“Chevrolet finally builds a Z06 convertible. Almost” (Car and Driver, September 2012). This car is the 2013 427 Corvette Convertible. Built on the steel frame of the standard Corvette, the 427 shares most of its DNA with the Z06. The 427 is powered by the 505 hp LS7, outputs power through the Z06’s 6-speed manual transaxle, and rode on the Magnetic Ride Control suspension. Built to celebrate the final year of C6 production, it was available in all the standard colors and could option for the 60th Anniversary package. Even though the 427 Convertible wasn’t totally a drop-top Z06, it was close, and easily reached speeds in excess of 170 mph.

The 60th Anniversary package offered Arctic White paint, blue accents and convertible top, and the ZR1 spoiler. It was available on all Corvette models, if the right equipment group was selected, and was installed on 2,059 2013 Corvettes.

For the final year of C6 production, GM decided to celebrate. It’s 2013 ZR1 paced the Indy 500 with Guy Fieri inside. The final C6 Corvette built, a 60th Anniversary Edition 427 Convertible, rolled off the plant in Bowling Green with an engine built by the Corvette’s chief engineer, Tadge Juechter (Motor Authority, March 2013). Finally, total production for 2013 reached 13,466. Although not the highest production year for the C6, 2013 was a remarkably strong build-up for the new 2014 C7.