The first of a particular can be a big deal to some people. While there may not be any discernable differences between car #1 and car #7,845, when it comes to collector value, a low VIN number can mean tens of thousands of dollars in different values. Maybe some people really just like to be the first to own a particular car.

It seems like that might be the case of Rick Hendrick, who owns numerous race teams and now also owns the first Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition, with a final purchase prize of $297,000 at last week's Barrett-Jackson Auction.





When the gavel first fell, the price had stalled at $270,000, but when it came to buyers fees and auction commission, $297,000 was the final tally. It seems like an awful lot of money for a Corvette that really just borrows parts from its higher-end sibling, the ZR-1. The Carbon Edition, as you might expect, gets certain carbon fiber like the hood, as well as ceramic Brembo brakes and Magnetic Ride Control. Just 500 of these special Corvettes will be produced, and Mr. Hendrick has numero uno.

In addition to the car, Hendrick will get a chance to tour the plant where LS7 and LS9 engines are hand assembled. It likely won’t be his first visit though. Hendrick has in the past bought the first production 2010 Camaro for the mighty sum of $350,000. He also bought five Corvette ZR-1’s when they were first announced, as presents for his team members. He sounds like a good guy to work for!