One-Off Corvette ZR1X Leads Chevy’s Celebration of America’s Birthday

In 2026, it will be a milestone 250 years since the United States Declaration of Independence. Chevrolet is one of the first automakers to celebrate this occasion with the launch of the Stars & Steel Collection, comprising five Chevy models. The Corvette, Silverado EV, Silverado Light Duty, Silverado Heavy Duty, and Colorado will each get the Stars & Steel treatment, with various design elements that draw inspiration from the American flag. The collection will also spawn a one-off Corvette ZR1X that will be auctioned off for charity.

Limited Run of 250 Corvettes

Unlike the Stars & Steel pickups, only the Corvette will be limited to 250 units. The nostalgic look will be offered on all Corvettes, from the base Stingray to the record-breaking ZR1X, but limited to the 3LT and 3LZ trims. These models will be identifiable by full-length stripes in either Satin Silver or Satin Black, inspired by the American flag. There will also be special “250” flag graphics on the doors and spoiler ends.

The two color options are Arctic White paint with a Santorini Blue interior or Black with an Adrenaline Red interior. Various red accents and wheel finishes will be available, including carbon-fiber wheels.

The one-of-one ZR1X with the Stars & Steel design will be auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Winter Auction on January 24, 2026. 100% of the hammer price will go to the Tunnel to Towers nonprofit organization that honors fallen first responders and provides support and assistance to injured veterans and their families. That price is likely to be substantial, given what exclusive Corvettes cost these days.

“The Stars & Steel Collection celebrates a key milestone for the country that not only served as the birthplace of our brand but has also been its home for nearly 115 years,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Global Chevrolet. “Each vehicle in this collection is proudly assembled in the United States and honors the rich legacy of our nation.”

Related: The 10 Most American-Made Cars in 2025

Proudly American Pickups

All four pickups mentioned will receive American-inspired design flourishes, with subtle differences from one to the next. However, not all truck variants are included, but the following models will receive the Stars & Steel look:

• Silverado Light Duty: RST Crew Cab Short Box 4WD
• Silverado Heavy Duty: LTZ Crew Cab Trail Boss 4WD
• Colorado Trail Boss Crew Cab 4WD
• Silverado EV RST Crew Cab

All four trucks get the Satin Silver or Satin Black stripes inspired by the American flag, along with “250” graphics. Common to all are gloss-black wheels, ranging in size from 20 inches (Colorado) to 24 inches (Silverado EV). They’re also finished in either Summit White or black, with black interiors. 

All four pickups are highly specified with what are usually optional packages and equipment, so we can expect their base MSRPs to be significantly higher than the standard models’. Chevy will also offer a Stars & Steel Appearance Package across its entire truck lineup, which will be a less comprehensive styling pack that’s in line with the flag-inspired theme.

Production of the Stars & Steel models will begin in early spring 2026, with pricing announced closer to this date.

We expect other brands to follow with similar campaigns, especially the likes of Jeep, another brand known for its patriotic special editions.

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