First it was Australia’s turn, now one is here – the very first factory-built GMSV right-hand-drive C8 Corvette is registered and on the road in New Zealand.

Looking resplendent in eye-catching Accelerate Yellow, the C8 3LT Coupe arrived in-country mid-August and will be used for local validation, as well as display and demonstration purposes.

“After so much build-up and anticipation, it’s incredibly exciting to see the C8 in the flesh – it’s even more breath-taking than I could have ever imagined,” said General Manager of GMSV New Zealand, Matthew Taylor.

right hand drive corvette rhd
2021 Corvette, Right Hand Drive. RNZYS, Auckland, Thursday 7 October 2021 Photo: Simon Watts/www.bwmedia.co.nz

“It is absolutely stunning and truly is a sight to behold, made all the more impressive that the C8 2LT Coupe is available from $154,990.”  ($RRP includes GST and Premium Paint, but excludes on-road costs such as dealer-delivery and statutory charges).

News of the C8 arrival in New Zealand coincides with the start-of-production of customer cars at GM’s renowned Bowling Green Plant in Kentucky USA, with shipment of vehicles anticipated to commence later this quarter.

Part of the unique appeal of the new model is that it is the first Corvette to be manufactured right-hand drive.  Furthermore, all new C8 sold via the authorised GMSV dealer network offer a full manufacturer warranty, as well as servicing and aftersales support.

right hand drive corvette rhd
2021 Corvette, Right Hand Drive. RNZYS, Auckland, Thursday 7 October 2021 Photo: Simon Watts/www.bwmedia.co.nz

In addition to the famed 6.2-litre V8, all first-allocation C8 Corvettes in New Zealand will feature the Z51 Performance Package and Front Lift as standard, as well as Magnetic Selective Ride Control.

“These features provide for even more agility and performance capability from what is already an incredibly outstanding sports car,” said Mr Taylor.

right hand drive corvette rhd
2021 Corvette, Right Hand Drive. RNZYS, Auckland, Thursday 7 October 2021 Photo: Simon Watts/www.bwmedia.co.nz

GMSV New Zealand is making plans to showcase the C8 at events and activations but, due to current Covid-19 restrictions, nothing is set in stone.

“Unfortunately we’re hamstrung and unable to commit to a schedule,” said Mr Taylor.

“We know there is huge interest in this vehicle and have every intention of getting it out and about. 

“Believe me, it is well worth the wait.”

right hand drive corvette rhd
2021 Corvette, Right Hand Drive. RNZYS, Auckland, Thursday 7 October 2021 Photo: Simon Watts/www.bwmedia.co.nz

Recommended retail pricing follows over…

C8 Corvette recommended retail pricing

The recommended retail price:

  • Includes GST
  • Includes Premium Paint
  • Excludes on-road costs such as dealer-delivery and statutory charges
right hand drive corvette rhd
2021 Corvette, Right Hand Drive. RNZYS, Auckland, Thursday 7 October 2021 Photo: Simon Watts/www.bwmedia.co.nz

MODELRRP (ex on-road costs and statutory charges)
2LT Coupe$154,990
2LT Convertible$169,990
3LT Coupe$169,990
3LT Convertible$184,990
Carbon Edition (Coupe only)$197,990
right hand drive corvette rhd
2021 Corvette, Right Hand Drive. RNZYS, Auckland, Thursday 7 October 2021 Photo: Simon Watts/www.bwmedia.co.nz
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Fred Alvrez
How on earth to start this? I've been car/bike/truck crazy since I was a teen. Like John, I had the obligatory Countach poster on the wall. I guess I'm more officially into classic and muscle cars than anything else - I currently have a '65 Sunbeam Tiger that left the factory the same day as I left the hospital as a newborn with my mother. How could I not buy that car? In 2016 my wife and I drove across the USA in a brand-new Dodge Challenger, and then shipped it home. We did this again in 2019 in a 1990 Chev Corvette - you can read about that trip on DriveLife, and again in 2023 buying a C5 Corvette and shipping it home. I'm a driving instructor and an Observer for the Institute of Advanced Motorists - trying to do my bit to make our roads safer.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Quiet Familiar with the Corvette.
    Looking for a used 2022 convertible are willings to order a new one if allocations are available. Do you have suck and can you get back to me on this.

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