The 2013 model year marked a significant milestone for Chevrolet Corvette, celebrating its 60th anniversary and signaling the end of the iconic ‘C6’ generation. To commemorate this historic year, Chevrolet unveiled a special model that resonated with Corvette enthusiasts: the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition. This model not only paid homage to Corvette’s rich heritage but also stood as the fastest and most capable convertible in the brand’s history. Alongside this collector edition, Chevrolet also introduced a 60th Anniversary Package available across the entire 2013 Corvette lineup, making the anniversary accessible to all Corvette aficionados.
2013 Corvette 427 Convertible 60th Anniversary Edition front view
The unveiling of the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition was a strategic move by Chevrolet to honor Corvette’s legacy while pushing the boundaries of performance. As Chris Perry, then Vice President of Global Marketing and Strategy for Chevrolet, stated, bringing back the revered combination of a Corvette convertible with a 427 cubic-inch engine was the perfect way to celebrate these milestones. This announcement was met with enthusiasm from the Corvette community and the automotive world alike, eagerly anticipating the arrival of this special edition. The public debut of both the 427 Convertible and the 60th Anniversary Package was scheduled for the prestigious Barrett-Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, in January 2012, setting the stage for their release to U.S. Chevrolet dealerships in the summer of the same year.
Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition: The Pinnacle of Convertible Performance
The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition was engineered to be the ultimate open-top Corvette of its time, seamlessly blending elements from the high-performance Z06 and ZR1 models. Its defining feature was the heart-pounding 427-cubic-inch (7.0L) LS7 V-8 engine, borrowed directly from the Corvette Z06. This naturally aspirated powerhouse delivers an impressive 505 horsepower (377 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm), making it the most potent engine ever fitted in a production Corvette convertible. Staying true to its performance pedigree, the 427 Convertible was exclusively paired with a six-speed manual transmission, appealing to driving purists who crave direct engagement and control.
The LS7 engine itself is a marvel of engineering, co-developed with the engine that propelled Corvette to victory at Le Mans. It boasts lightweight titanium connecting rods and intake valves, contributing to its 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 assemble the engine that would power their very own car, creating an unparalleled connection to their vehicle.
Further enhancing its performance capabilities, the 427 Convertible inherited key components from the Z06 and ZR1. These included the robust driveline and rear axle system from the Z06, a rear-mounted battery for improved weight distribution, and standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control, allowing drivers to adjust suspension stiffness on the fly. The car rode on 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, wrapped in high-performance ZR1-style Michelin PS2 tires, ensuring exceptional grip and handling. Lightweight machine-face Cup wheels, initially introduced on the 2012 Corvette Z06 and ZR1 with performance packages, were standard, featuring distinctive gray-painted pockets. For those seeking different aesthetics, black Cup wheels or chrome ZR1-style wheels were also available options.
To further amplify performance, the 427 Convertible incorporated significant weight-saving measures through the use of carbon fiber components. These included a carbon fiber raised hood (first seen on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Edition), carbon fiber Z06-style fenders, and carbon fiber floor panels. Optional “CFZ” carbon fiber front splitter and rocker panels were also available for the 427 Convertible, and were included as part of the 60th Anniversary package, further reducing weight and enhancing aerodynamics.
These weight reduction efforts brought the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible to a curb weight of just 3,355 pounds (1,522 kg). When combined with its 505-horsepower LS7 engine, this resulted in a remarkable power-to-weight ratio of 6.64 pounds per horsepower. This superior ratio placed it ahead of competitors like the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, Audi R8 5.2 RSI Spyder, Aston Martin DBS Volante Convertible, and Ferrari California Convertible in terms of power-to-weight dynamics, translating to exhilarating performance on the road and track.
The combination of its lightweight construction and high-output engine propelled the 427 Convertible into the realm of world-class performance convertibles. Chevrolet estimated a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 3.8 seconds, a quarter-mile time of 11.8 seconds, lateral acceleration of 1.04 g, and a top speed exceeding 190 mph. These figures underscored its status as not just a collector’s item, but a true performance machine.
The 427 Convertible was offered in 2LT, 3LT, and 4LT trim levels, allowing buyers to customize the interior and features to their preferences. Each car also received a unique vehicle identification number sequence, similar to the Corvette ZR1, further emphasizing its exclusivity and collector status.
Corvette 60th Anniversary Package: A Celebration for Every Corvette
Recognizing the significance of the 60th anniversary, Chevrolet made sure the celebration extended beyond the exclusive 427 Convertible. The 60th Anniversary Package was made available for all 2013 Corvette models, including the 427 Convertible, allowing every Corvette owner to partake in the diamond anniversary.
The hallmark of the 60th Anniversary Package was its distinctive aesthetic treatment. All equipped Corvettes featured an exclusive Arctic White exterior finish, accented by a Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior with elegant suede accents. Convertible models received a complementary blue top, completing the patriotic color scheme. Additional enhancements included a ZR1-style rear spoiler, special 60th Anniversary badging, gray-painted brake calipers, and the “60th” logo tastefully applied to the wheel center caps, steering wheel, and seat headrests. For those desiring an even bolder anniversary statement, an optional graphics package added full-length racing stripes in Pearl Silver Blue, including a tonal stripe seamlessly stitched into the convertible top, extending the graphic theme across the car’s profile.
Beyond the specific package, all 2013 Corvettes received subtle yet significant 60th Anniversary touches. These included 60th Anniversary badges on the front and rear fascias, and on the “waterfall” panel on convertible models. Inside, the instrument panel gauge cluster and sill plates also featured the commemorative 60th logos, subtly reminding drivers of the historic year of their Corvette.
A Legacy of 427 Power: Corvette’s Big-Block Heritage
The introduction of the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible was not just about celebrating 60 years; it was also a nod to the legendary 427-powered Corvettes of the past. Early 427 Corvettes, particularly the convertibles produced from 1966 to 1969, are among the most highly sought-after and collectible Corvettes ever made.
The original 427 engine debuted in the 1966 Corvette model year. Initially, two versions were offered: the “L30” rated at 390 horsepower and the more potent “L72,” delivering 425 horsepower. Both variants produced a substantial 460 lb-ft of torque, offering thrilling performance for the era.
The 427 engine lineup expanded in 1967 with the addition of the “L71” and “L88” options. The L71, famously known as the “427/435,” employed a unique triple-carburetor induction system, boosting output to 435 horsepower. These ’67 models, especially the convertibles, became icons and remain 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, it was intended for customers who planned to transform their new Corvette into a track machine. The L88 was a rare option, installed in only 216 production Corvettes between 1967 and 1969, adding to its mystique and collectibility.
In 1969, the “L89” engine combined the L71’s triple-carb setup with the L88’s aluminum heads, offering maximum horsepower with a significant weight reduction over standard iron heads. Also in 1969, Chevrolet developed two “ZL1” 427 Corvette coupes. The ZL1 engine was an all-aluminum version of the L88, providing an even greater weight advantage for racing applications. While only two ZL1 Corvettes were factory-built, more engines were sold as crate engines to racers, further cementing the 427’s racing legacy.
By 1970, the big-block engine in Corvettes grew to 454 cubic inches, marking the end of the four-year golden era of 427-powered Corvettes and coinciding with a shift away from high-compression, high-performance engines in the automotive industry.
Commemorative Editions: A Corvette Tradition
Chevrolet has a long-standing tradition of creating commemorative editions to mark significant milestones in Corvette’s history. While rare and low-production Corvettes existed from its inception in 1953, the official commemorative series began in 1978 with the 25th Anniversary model, also known as the Silver Anniversary Corvette. This tradition continued through subsequent generations, with collector editions and anniversary models becoming a recurring feature of the Corvette lineage.
The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition holds a unique place in this tradition, as it represents the first time a Collector Edition and an Anniversary Edition were offered in the same year, and available on the same car. This dual designation underscored the significance of the 2013 model year, celebrating both the 60th anniversary and the end of an era with the C6 generation. The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible stands as a fitting tribute to Corvette’s past, a celebration of its present performance, and a highly collectible model for the future.
(Specifications Table as in the original article would be placed here)
