“Own the Color” auction, benefitting DonorsChoose, took place June 20-24 exclusively via SuperRare

DETROIT – The first mid-engine Corvette Z06 continues its promise of putting the world on notice with Chevrolet’s first entry into the Web3 space: a one-of-one 2023 Corvette Z06-inspired NFT artwork created by the artist xsullo. The “Own the Color” auction paired the NFT with a custom-painted, real-life 2023 Corvette Z06 color-matched to the artwork. At the conclusion of the auction offered exclusively via SuperRare, the pioneering marketplace for unique curated NFT artworks, the winning bidder will be able to say they “Own the Color” — Minted Green, a reference to minting NFTs. The auction was live to eligible bidders worldwide June 20-24 and bid were only accepted in the digital currency, Ethereum.

All proceeds from the auction benefited DonorsChoose. The organization’s mission is to make it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need and move us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education. Full terms and conditions of the auction, including limitations, eligibility and how to win are available at Chevrolet.com/CorvetteZ06NFTterms.

“Corvette is a halo at Chevrolet. It’s the pinnacle of performance and staying cutting-edge means getting into new territories as a bit of a pioneer,” said Steve Majoros, vice president, Chevrolet Marketing. “This is our company’s first NFT. We see ‘Own the Color’ as an important stepping stone for Chevrolet into future digital initiatives for our customers.”

“Own the Color” means Chevrolet will not apply Minted Green to another production 2023 Corvette Z06. In addition to a digital certificate of ownership and authenticity for the art piece, the physical Corvette Z06, equipped with the Z07 performance package, carbon fiber wheels and a commemorative plaque, will carry the option code RFN. The signification will forever associate the car with this auction and it’s one-of-one status. Further, the VIN for this Corvette Z06 is inspired by binary code, the language of computers, as a further connection between the car and Web3.

The vibrant work from xsullo continues to make waves across the crypto art and NFT communities as the “Own the Color” auction approaches, and numerous pieces from xsullo have sold on SuperRare.

The "Own the Color" xsullo NFT artwork that inspired the  Minted-Green 2023 Corvette Z06. (Image courtesy of GM/Chevrolet)

“I’ve been wanting to combine my digital art with the physical world, so it's been a great opportunity to work with Chevrolet to bridge these two worlds,” said xsullo. “The Corvette Z06 is an ambitious car that I totally vibe with. I’m drawn to how technology can make us feel, and I can tell the designers of Corvette Z06 draw from similar inspiration.”

DonorsChoose and Chevrolet have a history of collaborating on projects that further General Motors’ commitment to STEM education for all. This auction taps the ability for DonorsChoose to collect cryptocurrency donations, highlighting the many ways people can help teachers make an impact on their students. In 2022, two prior auctions involving Corvette Z06 raised $4.6 million in charitable contributions for other nonprofits.

"GM is empowering STEM teachers through one of the most innovative ways our educators have received funding for their DonorsChoose projects," said Alix Guerrier, CEO of DonorsChoose. "This partnership shows just how possible it is for the digital and traditional sectors to engage in a way that benefits students' education in public schools across the country."

As a way to bring the digital world into real life, the “Own the Color” artwork will be available for viewing at The Crypt Gallery during NFT NYC, one of the biggest NFT events of the year. The Crypt Gallery, the first NFT gallery in the hospitality industry, is launching its second location at Dream Downtown hotel in New York City.

Chevrolet and SuperRare cohosted a Twitter Spaces on June 20, featuring The Crypt Gallery, xsullo and others to discuss this unique offering.

ABOUT CHEVROLET

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, available in nearly 80 countries with nearly 2.7 million cars and trucks sold in 2021. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

ABOUT SUPERRARE
Founded in 2018, SuperRare is a pioneering, curated marketplace for high quality NFT artworks, built on the Ethereum blockchain. More than $300M worth of NFT-based artworks, also known as ‘CryptoArt’, have been bought and sold on the platform, with artists earning revenue on both original sales and resales. A destination for digital discovery and with the unique proposal of only single editions, SuperRare was created with the goal of empowering the next generation of artists through technology and has facilitated artists and collectors around the world to sell and purchase digital artwork.

In 2021, SuperRare launched the new $RARE curation token, converting the SuperRare NFT marketplace into a community governed network of galleries, decided on by community vote.  To learn more visit: superrare.com/rare
Discover more at superrare.com

About The Crypt Gallery

Founded by King of Midtown, a collector, leader and innovator in the digital art community, we are the first NFT gallery in the hospitality industry. Bringing the digital marketplace to life, guests can experience IRL (in real life) events and participate in live auctions, art drops and secondary market sales. Emphasizing education and building organic, meaningful connections, both King of Midtown and The Crypt Gallery have developed relationships in multiple industries with the aim of increasing mainstream exposure and involvement in the NFT community. Our mission is to unlock the future of human creativity — by hosting live interactive events that bring digital artists, collectors, communities and fans together. 

Click here to shop for your 2023 C8 Gear Now!

Credit to GM/Chevrolet for Images & Press Release 

If you're a Corvette owner or enthusiast you know the Corvette isn't just any other car, and it's likely you also know that June 30th isn't just any other day.  June 30th, or as it's better know in the community "National Corvette Day," is the day we come together to celebrate the birth of a beloved American Classic.  In only 69 short years the Corvette has come from the humblest of beginnings and transformed itself into a true piece of Americana history.  

You can trace the Corvette's origins back to the dream of Chevrolet executive Harley Earl who created the notion that the company needed a sports car.  Earl was able to convince GM to move forward with the project after pitching several of his concept sketches to Chevrolet General Manager, Ed Cole.  Chevrolet executives knew they wanted the new vehicle's name to begin with a C, but  ultimately couldn't unanimously move past that point. 

After analyzing and reviewing more than 300 potential names it was a gentleman by the name of Myron Scott, who was a Public Relations Assistant Director for Chevrolet at the time, that would serve as the catalyst for reaction when he suggested the name "Corvette."  Myron's naming origin was simply, but appropriately, borrowed from the small, but agile warships known as Corvettes.  As fate would have it GM executives loved the name and it stuck immediately. Shortly thereafter Chevrolet debuted the Corvette concept sports car to the public at the 1953 GM Motorama event at New York's Waldorf Astoria hotel and the rest, as they say, is history.

The Concept Corvette that appeared at the 1953 GM Motorama (Photo courtesy of Heacock Classic's Personal Collection) 

It's hard to imagine that individuals such as Harley Earl, Ed Cole, Myron Scott or the legendary Zora Arkous-Duntov could've had any idea of the impact they'd have on the world when the Corvette was conceived and molded in their image.  What started out as one man's dream quickly turned into a cultural icon that would not only change the automotive industry but our world as we know it. 

Here we are 69 years later and the Corvette continues to be a unanimously relevant figure in both today's culture and society.  Collector car shows draw hundreds if not thousands of Corvettes and their passionate diverse owners at a given time, Car Clubs continue to grow in numbers, Corvettes continue to be passed down to younger generations and the lifestyle continues to thrive with no signs of slowing. 

Trends last only but a few years before dying off the moment something better moves in to take their places. Few trends transcend into something that leaves a permanent imprint on humanity for seven decades.  To achieve this status, it really takes something special to create more than a trend or fad, and to put it simply the Corvette has had that something in all 8 of its Generations.  Let the stats speak for themselves.  According to GM Authority, Corvette sales were up 53% in 2021 with 33,041 units sold.  Compare that to the just 300 Corvettes that were made and sold in 1953 and you'll only start to realize the overwhelming growth in the Corvette's popularity and the shear magnitude of significance its had for the countless people it carries with it.  

Corvette car owners show remarkable amounts of pride in their cherished vehicles.  (Photo courtesy of CorvetteStoreOnline.com customer Nolan Russell.)

Corvette's 69th Birthday is a special one, as owner's have the chance to celebrate it's historic 70th a year early with 2023 Corvette Stingrays starting to roll into show room floors by the end of summer!  2023 C8 models will eloquently honor what has come before with commemorative 70th Anniversary interior plaques and exterior badging/branding.  For those truly looking to celebrate the occasion the special 70th Anniversary Package for the 2023 C8 takes things a step further with special coats, trims, and accents.  

Concept of the 70th Anniversary Package in White Pearl Metallic. (Photo courtesy of GM) 

70th Anniversary badging that will be included with all 2023 models.  (Photo courtesy of GM) 

The Corvette has come an unimaginably long way since it's humble beginning in the production lines of Flint, Michigan.  What started out as a 150 horsepower Convertible with a sticker price of $3,490 has transformed into a 495 horsepower screaming beast that starts out a just over a year's salary, maybe more... but oh is it worth it!  

So with that, all that's left to be said is Happy 69th Birthday Corvette, and thank you for what you've provided us for nearly 7 decades!!  No matter which generation, style or color you may personally prefer it's safe to say we can all agree that fewer things in this world can bring as many people together, or as much joy, as this this all American badass car.   

Ready to shop for your Corvette apparel and accessories?

  CLICK HERE to shop the latest and greatest selections spanning all 8 Corvette Generations!

*Credit to GM/Chevrolet for images 

(Indianapolis, IN) - The Indy 500's fastest woman will lead the field to the green on Sunday May 29th when she pilots the 2023 70th Anniversary Edition Corvette Pace Car in the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500. 

Fisher is a natural for the role, serving as a former team owner, driver, and pace car driver for the IndyCar Series but is perhaps better known for her setting the female Indy 500 qualifying lap record set in 2002 at a blistering pace of 229.439mph.  

Fisher will turn eyes when she brings the highly anticipated 2023 70th Anniversary Corvette across Indy's famous yard of bricks this Memorial Day weekend.  The special edition Corvette will be available for purchase later this summer.  Per Indianapolis Motor Speedway, "this year’s Pace Car is equipped with the available Z07 Performance Package, featuring a carbon fiber rear wing, aerodynamic ground effects, carbon ceramic brakes and more, for maximum track capability.

With a nod to Corvette’s 70-year history, the Pace Car is a model year 2023 70^th Anniversary Edition Z06, finished in a special White Pearl Tri-Coat Metallic paint."  This year's pace car will also feature all the 70th Anniversary amenities that will be available to the general public this summer.  To learn more about the package, you can read about it here: 2023 Corvette 70th Anniversary Package Revealed by GM (corvettestoreonline.com)

“The Chevrolet Team is proud to pace the Indianapolis 500 for the 33^rd time, while celebrating 70 years of Corvette,” said Steve Majoros, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. “It’s only fitting the Indianapolis 500 will be the first race the 2023 Corvette Z06 paces, a truly special moment for Corvette and INDYCAR fans around the world. I’m sure Sarah will enjoy driving the 2023 Corvette Z06 70th Anniversary Edition, which is an incredible car with the performance to match its great looks.” (IMS) 

Be sure to watch Sarah lead the Indy 500 field to the green flag in this beautiful 2023 Corvette on Sunday, May 27th at 11:00am EST on NBC! 

Want to be the first to have your 2023 Corvette Z06 gear? Click here to shop the latest merchandise now!

Thanks to IMS & Chevrolet/GM for images & quotes. 

Chevrolet and GM have officially released images of the highly anticipated 2023 70th Anniversary C8 Corvette.  If you haven't already heard about the upcoming special edition package, get caught up to speed with our blog post about the limited edition Corvette by clicking here! 

The first 70th Anniversary Edition Corvette will be hitting the streets soon, but until then enjoy these images of what's to come! 

Thanks to Chevrolet/GM for images

   Our May Customer Spotlight belongs to Steven and his wife Nicole and their passionate, corvette loving family son Nicolas and Marie-M.  Nicole, Steven, and family are the owners of both a 2013 60^th Anniversary C6 Convertible and a Custom Built 2020 C8 with a Rear Engine.  Nicole and Steven have been Customers for 3 years and has found all their Corvette care and needs can be trusted to CorvetteStoreOnline.com.

   Nicole & Steven have a long lineage of Corvette history that started with Steven purchasing a 1974 Corvette in 1983 just after graduating college.  As we’ve heard countless times from owners, Steven felt immense regret after selling his Corvette and knew he wanted to purchase another at some point down the line. On the other hand, Nicole owned a 1987 Corvette that she purchased and drove from Minnesota to New York where it was unfortunately stolen... but knew she had to get back behind the wheel eventually!

   After meeting and getting married the couple had gone years without sitting behind the wheel of a Corvette, nonetheless owning one!  Close family friends Karen & John Pomarico, who are fellow Corvette enthusiasts and owners of a 2005 C6, are those responsible for igniting the spark that would set Nicole and Steve down the irreversible Corvette path.  Out of the blue at an outing, John turned to Nicole and Steve to casually ask: “Why don’t you buy one and we can be a Corvette family?” 

   Later that evening while sitting on the couch contemplating the idea John had just dropped upon them, Steven asked Nicole what her ideal Corvette model and color might be.  On a whim, but without missing a beat, Nicole told Steven she had her mind set on a white Convertible.  As circumstance would have it the couple was only able to find one white convertible that was available, located a considerable distance away in Tappahannock, Virginia.  Steven and Nicole knew what had to be done.  Accompanied by their friends John & Karen the four hopped in their car, booked a hotel, and headed towards the dealership in Tappahannock.

   After a few GPS mishaps and a late drive in, the family did eventually make it to the dealership where they purchased their 2013 Corvette and drove it home directly off the lot.  The rest as they say, is history, and the friends have been what they now refer to as “Corvette Brothers” ever since. 

   Shortly thereafter Covid struck and turned the auto industry upside down. Steven would watch the list monthly seeing Corvettes all around them be delivered to their new owners… with fate seemingly skipping over them day after day.  Discouraged, the couple cut a deal - if they could get their 2020 by December they would stick with it, but if they were pushed into 2021 they would simply have to give up the prospect of being first year owners.  As luck would have it, finally, after months of waiting their 2020 Corvette was delivered on December 8^th.  It goes without saying, but Nicole and Steven are glad they stuck it out and waited. 

   To put it in their own words, Nicole and Steven simply love both their cars. “Our Vette is a true wow factor from G-force, to look and feel and is awesome from start to finish, especially our interior! The 2013 Convertible is so much fun to drive in the summer with the top down.  The 2020 is just an awesome car in every way from top to bottom!  The ride, the response, the looks, it’s got it all and then some.” 

   It’s hard to disagree with an endorsement like that… and even more difficult when so many customers echo the same sentiments!

   Not only do Nicole and Steven love driving their Corvettes – they love accessorizing them!  “We truly love all the items online and have purchased a lot. We own everything from the car covers, to clothing and accessories but one of my personal favorites has been the suitcase (carry on) to match our car. As a Corvette lover we wear it, we carry it and we accessorize in it! In our big and small purchases we have not regretted anything we have purchased from the online store.”

   In addition to their car covers, apparel, and luggage Nicole and Steven have also made some custom upgrades to their Corvettes.  The couple has replaced the Z51 rear wing on their 2020 with a higher after market wing supplied and installed by their dealer.  On their 2013, they’ve added a WindRestrictor with a custom Corvette 60th Anniversary logo on it, in addition to 60th Anniversary logos down the sides, 60th Anniversary branded custom floor mats, and aluminum billets in the side fender openings to cap it off.  If you couldn’t tell, these additions have made for two bad to the bone rides!

   Unfortunately, due to Covid and life changes Nicole and Steven haven’t been able to travel to many car shows or some of the destinations they’ve long dreamed of but hope to do so in the future. Despite this, they still have managed to add an awesome accolade to their resume.  In 2018 the couple was chosen to be one of 165 Corvettes arranged into an American Flag at a Corvette show at the Carlisle Fairgrounds.

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   Nicole, Steven, and family - thank you for sharing your wonderful Corvette story!  Stories like these are what Corvette ownership is all about... it's not necessarily about the car, it's about the total experience.  We look forward to hearing more from you in the future! 

Ready to follow in Nicole & Steven's footsteps and purchase YOUR Corvette Merchandise?  CLICK HERE to shop all the latest and greatest Corvette gear & accessories! 

If you'd like to be featured next, please send us an email at info@carolinaonlineretail.com!