GM Enforces 12-Month Hold on Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X

General Motors is taking decisive action to keep its hottest new performance cars in the hands of true enthusiasts. The company has introduced a one-year ownership retention policy for the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and the upcoming 2026 ZR1X—an effort to curb rapid resales that inflate prices and limit access for committed buyers. The new rule requires original purchasers to hold onto the car for at least 12 months from the day it’s reported as delivered. Selling early carries serious consequences that affect both the seller and any subsequent buyer.

At the heart of the initiative is a signed retention letter. Buyers must acknowledge the terms at the dealership before taking delivery, a clear signal that GM wants every customer to understand the obligations that come with these high-demand models. The retention period starts on the official delivery date recorded by the dealer. The goal is straightforward: discourage speculative flipping, protect the long-term value of the brand’s halo models, and reward owners who plan to drive and enjoy the cars rather than treat them as short-term assets.

GM’s penalties for breaking the 12-month commitment are significant. First, original owners who resell within the restricted timeframe lose the ability to place reservations or sold orders for certain future high-demand GM vehicles. That explicitly includes upcoming Corvette variants, effectively sidelining early sellers from the front of the line for the brand’s most coveted new offerings.

Second, and more consequential for the car itself, most of the factory warranty coverage is voided if the vehicle is transferred inside the one-year window. That includes the Bumper-to-Bumper, Powertrain, Sheet Metal, and Tire and Accessory warranties. There is one exception: EV Battery Warranty Coverage on the ZR1X remains in place. In all other respects, though, the warranty protections that help underpin a car’s value are removed.

Those warranty consequences apply not just to the original owner, but also to the next person who acquires the car during the restricted period. That ripple effect changes the calculus for anyone considering a quick flip. A Corvette without full factory coverage is less attractive and often worth less on the used market, especially within the first year when buyers typically expect comprehensive protection. GM further places the responsibility on the selling owner to inform the new buyer about the loss of warranty coverage, underscoring the company’s intent to make the terms crystal clear.

The move targets a persistent industry problem. When production of a headline-grabbing model is limited and demand surges, a subset of early buyers rush to resell, exploiting scarcity and driving prices far above MSRP. The practice can leave legitimate enthusiasts on the sidelines and distort the market. While some critics note that policies like this do not address dealer markups directly, they do constrain the incentives to buy and resell for quick profit. GM’s stance prioritizes ownership stability—placing the cars with customers who intend to keep them, drive them, and be part of the community that surrounds the Corvette nameplate.

Prospective used-car buyers should take note. If you’re looking at a 2025 ZR1 or 2026 ZR1X on the secondary market, it is essential to verify the original delivery date. Only after the one-year mark do the standard warranties remain intact for a subsequent owner. Without that confirmation, a seemingly great deal may come with diminished protection and resale implications.

This one-year commitment is a tougher standard than the six-month rule GM previously applied to certain 2025 and 2026 Corvette E-Ray and Z06 models—a policy that has since been removed. The stricter approach speaks to the exceptional demand expected for the ZR1 and ZR1X and to GM’s determination to manage that demand responsibly. These are the flagships of the lineup, built to showcase what the brand can do. Ensuring they go to dedicated owners is part of preserving that legacy.

For many enthusiasts, the new policy will be a non-issue. If you’ve waited years for a range-topping Corvette and plan to keep it, the 12-month hold changes nothing except the clarity of the rules. It may even help stabilize pricing and availability, reducing the frenzy that can eclipse a new model’s real purpose: to be driven, enjoyed, and celebrated. For speculators, the calculus is different. With warranties at stake and future purchase opportunities on the line, the cost of a quick flip just went up.

In the end, GM’s message is unmistakable. These cars are meant to be owned, not traded like commodities. By placing meaningful guardrails around early resales, the company aims to bring the spotlight back where it belongs—on the experience of owning one of the most anticipated Corvettes in years.

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