So the rights to buy the first ZR1 sold for a million bucks at the recent Scottsdale, Arizona, Barrett-Jackson auction. I went as high as $900,000 on the bidding, but felt anything more than that was a little rich for my blood. Yeah, right. Anyway, contributor Steven Rupp was there for Super Chevy and brought us this report.

The Barrett-Jackson auction, in Scottsdale, Arizona, is all about big-bucks. So, what better place to sell a pivotal car and raise a ton of cash for a worthy charity? This January bidders had the chance to bid on the "First Retail Order Produced" Corvette ZR1. The blue Vette that rolled across the block wasn’t’ the one the winning bidder would get. The actual car won hasn’t even been built yet, but that’s the point since part of the package for the winner is a trip to the factory to watch it being built. It will also be painted in a one-off Marina blue hue and will sport a unique VIN number. “We’re pleased to offer the ultimate American dream car at Barrett-Jackson, the ultimate American collector car event,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet General Manager. “This association is very positive for both companies and offers us an opportunity to reach the most passionate auto enthusiasts in the world. Best of all, we’ll be able to raise money for United Way, which makes the sale of the ZR1 even more meaningful.” Bidding went nuts before slowing down and finally settling on the final bid of $1,000,000 putting this yet-to-be-built Corvette in a tie for second place as the most expensive car auctioned at this year’s event. Normally we would just shake our heads at someone paying ten times the sticker price for a ride, but since it was for charity we think it’s pretty cool.