Corvette 427 convertible
The Corvette 427 convertible has 505 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque coming from a 7-liter V-8 engine routing power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
It will do 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds on its way to a 190+ mph top speed. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
Base price is $76,900. The model we tested was $91,320. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
Recipe for the 427: Take from the Z06 one engine, driveline, rear axle, optional Magnetic Ride Control, optional carbon fiber hood and fenders, mix with ZR-1’s rear spoiler and lightweight wheels wrapped in Michelin PS2 rubber. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
Next, hack off the roof. Drop onto a steel frame (the Z06’s aluminum frame would flex too much without a roof). Add open road. Serves one driver and one passenger. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
The C6 Corvette’s days are numbered. Chevrolet recently confirmed it would unveil the next generation, 2014 C7 Corvette just ahead of the Detroit Auto Show in January. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
As with many other cars when the sunset of their existence approaches, the obligatory special edition rolls out. But rather than just slap some unique trim and a limited production run on a C6, Chevy went and made arguably the best version this generation of Corvette has seen. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
The power retractable roof folds into a compartment under this cover when not in use. Unfortunately, the roof can’t be operated when the car is in motion. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
Not only is this a special edition for the C6, but the model I tested also wore the 60th Anniversary design and stripe packages, which celebrate...the 60th anniversary of the Corvette. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
To comply with sound regulations on its 427, Z06 and ZR1 Corvettes, the cars all have a fuse that regulates an exhaust flap during idling and low RPM cruising. By simply yanking this little guy out (it’s only for this function), you have access to the Corvette sound the way it was intended; low, throaty and heavy with the delicious pop and cackle of exhaust overrun. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
The hood and fenders on the 427 are made from carbon fiber. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
A look at the 7-liter (427 cubic-inch) V-8 that sits under that carbon fiber hood. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
The interior of this car may not have aged well, but its ride certainly has. The Magnetic Ride Control’s ‘Tour’ setting gives you a wonderfully refined ride that’s never too stiff for daily driving. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
If you’re a Corvette fan, and have at least $76,000 kicking around, I say head for a 427. This 427’s motor has few flaws and fewer equals and to sample it with no roof over your head is something any fan of internal combustion will love. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
