighting the Corvette’s superior performance in its class.

This potent combination of low weight and high power translated into exhilarating performance figures. The 427 Convertible was estimated to achieve 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, complete the quarter-mile in 11.8 seconds, achieve a lateral acceleration of 1.04 g, and reach a top speed exceeding 190 mph. Available in 2LT, 3LT, and 4LT trim levels, the 427 Convertible also featured a unique vehicle identification number sequence, similar to the Corvette ZR1, further emphasizing its exclusivity and collector status.

60th Anniversary Package: A Diamond Jubilee Celebration

To commemorate six decades of Corvette heritage, the 60th Anniversary Package was offered across all 2013 Corvette models, including the 427 Convertible. This package featured a distinctive Arctic White exterior finish paired with a luxurious Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior accented with suede. Convertible models received a striking blue top, completing the celebratory color scheme.

Additional elements of the 60th Anniversary Package included a ZR1-style rear spoiler, special 60th Anniversary badging, gray-painted brake calipers, and the “60th” logo 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 subtly stitched into the convertible top, extending the anniversary theme across the vehicle’s design. Furthermore, all 2013 Corvettes featured 60th Anniversary badges on the front and rear fascias and the “waterfall” panel on convertible models. The 60th logo was also incorporated into the instrument panel gauge cluster and sill plates, ensuring the anniversary was celebrated throughout the car.

Auction for Charity: The First 427 Convertible

Adding to the exclusivity and significance of the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible, the very first production model offered to the public was auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale event on January 21, 2012. Chevrolet partnered with Hendrick Motorsports, enlisting the support of NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon and team owner Rick Hendrick for this charitable endeavor. The auction proceeds were donated to AARP’s Drive to End Hunger initiative, a cause dedicated to addressing hunger among older Americans, linking this special Corvette to a meaningful social impact.

The Legacy of 427 Corvettes: A Performance Pedigree

The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible was not just a celebration of an anniversary; it was also a revival of a legendary engine displacement deeply rooted in Corvette history. Early 427-powered Corvettes, particularly those produced from 1966 to 1969, are among the most highly sought-after and collectible Corvettes ever created.

The 427 cubic-inch engine first appeared in the Corvette lineup for the 1966 model year. Initially, two versions were offered: the “L30” rated at 390 horsepower and the more potent “L72” delivering 425 horsepower, both producing a substantial 460 lb-ft of torque. The 427 engine range expanded in 1967 with the introduction of the “L71” and “L88” options. The L71 featured a unique triple-carburetor setup, boosting output to 435 horsepower. These “427/435” Corvettes, especially the convertible variants, became highly prized by collectors. The “L88” engine, despite being officially rated at 430 horsepower (with a single four-barrel carburetor), was designed for racing, featuring racing-tuned aluminum heads. Only 216 Corvettes were equipped with the L88 engine between 1967 and 1969, making them exceptionally rare.

In 1969, the “L89” engine combined the L71’s triple-carburetor system with the L88’s aluminum heads, offering maximum horsepower with a weight reduction compared to standard iron heads. That same year, Chevrolet also produced two “ZL1” 427 Corvette coupes. The ZL1 engine was an all-aluminum version of the L88, providing a significant weight advantage for racing applications. While only a few ZL1 Corvettes were factory-built, the engines were also sold as crate engines to racers. By 1970, the big-block engine in Corvettes grew to 454 cubic inches, marking a shift as the era of high-compression, high-performance engines began to evolve. However, the brief four-year run of 427 Corvettes had solidified itself as a golden age of American performance.

Commemorative Corvette Editions: A Continuing Tradition

While rare and low-production Corvettes have existed since its inception in 1953, Chevrolet officially began producing commemorative models with the 25th Anniversary model in 1978, also known as the Silver Anniversary Corvette. This tradition continued with a Collector Edition at the end of the Corvette’s third generation in 1982. These special editions established a pattern for Chevrolet, with milestone anniversary and generational collector-edition models being offered ever since. The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible uniquely represented the first instance where both a Collector Edition and an Anniversary Edition were offered in the same year and available on the same vehicle, making it a truly special and collectible Corvette.

Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet has grown into one of the world’s largest automotive brands, operating in over 140 countries and selling more than 4 million vehicles annually. Chevrolet is committed to providing customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that offer spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. Further information about Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

2013 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 427 CONVERTIBLE COLLECTOR EDITION – PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

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