Chevrolet unveiled the 2025 Corvette ZR1 in July 2024, and the rollout to buyers has been slow. Dealerships are still waiting for the first production models to arrive, but it seems some individuals got tired of waiting. Thieves busted into the Corvette plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky and made off with eight cars, at least one of which was a ZR1.
The heist occurred last week, per a report from Road & Track. They cite a Facebook post claiming thieves cut a hole in the fence at the factory and made off with the cars. Interestingly, the first report of something being wrong apparently didn’t come from the plant. On the morning of March 22, police were notified of a suspicious Corvette at an apartment complex that still had factory stickers and wrappings on it. An investigation ensued, at which point the hole in the fence was discovered. General Motors did an inventory check and found eight cars were missing.
Here’s where things get even more interesting. Several Corvettes were found in a Lowes Home Improvement parking lot in Bowling Green, where some of the car boosters were apparently trying to sell the cars. Another Facebook post confirms one of those Vettes was indeed a ZR1. Two other ‘Vettes in the photos appear to be Z06s.
Photo by: Tyson D Wade / Facebook
According to WBKO 13 News, all eight Corvettes were recovered and at least one person, 21-year-old Deantae Walker from Westland, Michigan, was taken into custody.
If the thieves weren’t in the know about the ZR1, whoever got behind the wheel probably got the shock of their life. With 1,064 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8 going entirely to the rear wheels, there are few production cars in the world that match the ZR1’s performance. Presumably, the traction control remained on for this joyride, as the car looks none the worse for wear.
For those waiting to legally claim their ZR1, it’s not clear exactly when that will happen. Corvette Blogger reports that ZR1s have been spotted on car haulers near the plant, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re production vehicles headed to owners.
More On ZR1:
A Fully Loaded Corvette ZR1 Costs Nearly $240,000
Holy Smokes: The Corvette ZR1 Hits 60 MPH In 2.3 Seconds
Source: ABC 13Road & Track