The Chevrolet Top 10 at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2024: Part One

The Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction is an automotive enthusiast’s dream. Each year, the program’s January kickoff at WestWorld of Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a can’t-miss event where thousands of cars and trucks roll across the auction block, some selling for eye-popping numbers.

Chevrolet is prominently featured at the auction in the desert with wide-ranging Bowtie vehicles showcased. Both rare originals and creative restomods attract attention (and high bids) from those in attendance and watching on television. Many Chevrolet Performance crate engines* and Connect & Cruise Crate Powertrain Systems are part of the restomod builds.

As we do each year at The BLOCK, we’re taking a look at the Chevrolet vehicles that commanded the 10 highest prices at the Scottsdale program. Numbers 10 through six are below.

10. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Split-Window Coupe ($478,500)
This year’s Chevrolet top-10 list starts strong – literally and figuratively. This custom mid-year Corvette is powered by a 650-horsepower Chevrolet Performance LT4 crate engine* mated to a SuperMatic 6L80-E six-speed automatic transmission. Built by Berea, Ohio’s Burning River Resto-Mods, the gray Corvette rides on an Art Morrison IRS chassis. The body has been modified but maintains its original look. The exterior features a diamond sparkle, thanks to a custom mix of gray metallic with pearl and glass flakes. The interior is custom red leather.

Once owned by Gary "The Local Brush" Kupfer, the car’s history is well documented. It has appeared at numerous International Show Car Association (ISCA) shows and in a variety of magazines.

T7. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Custom Roadster ($495,000)
The next car on the 2024 list is part of a three-way tie of Chevrolet vehicles that saw their hammer price at just shy of a half-million dollars. This custom drop-top Chevelle was the work of East Bay Muscle Cars in Brentwood, California. Under the hood is Chevrolet Performance’s supercharged V-8 LSA crate engine.* The power plant is connected to a 4L80-E four-speed automatic transmission.

The car is painted in PPG Range Rover Kaikoura Stone Metallic and features custom-mixed matte accent colors. The custom interior was the work of DJ Designs and includes full-grain Timber Brown Relicate leather paired with a tonneau leather top. The entire frame-off build was a completely custom  project and the finished version includes a variety of 3D-printed elements. The Chevelle made its debut at the 2018 SEMA Show where it finished in the top 10 in class at Battle of the Builders. 

T7. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 Convertible ($495,000)
Next up is another Chevelle convertible, but while the previous version found its value in custom elements, this one is valuable for its historic accuracy. Perhaps most impressive, the car features its original, numbers-matching 450-horsepower 454 LS6 engine, Muncie four-speed manual transmission and 12-bolt posi-traction rear end. A wide variety of other original components are still part of the car as well.

The Chevelle is painted in its original Forest Green with white SS stripes and includes a white convertible top. The interior is black with bucket seats and a center console. Musclecar Restoration & Design in Pleasant Plains, Illinois, was responsible for rotisserie-restoring the car to factory specs. The Chevelle is also historically significant. Renowned automotive specialist Jerry MacNeish included in his report on the car that, "This is the first LS6 Chevelle convertible that I've certified with its complete original drivetrain."

T7. 1969 Chevrolet COPO Camaro ZL1 ($495,000)
Here the iconic Camaro makes its first appearance on this year’s countdown. This car is both historic and rare; it is No. 9 of the 69 COPO Camaro models produced in 1969 featuring the all-aluminum 427 cu-.in. ZL1 engine. The car was originally delivered to Fred Gibb Chevrolet in LaHarpe, Illinois, the dealer who most famously used Chevrolet’s Central Office Production Order program to install the aluminum ZL1 in Camaro models.

This car was painstakingly restored and corrected after having been drag raced for years and uses many New Old Stock pieces. 

T5. 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible ($550,000)
Another tie shows up halfway through the top-10 list with a pair of Corvettes that eclipsed the $500,000 mark. First, we’ll look at this stunning SkyFall Blue C1 model with a modern powertrain. Built in a Pro Touring style, the Corvette is powered by a Chevrolet Performance LT1 crate engine* cranking out 460 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. It is paired with a 4L70-E four-speed automatic transmission.

The Corvette is on an Art Morrison chassis with an independent rear suspension and a fully adjustable ride height. Many other modern elements are also part of the build, including rack-and-pinion steering. The body remains original but was stripped with glass beads and then painted in PPG SkyFall with Global Premier High Solids Clear. The engine bay, engine and transmission were even painted in the same color to provide a clean appearance, and the side coves were finished in Silver Mist to match the powder-coated chassis. The interior is Denim and the convertible top was restored with Stayfast material to match.

We’ll have the next five in the top 10 from this year’s Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale event posted soon, stay tuned!

Also, keep watching The BLOCK for much more on Chevrolet Performance.

*Because of their effect on a vehicle’s emissions performance, these engines are intended exclusively for use in competition vehicles. These engines are designed and intended for use in vehicles operated exclusively for competition: in racing or organized competition on courses separate from public roads, streets or highways. Installation or use of these engines on a vehicle operated on public roads, streets or highways is likely to violate U.S., Canadian, and state and provincial laws and regulations related to motor vehicle emissions.