2026 marks the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, and we’re sure to see plenty of products roll out in the coming months to celebrate the jubilee. Getting in on the action early (before we get tired of the inevitable deluge of releases) is one of the most emblematically American brands, Chevy, who is getting patriotic with its Stars & Steel special editions, including a one-off Corvette ZRX1 that will be auctioned off in January.
A Bicentennial Callback
Chevy has precedent here. Back in 1976, the automaker celebrated America’s 200th with “Spirit of America” editions, featuring red, white, and blue Impala, Nova, and Vegas models with white mag wheels. This time around, the approach is a bit cleaner. The Stars & Steel Collection swaps overt Americana for flag-inspired graphics and blacked-out elements that are decidedly more contemporary and objectively less gaudy.
Limited Corvettes and a ZRX1 One-Off
The Corvette leads the pack with a 250-unit production run spanning Stingray to ZRX1 (3LT/3LZ trims only). Each features full-length American flag-inspired stripes in Satin Silver or Satin Black over Arctic White or Black paint. Interiors come in Santorini Blue or Adrenaline Red with Torch Red seat belts, Edge Red brake calipers, numbered build plaques, and Carbon Flash or carbon fiber wheels. If that’s not enough, there’s a one-off ZRX1 hypercar headed to Barrett-Jackson’s January auction takes this formula further, with proceeds benefiting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. More information on that model will be released in the coming weeks.
Trucks Across the Board
The truck lineup, encompassing the Colorado, Silverado 1500, Silverado HD, and Silverado EV, all get flag-inspired graphics and “250” badging, with specs tailored to each model that go beyond badging. The Colorado Trail Boss adds 20-inch gloss black wheels, red tow hooks, and the Midnight Package. Meanwhile, the Silverado 1500 RST gets 22-inch wheels and red Brembo six-piston calipers. The Silverado HD pairs its Duramax diesel with the Z71 Off-Road Package, while the Silverado EV tops out with 24-inch wheels and a heavy-duty Brembo brake package.
Spec Sheet
Models: 2026 Corvette (Stingray through ZRX1), Colorado Trail Boss, Silverado 1500 RST, Silverado HD LTZ Trail Boss, Silverado EV RST
Corvette Production: 250 units (plus a one-off ZRX1)
Corvette Colors: Arctic White/Santorini Blue or Black/Adrenaline Red
Truck Colors: Summit White or Black
Wheels: Carbon Flash/carbon fiber (Corvette), 20-24″ gloss black (trucks)
Features: Flag-inspired graphics, numbered plaques (Corvette), red Brembo brakes (select models)
Pricing & Availability
Beginning production spring 2026 with pricing TBA, the Stars & Steel collection will debut at the Army-Navy Game on December 13. Chevy will donate $250 per vehicle sold to veteran nonprofits, and the ZRX1 one-off auctions January 24 at Barrett-Jackson.
Recap
Chevrolet Stars & Steel Collection
Chevy’s rolling out its Stars & Steel Collection to mark America’s 250th birthday in 2026, headlined by 250 limited-edition Corvettes with flag-inspired graphics and a one-off ZRX1 that’s hitting the auction block for charity. The lineup also includes special editions of the Colorado and Silverado trucks, all decked out with patriotic styling that’s way more refined than the brand’s red-white-and-blue Bicentennial cars from the ’70s.
