A rather important anniversary for the United States taking place in 2026, it's not surprising to learn that Detroit’s automakers are getting in on the semiquincentennial festivities. And while Chevrolet already highlighted its forthcoming limited run of Stars and Steel Edition 'Vettes, the series actually begins with this bespoke, one-of-one ZR1X slated for auction at Barrett-Jackson’s annual Scottsdale event a one-off that may presage big things to come for America's Sports Car in the future.

Road & Track sat down with Chevrolet global design executive director Phil Zak to go over just what makes this particular ZR1X so special, and what it means for Corvette buyers in the future.

For those who aren’t up to speed on special edition Corvettes, the Stars and Steel model is limited to just 250 units spread across Stingray, Z06, E-Ray, ZR1, and ZR1X models. The package is tied to 3LT/3LZ trims, with each being finished in either Arctic White over Santorini Blue or Black with over Adrenaline Red.
The package also includes bespoke graphics packages inspired by the American flag, as well as unique badging inside and out. That alone wasn’t quite enough of a celebration of America for the Corvette team, who opted to create an additional one-of-one model with its own bespoke take on the theme.

This isn’t the typical one-of-a-kind Corvette that you'd see at your local Cars and Coffee. Unlike the rest of the Stars and Steel cars, this one-off model is finished in a unique hue known as Blue Dark Satin Steel.
The color is entirely unique to this project, and has never found its way to a production car. With a color so special (and challenging to spray), the team selected the crew at GM’s Design Fabrication Shop in Warren, Michigan to hand paint the car. That’s not the sort of treatment you generally get on a mass-produced machine.

“It’s the same team that actually did the CX and CX.R Concept,” said Zak. “It’s the same design team that kind of pulled those together—[they] are the ones that worked on this bespoke car.”

This is only the second time that a Corvette has worn a satin hue since the C2 generation, following last year’s Quail Silver Edition models that arrived at Pebble Beach. That special program actually played more of a role with this car than one might think, as according to Zak, it sort of opened GM’s eyes to just how badly customers want fully customized vehicles.

“If you look at The Quail edition vehicle that we did when we launched the CX and CX.R, we’re starting to appeal to a broad range of customers, and some would like more vehicles that are bespoke,” said Zak. “So we’re able to kind of walk into that arena right now, and that’s one thing that we’re just kind of experimenting with. What can we do?”

The level of performance on offer from the ZR1 and ZR1X have also attracted a slightly different buyer than Corvettes of yesteryear—specifically, buyers with more money to spend, and with more expectations for what that cash brings them. As such, Chevrolet is slowly starting to investigate more ways of bringing something like the Porsche Sonderwunsch, Ferrari Tailor Made, or Lamborghini Ad Personam experience to their buyers.
“Now as we're getting into higher level trims, and we’re getting into a customer that has a literal thicker wallet, for them, bespoke is different: ‘I want like, bespoke. I want one-of-one,'" said Zak.

"So that’s what this as well; we get the plaque inside that really shows this is a one-of-one, we’re not going to do any additional. We’re starting to kind of test the waters, if you will, on that side of the fence: how can we take our customization that we have now and expand on it."

"When we went to The Quail, the response we got was just incredible. And that buyer there, it's not like, ‘What does this cost?’ It's just, ‘I want this, and this, and this, go build it.’ It’s like, whoa, we’re kind of not there yet, but you just start to get that enthusiasm. And [ZR1] packs the pedigree to actually compete with others.”

That sure sounds like we can expect to see more unique Corvettes in the future. Given how successful those programs have been at satisfying customers and printing money for European brands, it seems like a no-brainer for GM. That said, the Corvette is produced at far higher volumes than most sports cars, and its factory isn’t naturally set up for that level of customization. But that doesn’t mean the folks down in Bowling Green can’t figure it out.

The bespoke experience doesn’t stop with this car’s exterior or badging. General Motors will offer the buyer a personalized delivery experience at the Design Dome in Warren, which is strictly off-limits to the public
. Virtually every Corvette has started its life in the dome since it first opened in 1956, making it a true part of the Corvette story. A GM spokesperson also noted that the buyer will be treated to a rather special welcome package, though they didn’t want to spoil the surprise.

Before all of that, the buyer will also be invited down to Bowling Green to participate in building the engine that’ll power the one-off. You’ll even get your name on the engine plaque, which is a rather large flex at the local car meet.

This special Corvette is heading to Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale auction, and is slated to cross the block on January 24. General Motors will donate 100 percent of the hammer price to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Siller was a New York Fire Department firefighter who ran several miles through the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel in full gear to the World Trade Center before making the ultimate sacrifice on September 11th, 2001, and the organization honors his memory by supplying veterans and first responders with mortgage-free homes, as well as custom-built units to accommodate those injured in the line of duty. So bid high.

Also
Chevy is proud to mark next year’s historic milestone in American history, the 250th anniversary of the United States, with the unveiling of the Stars & Steel *1 Collection, a curated lineup of uniquely designed vehicles that embody purpose-driven patriotism and American craftsmanship.
The Stars & Steel Collection leverages modernized design elements inspired by the American flag.
Each vehicle in the collection is proudly assembled in the United States2, showcasing Chevrolet’s commitment to domestic innovation.

Chevy’s strong presence in the U.S. today is due in large part to the brand’s broad offering of products, servicing the needs of a wide swath of households in the country. As a result, almost 87% of Americans live within 10 miles of a Chevrolet dealership.
A Broad, Limited-Edition Lineup for 2026

“The Stars & Steel Collection celebrates a key milestone for the country that not only served as the birthplace of our brand but has also been its home for nearly 115 years,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Global Chevrolet. “Each vehicle in this collection is proudly assembled in the United States and honors the rich legacy of our nation.”

Spanning five models, the collection will feature exclusive special editions and appearance packages across Chevrolet’s 2026 lineup, including the Corvette, Silverado EV, Silverado LD, Silverado HD and Colorado. Each vehicle receives curated exterior and interior color combinations, American flag-inspired graphics and select premium options that underscore patriotism.

Supporting Veterans and Military Families

For every Stars & Steel vehicle sold, Chevrolet will donate $250 to nonprofits that support the veteran community.
In addition, a “one of one” 2026 Corvette ZR1X with Stars and Steel inspired design will be auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Winter Auction on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, with 100% of the hammer price supporting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Tunnel to Towers is a nonprofit organization that honors fallen first responders and supports injured veterans and their families through mortgage-free homes and financial assistance.

Public Debut at the 2025 Army–Navy Game

The Stars & Steel Collection will make its first public appearance at the Army-Navy Game presented by USAA at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025.
Corvette: Stars & Steel Limited Edition (250 Units)

The Corvette Stars & Steel Limited Edition will be an exclusive run of just 250 total units and available on all models from Stingray to ZR1X, offered in coupe or convertible styles on 3LT/3LZ trims only. Only the Corvette lineup will be limited to 250.
Buyers can choose Arctic White with a Santorini Blue interior or Black with an Adrenaline Red interior. Each limited edition includes:

• American Flag inspired full-length stripes in Satin Silver or Satin Black and “250” flag graphics on doors and spoiler ends (when properly equipped)
• Unique sill plates and interior plaque featuring build sequence number
• Black Gloss, Carbon-Flash, or available Carbon Fiber Wheels (depending on model)
• Red accents: Edge Red Calipers, Red Seat belts, Floor Mats with Red Stitching and Edge Red Engine Cover on select models
• Black exhaust tips & select accessories by model

Silverado EV: Stars & Steel Special Edition
The Silverado EV Stars & Steel Special Edition will be available on the RST Crew Cab trim. It features a Summit White or Black exterior colors, and a Sky Cool Gray interior with bucket seats, offering a bold electric interpretation of the Stars & Steel theme. Each special edition includes:

• American Flag inspired stripes in Satin Silver or Satin Black and “250” flag graphics
• 24" High-Gloss Black wheels
• All-new Brembo heavy duty brake system with red six-piston front calipers and larger 15.7-inch brake disc for improved pedal feel, fade resistance and stopping power in all conditions
• Black Nameplates

Silverado Light Duty: Stars & Steel Special Edition

The Silverado LD Stars & Steel Special Edition is available on the RST Crew Cab Short Box 4WD. It pairs a 6.2L engine with either Summit White or Black exterior paint and a Jet Black interior. Each special edition includes:

• American Flag inspired stripes in Satin Silver or Satin Black and “250” flag graphics
• 22" High-Gloss Black wheels
• Brembo performance brake system with red six-piston front calipers for ultimate braking confidence in towing and daily driving Black exhaust tips
• Performance air intake
• 6" Black rectangular assist steps
• Protection Package including Spray-on bedliner and wheelhouse liners
• Dark Essentials blacked-out badging
• Soft roll Bed Cover with logo
• Convenience Package II and sunroof

Silverado Heavy Duty: Stars & Steel Special Edition

The Silverado HD Stars & Steel Special Edition is available on the LTZ Crew Cab Trail Boss 4WD. It pairs a 6.6L Duramax Diesel with either Summit White or Black exterior paint and a Black interior with bucket seats. Each special edition includes:

• American Flag inspired stripes in Satin Silver or Satin Black and “250” flag graphics
• Trail Boss Package w/ Spray In Bedliner
• 20” High-Gloss Black Wheels
• Z71 Off-Road Package
• LTZ Convenience Package II
• Off-Road High Clearance Assist Steps
• LTZ Plus Package
• Power Sunroof
• Max Trailering Package
• Gooseneck/5th Wheel Prep Package
• Soft Roll Bed Cover
• Floor Liner Package

Colorado: Stars & Steel Special Edition

The Colorado Stars & Steel Special Edition is available on the Trail Boss Crew Cab. It pairs a 2.7L, 4WD with either Summit White or Black exterior paint and a Black interior with bucket seats. Each special edition includes:

• American Flag inspired stripes in Satin Silver or Satin Black and “250” flag graphics
• Midnight Package w/Sport Bar & Light Bar
• Dark Essentials Badging
• 20” High Gloss Black Wheels
• Convenience Package 2
• Technology Package
• Skid Plate Package
• Black Exhaust Tip
• Red Tow Hooks
• Black Rocker Protectors
• Spray-on Bedliner
• Soft Roll Bed Cover
• Floor Liners

Stars & Steel Appearance Package

Chevrolet will also offer Stars & Steel appearance packages which create a cohesive patriotic theme across the truck lineup, uniting each model with Satin Silver or Satin Black American-flag striping and “250” graphics while tailoring
content to their trims. Together, the packages deliver a consistent and accessible appearance upgrade offering more flexibility for customers.

Availability

Each vehicle in the collection is proudly assembled in the United States2.
Production is expected to begin in early spring 2026, with package pricing to be announced at a later date.

Visit https://www.chevrolet.com/american-icon-250-year-anniversary for more information.

*1 The Stars and Steel Collection represents a design theme with dark metallic finishes and celestial accents, not built of steel.
2Of U.S. and globally sourced parts