5694 original miles, 3LZ package, never raced or abused, no rain, like new!

You have to hand it to the Corvette engineers. Not only has every generation of Corvette gotten exponentially better than its predecessor, but they’ve been able to create a wide variety of distinctive models and options to tailor America’s sports car to almost anyone’s tastes. From the base car (which is shockingly good as it is) to the mighty supercharged ZR1, the C6 generation in particular was one hell of a performance. But of all the models offered in the sixth generation, it’s the Z06 that speaks most clearly to those of us with a penchant for competition, who test our skills on the track instead of at car shows, and who will actually use the car as intended and at its limits. And for that, the Z06 is a singularly potent weapon of awesome power and precision that, quite frankly, is absolutely staggering in its specification and bespoke componentry. It’s naturally aspirated for the utmost in control, it’s lightweight to make it agile, and it’s over-built to make it durable. If you want a track day chariot, there aren’t many better choices than the C6 Z06.

This particular 2009 Corvette Z06 has just 5694 miles on it. Less than 1000 miles a year. It was purchased by a Corvette enthusiast whose job demands changed and he suddenly found himself without the time to enjoy it properly. It has never seen rain and certainly not snow, it has never been raced or abused, and it remains 100% stock and original—every nut, bolt, fastener, and piece of hardware is just as it was when the car was assembled. He was a meticulous sort, too, so the fluids have been changed on schedule, regardless of mileage, and it has been periodically exercised to keep it in top condition. It’s also worth noting that this car is equipped with every single available option on the Z06 (there weren’t many) and is dressed in sinister black (is there any other color that’s more appropriate?). In short, this car is pretty much as new in every measurable way and has been properly maintained since it was new. I can’t pick nits, because there aren’t any. The finish is glossy and smooth and if there’s a blemish in the paint, I can’t find it. OK, yes, the rubber chin spoiler has a few scuffs which are all but inevitable on a car this low, but otherwise it’s extremely clean.

The interior is likewise almost new, with black leather upholstery that shows some very, very minor comfort marks on the driver’s chair, but not much beyond that. The car magazines always complain about Corvette interiors, but I can’t really see why. The buckets are comfortable but supportive. The combination of black leather and carbon fiber accents looks high tech, and the driving position is almost ideal for doing some serious combat. The special Z06 threshold covers are a nice touch as you climb in and the embroidered headrests remind you that this is no garden-variety Corvette. Everything is here, including powerful A/C, power windows, locks, seats, and mirrors, a heads-up display, trip computer, and a tilt steering column (no power, because that adds weight!). Since the Z06’s mission was all-out performance with an edge, there’s a bit less sound-deadening material inside, but you’ll never miss it, and it was only available with a fixed roof for rigidity. You only need the key fob in your pocket and the car greets you as you approach and all you need to do to fire it up is touch the button on the dash. The tech is pretty darned cool. There’s also a good-sized trunk and a powerful stereo, making the Z06 a great choice for road trips, but be warned: it’ll be very, very hard to keep your foot off the loud pedal.

The reason? 505 horsepower and 427 cubic inches. When I was working for a Corvette tuner on the C5, we experimented with building 427s out of truck blocks and dropping them into the C5, but with this Z06, the factory did it one better: an all-aluminum 427 cubic inch LS7 V8. Big block power in a featherweight package. It’s easy to spot with the bright red coil covers, but there’s a lot of other goodness going on under the skin. See, Corvette engineers were taking no prisoners when they spec’d the Z06. There’s a dry sump oil system that’s immune to cornering forces, so the engine never starves for oil. Titanium connecting rods and intake valves shave precious reciprocating weight. The exhaust valves are sodium-filled so they don’t mind the heat of battle. There’s an extra-large radiator up front, plus an oil cooler, transmission cooler, and differential cooler. There’s 505 horsepower on tap and it sings to 7000 RPM without complaint, a big engine that revs like a little one. It also starts instantly, idles perfectly, doesn’t get hot in traffic, has ice cold A/C, and in sixth gear, pulls down more than 20 MPG on the highway. You’re just not going to get more for less anywhere else.

The amazing motor isn’t the whole story, either. The 6-speed manual gearbox gets beefed up and has its own ratios suited to the bigger motor. The driveshaft is bigger and there are unique gears in the pumpkin out back. Even more amazing, the entire frame is aluminum (it weighs just 136 pounds!) and it’s linked to a magnesium engine cradle and roof structure, so it’s light and strong. The floors and front fenders are carbon fiber. And altogether it weighs just 3147 pounds—about 500 pounds less than your neighbor’s Toyota Camry. As you’d expect, the undercarriage is pretty much new in every way, with original stickers and markings still clearly visible. It’s never been wet and the only driving it’s done is around town at modest speeds, so the shocks and brakes have never even been properly heated to full operating temperature. The exhaust has a nice bark but it’s not annoying and the optional red brake calipers look dynamite behind the optional chrome alloy wheels, which are forged, not cast. Original 275/35/18 front and 325/35/19 Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires still have more than 90% of their tread remaining.

The car also includes the original manuals, brochures, and other delivery paperwork, plus the window sticker showing a staggering $73,225 base price plus more than $10,000 worth of upgrades, including those gorgeous chrome wheels.

If you love to drive, this is the Corvette to own. The ZR1 was more powerful, but was it faster? Not necessarily and definitely not on the track, which is where this car was born. If you do track days, this car is an absolute weapon, and in terms of bang for the buck, there’s none bigger than this. It’s black, it’s nasty, and it’s shockingly affordable. All you need to do is come take it home. Call now!