Only 19 of these Corvette-inspired creations exist.
In the past, those who found the Chevrolet Corvette too commonplace could instead choose the specialized Callaway C12 Coupe, a rare car designed for high-performance racing. One such vehicle was owned by NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., but he sold it several years ago. The unique car is now available once again through an auction on Bring A Trailer.
The C12 is equipped with a mighty 6.2-liter SuperNatural V8 engine that delivers an impressive output of 482 horsepower and 466 lb-ft of torque to its rear wheels. These numbers are comparable to the current Stingray, showcasing the remarkable progress of GM’s famous sports car over the past twenty years.
It must be noted that the Callaway is by no means unexciting or sluggish to drive. Equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential, it promises an invigorating experience behind the wheel. In its prime, the C12 boasted an anticipated top speed of 192 mph.
The C12 boasts velocity-responsive power steering, disk brakes equipped with grooved rotors, and advanced Alcon front calipers. Despite racking up a mileage of over 25,000 miles, the vehicle has been impeccably maintained. In September of 2022, the suspension dampers underwent a thorough rebuilding, while the alternator was also replaced within the same year.
In our opinion, the design of the C12 has stood the test of time, as the sleek appearance of a supercar masks the modest roots of the Corvette C5. Paul Deutschman, the designer behind the C12, made sure that only the door handles, glass, and door cut lines were shared with the ‘Vette, while the rest of the body was custom-made with carbon fiber and Kevlar. The result is a striking and luxurious exterior befitting a car with a price tag of $200,000 upon its debut many years ago.
The Earnhardt model comes in a stylish Mauritius Blue Mica color and boasts an easily detachable roof panel, ideal for a relaxing summer drive. The sleek vehicle also flaunts 19-inch Azev wheels with 295/30 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.
For our European audience, the rear lights of this car may seem quite recognizable as Callaway has taken inspiration from the Opel/Vauxhall Tigra, a stylish sports coupe from the 1990s.
Although the exterior may catch attention, the interior is lacking in its design. The use of plastics, reminiscent of early 2000s GM models, is not impressive. However, Callaway has at least added two-tone leather upholstery to the dashboard, center console, seats, door cards, and steering wheel. Noteworthy luxury features include dual-zone climate control, power windows, and a Kenwood audio system equipped with Bose speakers.
Only 19 limited-edition vehicles were manufactured, with the C12 emblem placed on the central console to indicate it as the 18th in the series. The autograph of Earnhardt Jr. can be discovered on the interior lining of the removable roof panel.
As of this writing, the current bid is set at $72,000, which may not seem like a substantial sum for one of Callaway’s most impressive creations. However, as the auction comes to a close in five days, there is a possibility that the bidding amount will increase dramatically.
