The 2013 model year marked a significant milestone for the Chevrolet Corvette, celebrating its 60th anniversary and signifying the final year of the esteemed ‘C6’ generation. Chevrolet commemorated this historic occasion with the unveiling of the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition, a vehicle that stands as the fastest and most capable convertible in the Corvette’s illustrious history. Alongside this remarkable edition, the 60th Anniversary Package was introduced, available across all 2013 Corvette models, adding a touch of celebratory flair to the entire lineup.
Front view of the Arctic White 2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible 60th Anniversary Edition, highlighting its iconic design and performance heritage.
The grand reveal of both the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible and the 60th Anniversary Package took place at the prestigious Barrett Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, setting the stage for their highly anticipated arrival at Chevrolet dealerships across the U.S. in the summer of 2012.
The Pinnacle of Open-Top Performance: 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition
The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition is not merely a convertible; it’s a symphony of engineering prowess, blending the most desirable elements from the Z06 and ZR1 models to forge an unparalleled open-air driving experience. This special edition Corvette is engineered to be the fastest and most capable convertible in the Corvette lineage.
At the heart of this performance marvel lies the formidable 427-cubic-inch (7.0L) LS7 V-8 engine, borrowed from the legendary Corvette Z06. This hand-built powerhouse generates a staggering 505 horsepower (377 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm), making it the most potent engine ever to grace a production Corvette convertible. Staying true to its performance-oriented nature, the 427 Convertible is exclusively paired with a six-speed manual transmission, offering drivers complete control and engagement.
The LS7 engine’s pedigree is deeply rooted in Corvette’s racing heritage. Co-developed alongside the Corvette Le Mans-winning GT1 engine, it boasts lightweight titanium connecting rods and intake valves, racing-inspired high-flow cylinder heads, and a robust dry-sump oiling system. Adding to its exclusivity, each LS7 engine is meticulously assembled by hand 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 very engine powering their new car.
Beyond the engine, the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible incorporates a suite of performance enhancements. It features the driveline and rear axle system derived from the Corvette Z06, a rear-mounted battery for optimized weight distribution, and standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control, ensuring exceptional handling and ride quality. The vehicle rides on standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, wrapped in high-performance ZR1-style Michelin PS2 tires. Lightweight machine-face Cup wheels, originally introduced on the 2012 Corvette Z06 with performance packages, are standard, featuring distinctive gray-painted pockets. For those seeking further customization, black Cup wheels or chrome ZR1-style wheels were also available options.
Weight reduction was a crucial factor in achieving the 427 Convertible’s exceptional performance. To this end, it incorporates several carbon-fiber components, including:
- Carbon fiber raised hood, first seen on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Edition.
- Carbon fiber Z06-style fenders, contributing to both weight savings and aggressive aesthetics.
- Carbon fiber floor panels, further reducing overall mass.
Optional carbon fiber elements, such as the “CFZ” front splitter and rocker panels (standard with the 60th Anniversary package), further amplified the weight reduction and aerodynamic profile. These weight-saving measures bring the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible’s curb weight down to a mere 3,355 pounds (1,522 kg).
This focus on lightweight construction, combined with the immense power of the 505-horsepower LS7 engine, results in a remarkable power-to-weight ratio of 6.64 – meaning one horsepower for every 6.64 pounds of vehicle mass. This ratio surpasses that of several high-performance convertibles in its class, including the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, Audi R8 5.2 RSI Spyder, Aston Martin DBS Volante Convertible, and Ferrari California Convertible, underscoring the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible’s superior performance credentials.
The result is breathtaking performance. The 427 Convertible delivers estimated 0-60 mph acceleration in just 3.8 seconds, conquers the quarter-mile in 11.8 seconds, achieves a lateral acceleration of 1.04 g, and boasts a top speed exceeding 190 mph, solidifying its position as one of the fastest convertibles globally.
The 427 Convertible was offered in 2LT, 3LT, and 4LT trim levels and featured a unique vehicle identification number sequence, mirroring the exclusivity of the Corvette ZR1.
60th Anniversary Package: A Celebration Across the 2013 Corvette Range
To commemorate six decades of Corvette excellence, the 60th Anniversary Package was made available for all 2013 Corvette models, including the 427 Convertible. This package offered a distinctive visual identity, featuring an exclusive Arctic White exterior finish paired with a sophisticated Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior accented with suede. Convertible models received a stylish blue top to complement the theme.
Additional elements of the 60th Anniversary Package included a ZR1-style rear spoiler, special badging signifying the anniversary, gray-painted brake calipers, and the “60th” logo prominently displayed on the wheel center caps, steering wheel, and seat headrests. An optional graphics package further enhanced the celebratory aesthetic with full-length racing stripes in Pearl Silver Blue, including a tonal stripe elegantly stitched into the convertible top, extending the visual theme across the vehicle.
Furthermore, all 2013 Corvettes received special 60th Anniversary badges on the fascias and the “waterfall” panel on convertible models, along with 60th logos integrated into the instrument panel gauge cluster and on the sill plates, ensuring every 2013 Corvette participated in the anniversary celebration.
Echoes of the Past: The Legacy of 427-Powered Corvettes
The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition not only celebrated the 60th anniversary but also paid homage to the legendary 427-powered Corvettes of the past. Early 427 Corvettes, particularly convertibles produced between 1966 and 1969, are among the most coveted and collectible Corvettes ever created, holding a special place in automotive history.
The first 427-powered Corvette debuted in the 1966 model year. Initially, two performance versions of the 427 engine were offered: the “L30” rated at 390 horsepower and the more potent “L72,” producing 425 horsepower. Both engines delivered an impressive 460 lb-ft of torque.
The 427 engine lineup expanded in 1967 with the introduction of the “L71” and “L88” options. The L71 featured a unique triple-carburetor induction system, boosting output to 435 horsepower. These “427/435” cars, especially the convertible models, are highly sought-after by collectors today.
The “L88” engine, despite being officially rated at 430-horsepower (with a single four-barrel carburetor), was designed for racing applications, featuring racing-tuned aluminum heads. Intended for customers who planned to convert their new Corvette into a race car, the L88 was installed in only 216 production Corvettes between 1967 and 1969, adding to its rarity and desirability.
In 1969, the “L89” 427 engine combined the L71’s induction system with the L88’s aluminum heads, offering peak horsepower with a significant weight advantage over standard iron heads. That same year, Chevrolet produced two “ZL1” 427 Corvette coupes. The ZL1 engine was an all-aluminum version of the L88, providing a substantial weight reduction for racing purposes. Many more ZL1 engines were sold as crate engines to racers.
By 1970, the big-block engine evolved into the 454 cubic inch variant, marking the beginning of a shift away from high-compression, high-performance engines. The four-year era of 427 Corvettes had already firmly established itself as a golden age of Corvette performance.
A Tradition of Commemoration: Collector and Anniversary Editions
While rare and low-production Corvettes have existed since its inception in 1953, Chevrolet formally began producing commemorative models in 1978 with the 25th Anniversary model, also known as the Silver Anniversary Corvette. As the third generation of Corvette concluded in 1982, a Collector Edition was also offered, solidifying the tradition.
These special models initiated a continuing legacy for the Chevrolet Corvette, with milestone anniversary and generational collector-edition models being offered ever since. The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible holds a unique distinction as the first instance where a Collector Edition and Anniversary Edition were offered in the same year and available on the same vehicle, further emphasizing its significance in Corvette history.
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