A Different Kind of Hendrick Purchase
If you know Rick Hendrick, you probably know him as the guy who always lands the first Corvette off the line. He’s made a habit of showing up at auctions, bidding big, and driving away with VIN 001 every time a new generation rolls out.
But this latest buy is a different story. At the memorable Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach auction, Hendrick spent $1 million on something that’s about as far from a Corvette as you can get: the first 2026 GM Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle-Utility (ISV-U) offered to the public.
It’s still a one-off, still a headline purchase, and still for a good cause. Only this time, it’s not a showroom queen but a military-grade machine with a story that goes beyond the usual collector’s tale.
General Motors
The GM Defense ISV-U
The ISV-U is built by GM Defense for the US Army and its allies. Forget luxury SUV – this is an ultra-light tactical vehicle made for tough jobs. It’s all about durability, modular design, and getting through rough terrain, not comfort.
The one at Palm Beach wasn’t just any ISV-U. It wore a custom livery to honor the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation and the 250th anniversary of the United States. Medal of Honor recipients like Kyle Carpenter and David Bellavia were there for the sale.
The full $1 million goes straight to the Foundation’s programs. That money helps Medal of Honor recipients and keeps their stories alive. So yes, it’s another headline purchase, but as always, that money goes to charity (and tax write-offs).
General Motors
Hendrick’s Corvette History
Hendrick is more than just a collector. He runs Hendrick Automotive Group and Hendrick Motorsports, and he’s worked with GM for years. His company, Hendrick Technical Solutions, supplies parts for the ISV-U.
But most car fans know him for his collection. Hendrick has landed the first C7, C8 Stingray, and even high-performance models like the ZR1 and the ZR1X. These cars often go for millions of dollars, which only adds to his reputation as the guy for milestone VINs.
For someone who usually chases the next big Corvette, this ISV-U purchase is less about the vehicle and more about what it stands for. And of course, believing in what his own company helps build.
There are no reviews to display.