Original GM C5 Corvette Z06 Prototype Sells at Auction

Test Mule

Most of the time, development mules are destroyed after their time is up, or they simply disappear into history. So we were rather surprised to find this C5 Corvette Z06 prototype while perusing Barrett-Jackson's auction listings. The car is apparently an original test mule for the return of the Z06 in 2001, and still carries some strange and interesting features you'd expect from a pre-production mule. 

Photos: Barrett-Jackson

Race Ready

The model year 2001 marked the return of the Z06 nameplate on the Corvette for the first time since it was an RPO option back in 1963. Obviously, that made it a big deal in the automotive world. Like its predecessors, this particular mule is race-ready with a host of add-on parts, too.  

Photos: Barrett-Jackson

>>Join the conversation about this C5 Z06 Prototype right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

Mystery Engine

According to the auction listing, that includes Chevy's tried-and-true 350 cubic-inch V8 under the hood. The production Z06's LS6 powerplant was also referred to as a 5.7-liter, but actually displaced just over 345 cubes (5.665 liters), so who knows what's really going on under that engine cover. Regardless, the V8 is backed up by a 6-speed manual transmission. 

Photos: Barrett-Jackson

>>Join the conversation about this C5 Z06 Prototype right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

Not Average

On the inside, it's quite clear that this isn't your average C5 Corvette. There, you'll find a full roll cage, fire suppression system, aftermarket seats and steering wheel, and some missing panels. These are really the only clues to most casual observers that something strange is going on here.

Photos: Barrett-Jackson

>>Join the conversation about this C5 Z06 Prototype right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

Bringing Back a Legend

Otherwise, this prototype looks just like any other C5 Z06 on the outside. Little would we know that this is the car that helped bring such a legendary model back to production. One that's continued to raise the performance bar to this very day. 

Photos: Barrett-Jackson

>>Join the conversation about this C5 Z06 Prototype right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

True Survivor

We don't know how this C5 Corvette Z06 prototype survived all these years, nor how it wound up in public hands, but it's pretty cool that it did. But for the paltry sum of $33,000, it's now changed hands once again. And with any luck, it'll continue to live on in this form for generations to come.

Photos: Barrett-Jackson

>>Join the conversation about this C5 Z06 Prototype right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

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