GM Updates C8 Corvette Retention Policy

Heads up to anyone tracking Corvette ownership rules. GM has just revised its retention policy for certain C8 models, and it is good news for future E-Ray and Z06 buyers.

According to a dealer email now circulating on the Mid Engine Corvette forum, the six-month ownership retention requirement will be lifted for C8 E-Ray and C8 Z06 units produced for the 2025 and 2026 model years, as long as they are delivered on or before November 5, 2026.

This marks a shift from GM’s earlier stance, which aimed to curb vehicle “flipping,” the practice of reselling new Corvettes at inflated prices. While that policy helped protect availability for true enthusiasts, it also added friction for buyers who did not intend to flip but wanted flexibility.

GM is keeping retention rules in place for its upcoming halo models. The C8 ZR1 and ZR1X will be subject to a strict one-year retention policy starting from the date of first retail delivery. If an owner sells or transfers the car before that year is up, they will be barred from ordering select high-demand GM vehicles, including future Corvette variants, and the vehicle’s warranty will be voided.

To enforce this, GM will require ZR1 and ZR1X buyers to sign a delivery form acknowledging the retention terms.

This policy mirrors what GM has done with other high-demand vehicles like the Escalade-V and GMC Hummer EV. That said, it has not stopped some dealers from applying steep markups. GM has publicly discouraged this practice, even threatening to reroute allocations from dealers who push excessive pricing. Nevertheless, many GM dealers continue to offer high-demand vehicles with significant markups.

What do you think: is this a fair balance between protecting enthusiasts and allowing market freedom, or should GM go further in regulating dealer behavior?

Well, the policy didn't stop this flip. Hope the buyer doesn't have any issues with the car.

I don't know very much about how the deal network does its thing, but it has always bugged me how the premiums placed on new models can be allowed, or even be legal. Sure, the market dictates pricing but come on! The original owner of "The Beast" paid more than $20k over MSRP for it back in December of 1989. That was big money back then.