It was the undisputed star of the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, and can also be one of the most headlining attractions at this weekend’s Barrett-Jackson auction. Yes folks, we’re talking concerning the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7. The cynics and haters may feign disinterest at its carryover transverse leaf spring suspension and “crude” pushrod engine, but for thousands if not millions of gearheads, the appearance of a brand new Corvette is a huge deal, since it’s generally a once-in-a-decade occurrence.

Its presence on the Barrett-Jackson Auction can be a major deal for Detroit’s College for Creative Studies, that will enjoy the $1.05 million winning bid raised for C7 Corvette VIN #0001 from Rick Hendrick. That quantity is greater than $700,000 higher than the $300,000 bid for the primary SRT Viper that was auctioned in June 2012. Greater than 170 alumni of the faculty work at General Motors’ design studios.

Among any other Corvette models auctioned over the weekend include GM CEO’s Dan Akerson’s personal 1958 Corvette and celebrity chef Guy Fieri’s 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible, which both auctioned for $270,000.  Proceeds from Akerson’s car benefit Habitat for Humanity’s Morningside Commons initiative in Detroit, and proceeds from Fieri’s car going toward the man Fieri Foundation for Inspiration and Imagination. Rick Hendrick also bid on and won a 1968 Corvette L88 race car that sold for $1 million.

Source: General Motors, Barrett Jackson