The C6 Corvette Based, Zagato Bodied, Perano Z-One Exotic (photos)
Zagato, The Italian Coachmakers, try their hand on the Corvette! Famously associated with Aston Martin and BMW, Zagato started with a C6 Corvette and created the Perano Z-One. The lines on this 'Vette are otherworldly and so is the price.
1. An exquisite work of art
The body of the Z-One is truly otherworldly. It's as if the future visited, handed Zagato these specs, and said "If you build it, we will come." To look at it you would never know it started with a standard C6 Corvette which rolled off the Bowling Green line like thousands of others.
2. Limited availability
Only 10 Z-Ones were made by Perena Performance Group of South Africa, 7 of which were shipped to the U.S. and one of which recently surfaced on Ebay with a buy it now price of $125,999. Jem Motor Corp. in Los Angeles listed the 'Vette based exotic back in January, and since relisted it, but it did not sell via eBay. Chances are they still have it if you have the money to spend.
3. Under the Hood
This beauty has the standard 6.2 Liter LS3 430 hp Corvette engine and 6-Speed Auto Transmission, but is upgraded with Eibach Springs, Bilstein Shock Absorbers, and an aftermarket anti-roll bar at each end. It seems a shame to modify it after spending that much money, but if that isn't enough power all the aftermarket Corvette tuning parts should bolt right up. The best part is service should be available at any GM dealer.
4. Sleek and Elegant
The C6 Corvette is long, low and curvy, but the Z-One out does it from every angle. Zagato may not have improved the aerodynamics, but they certainly made the modern Corvette look more like a classic European grand touring sports car.
5. Interior Made for Business
The interior may be short of tech, but how much infotainment do you need when you have the whole world to look at, and that LS motor to enjoy on your drive. Perano looks to have started with the C6 parts, but covered everything with hand stitched leather, and custom shaped it to be more pleasing to the eye and touch. It isn't like the dark ages in their either, there is a touchscreen stereo system after all.
6. Ahhhh, Leather
The leather/suede combination, in contrasting colors, offers soft, smooth comfort, even on an extended back roads drive. The seats are ergonomically designed to hug and support your back, but still give you freedom and comfort for hours in the saddle.
7. I like this angle, and I cannot lie
The front engine, long hood, short rear deck covering wide tire makes the rear of the car look quite wide, as to be expected in a Corvette. The look is no lie though, you can trust that this car tops out at 185 mph, and can go from 0-60 in 4.0 seconds. With a total weight of just 3,230 lbs, the Z-One isn't fat, it's just healthy.
8. Is it worth it?
Jem still has the eBay car listed on their website, if you have some recent lottery winnings that you need to get rid of. If this unique C6 Vette worth such a premium over a C7 Z06 Corvette with the Z07 package, which stickers for less than $100k, or is it worth as much as a C6 ZR1 which has way more power? Well, how much is exclusivity worth to you?
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