SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. ‒ March 31, 2022 – Barrett-Jackson, the World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions, will auction one of the most highly anticipated Corvettes during the company’s return to South Florida for the 2022 Palm Beach Auction, April 7-9. The first retail production 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible will cross the world-famous auction block on Saturday, April 9, at approximately 4:30 p.m. ET live on The HISTORY Channel to benefit the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs).

“Supporting non-profit organizations that provide higher education opportunities for young men and women has long been one of the pillars of our charitable endeavors,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We have helped raise more than $144 million to date for many deserving organizations and we are excited to provide a platform in Palm Beach to raise funds and awareness for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and do it with such an iconic vehicle from our incredible partners at Chevrolet.”

The first retail production built 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 3LZ Convertible (Lot #3005) represents the first time Chevrolet has ever offered the Z06 with a hard-top retractable roof, making this generation of Z06 convertible uniquely track-capable. The Z06 is powered by the all-new 5.5-liter LT6, the highest horsepower naturally aspirated V8 to hit the market in any production car ever, at 670hp. An all-new flat-plane crankshaft design entices drivers to push the tachometer to a lofty 8,600 rpm, filling the convertible cockpit with a distinctive, rich exhaust tone unlike anything ever heard from a Corvette. In the driver-focused cockpit, premium materials are complemented with available carbon fiber trim that expresses the car’s lightweight, track-focused mantra. Unique features include an available carbon fiber-wrapped steering wheel and shift paddles, custom leather wrapped instrument panel and doors, sueded microfiber upper interior trim and three seating options with leather and carbon fiber trim.

The winning bidder will have the opportunity to customize the first retail production Z06 convertible to their liking, choosing everything from body and roof colors to interior, wheels and brakes.

TMCF is a natural fit for Barrett-Jackson’s initiatives with their history of success supporting nearly 300,000 students who attend HBCUs and PBIs. Since its founding in 1987, TMCF has awarded over $300 million in scholarships for students and boasts a 90 percent graduation rate for students in its programs.

The proceeds from this auction will benefit TMCF’s Teacher Quality & Retention Program (TQRP), a hands-on training initiative that helps pre-service and aspiring K-12 educators develop their pedagogical skills while equipping them to succeed in challenging teaching environments. Graduates of TQRP become the next generation of future leaders who possess a passion for teaching in high-need communities. To date, TQRP fellows have impacted over 31,000 K-12 students in high-need, urban and rural areas.

“We are proud of our relationship with Barrett-Jackson, GM and Chevrolet, and fully support the next generation of leaders from HBCUs, institutions that play a critical role in ensuring young people of color are not left behind,” said TMCF President and CEO Dr. Harry L. Williams. “TQRP provides additional opportunities for students of color which will ultimately lead to a more diverse workforce, both in the K-12 educational environment and beyond.”

“Achieving our goal of being the most inclusive company in the world requires a commitment to grow the next generation of diverse engineers and designers. That’s why Chevrolet and General Motors supports the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s Teacher Quality & Retention Program and its mission to prepare teachers that inspire the next generation of students, especially students of color” said Steve Majoros, director of Chevrolet Marketing.  “We’re hopeful the sale of the first retail Corvette Z06 Convertible will be a great benefit to TMCF as one of many efforts by General Motors to build a diverse STEM education pipeline.”

Those interested in registering to bid on this Z06 convertible to support the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, as well as the entire 2022 Palm Beach Auction docket can do so here.

To purchase tickets and VIP packages to the event, click here. Join Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube #BarrettJackson.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions, is the leader in collector car auctions and automotive lifestyle events, which include authentic automobilia auctions and the sale of private collections. Welcoming over 500,000 attendees per year, Barrett-Jackson produces live collector car auctions in Scottsdale, Arizona; Palm Beach, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada and Houston, Texas, where thousands of the most sought-after, unique and valuable automobiles cross the block in front of a global audience. With broadcast partner A+E Networks, Barrett-Jackson features live television coverage of its events on FYI and The HISTORY Channel, as well as all the cars, all the time via its produced livestream on Barrett-Jackson.com. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com, or call 480-421-6694.

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 80 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. 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 the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF)
Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. TMCF member-schools include the publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Black Institutions, enrolling nearly 80% of all students attending black colleges and universities. Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a vital resource in the PK-12 and higher education space. The organization is also the source of top employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs.

TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. For more information about TMCF, visit: www.tmcf.org.

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