The Kiss frontman is selling his car and his guitar.
If you’re a rock star, there’s a good chance you have a giant pile of money to spend on whatever you want. And because you made your money in the rock genre, there’s no pressure to spend said money on a car that sets an example. That’s why every celeb with a squeaky-clean image drives an EV of some sort.
People like Paul Stanley, the frontman of Kiss, can get away with driving a bright red C8 Corvette Stingray convertible without looking ridiculous, and now you can too. Thanks to the auctioneers at Barret-Jackson, you can now own a piece of automotive rock history.
When someone like Paul Stanley wants a Corvette, they don’t follow the usual path. Chevrolet has had massive supply issues with the C8, and a recent tornado made the situation even worse. Not to mention the ongoing semiconductor shortage and the resulting prices customers are expected to pay for cars.
When Stanley wanted a C8, he phoned GM’s president, Mark Ruess, directly. “I spoke with Mark and Harlan Charles and put together a combination that played on the C8’s touring and sports car aspects,” said Stanley.
As a result of that conversation, he took delivery of a Red Mist Metallic Tintcoat C8 with a Saddle interior. And because you can’t afford to annoy a rock start, Stanley got the first car off the 2022 production line with the VIN 001. As you’d expect, it’s in range-topping 3LT trim.
The only odd thing about this story is why Stanley didn’t get himself a Z06. Rock stars usually go for the fastest models, like Steven Tyler’s Hennessey Venom GT Spyder.
You might be wondering why Stanley is getting rid of the car so soon after taking delivery. It’s not a money issue, as Kiss is still touring up a storm, and that’s the problem. Stanley is far too busy to enjoy the car, and he’d much rather let it go to someone who will appreciate it.
“I can’t do it justice, and I’m conscious of the vehicle, pedigree, and number,” said Stanley. “I want to make it available to somebody who might be able to get more out of it, whether it’s to add to a collection or to drive it.”
To sweeten the deal, Stanley also includes an Ibanez PS120 Paul Stanley Signature guitar in the purchase.
The car will go on the auction block sometime during the 2022 Barret-Jackson event in Las Vegas, scheduled for June 30.
With demand so high just for a standard Corvette, imagine what this car will go for.