Introduced in 1953, the Chevrolet Corvette is an American icon that has defined the sports car segment for generations. Now in its eighth iteration, the 2023 Corvette boasts a wealth of modern features and a 70th Anniversary Special Edition Package to celebrate its heritage. We recently had the chance to drive a 70th Anniversary Edition Corvette convertible around California. We can say that the package is worth the added cost for collectors and non-collectors alike. From the distinctive interior trim to the powerful V8 engine, the 70th Anniversary Edition is a stunning reminder of why the Corvette has been a classic for almost 70 years.

What Will Come of the Corvette’s 70th Anniversary?

The 70th Anniversary Edition Package is a must-have for true Corvette enthusiasts! Available on the top 3LT and 3LZ trims of the Stingray and Z06 models, respectively, this upgraded package acts as an add-on to the classic $5,995 package. The Stingray 3LT offers a luxurious interior and upgraded GT2 seats, while the 3LZ Z06 adds a carbon fiber- and microfiber-trimmed steering wheel. 

The price for a 70th Anniversary Edition Stingray is $83,840 for the coupe and $90,840 for the convertible (including destination). The 3LZ Z06 coupe will cost $129,140 (including a $2,600 gas guzzler tax), and the convertible at $136,140 – though demand is likely to be high, so it may be challenging to find a Corvette of any kind at its MSRP. Take advantage of this limited edition package and make this a truly special 70th Anniversary.

The Stingray and Z06 are undoubtedly performance bargains, but they don’t fall into the affordable category. Nevertheless, the 70th Anniversary Edition Package is still a great deal at just $5,995. The package offers two exclusive paint colors – White Pearl Metallic Tri-Coat, or Carbon Flash Metallic – and an optional cost of $995, adding racing stripes in Satin Gray (with the white paint) or Satin Black (with the black). The package includes unique wheels, carbon-painted side mirrors, red-painted brake calipers, and unique exterior badging. Stingray coupes also get a unique red engine cover (the convertibles have their engine hidden under the storage compartment for the power-folding hardtop). This combines to create a stunning performance vehicle at a great price.

The exterior look of the Corvette C8 is truly exceptional, and the wheels featured in the 70th Anniversary Edition stand out to me. If I had the luxury to configure my Corvette, I’d certainly opt for these as a standalone option. I’d also forgo the subtle stripes for a more distinctive color, further complemented by the sleek wheel design.

The interior of the 70th-anniversary edition offers elegant two-tone ceramic white upholstery with red stitching and seat belts. The seats and steering wheel feature a luxurious suede-style trim, complemented by multiple 70th-anniversary logos. Plush and comfy, the light-colored leather may be prone to discoloration, so extra care should be taken to preserve its look.

As a professional, I appreciate the thoughtful inclusion of the 70th Anniversary Edition Package in the Corvette, which added the unique cargo protector mat and the matching luggage set. Although I didn’t get to use them, I can appreciate the thoughtfulness of Chevrolet in making sure that none of these items got lost or misplaced while the car was being sent to journalists. The luggage had a nice exotic feel and was a great touch, though I could still fit three roll-aboard suitcases and a backpack in the car’s front and rear storage compartments when my colleague and I drove home from Los Angeles.

The drive is as good as it looks.

The 70th Anniversary Package does not harm the Corvette C8’s superb driving experience – it’s still as great in its fourth model year! The 6.2-liter V-8 provides plenty of power, the steering is exceptionally sharp, and the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission shift seamlessly. Its suspension is equipped for racing and is firm but not uncomfortable. With this package, you get all the performance without any drawbacks.

My two main complaints with this car are poor visibility, for which the coupe does have a useful standard rearview camera mirror, and a low-speed judder when first on the road. On occasion, when taking your foot off the brake without adding gas quickly enough, the car would lurch like you were stalling a regular manual transmission car. However, when you press the accelerator, the performance exhaust makes a satisfying sound, putting the world back in place.

Is the package worth the price?

The 70th Anniversary Edition is an eye-catching appearance package, with the optional racing stripes clocking in at just under $7,000. Although a nice marketing gesture, the price point of $7,000 is unavailable. With this package, you can enjoy a refreshed look for your Corvette, but don’t expect any additional performance enhancements – if you’re looking solely for aesthetics, the wheels alone may be worth the expense.

Collectors of the new 2020 Chevrolet Corvette might be interested in the 70th Anniversary Edition. With its unique livery and exclusive upgrades, this package will surely be considered a collectible soon. Limited numbers will be built, meaning they could make a great investment if you want to add a memorable model to your collection. Offering thrilling performances and iconic looks, it won’t be a surprise to see these Vettes appearing on resale sites in years to come. It’s important to note that if you’re looking for a great driving car, you don’t need this unique trim to achieve that – you can save yourself some money and get the same great performance for less. But if watching its value potentially rise is your main concern, the special edition 70th Anniversary edition could be worth a look.