The 1953 Commemorative Edition Corvettes built by Advanced Automotive Technologies (AAT) are familiar to most enthusiasts — but this particular example, finished in black over a two‑tone black and red interior, stands out as something special. It’s the first one I’ve seen in this color combination, and frankly, the dark finish seems to suit the retro‑modern lines better than the lighter hues AAT usually chose.

That’s not to say I’d take my own Z06 and turn it into a tribute to the original ’53, as this one offered on Bring a Trailer has been. Apparently, I’m not alone in that sentiment — bidding sits at a modest $7,777 with only two days left in the auction.

User meandmyredFerrari summed up the mood perfectly in the comments: “Took my white one with red interior convertible to cars and coffee. Thought it would be a hit. Unfortunately nobody seemed interested. Comments were mixed. Sold it the next month. My advice… Don’t buy it to impress. Buy it for you because you like it.”

This 2003 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, showing just 14,000 miles, is one of roughly 200 Commemorative Edition conversions produced by AAT of Rochester Hills, Michigan. Founded by former GM designer Steve Pasteiner, AAT’s project was a bold homage to the first‑generation Corvette — complete with C1‑style fiberglass bodywork, chrome bumpers, retro badges, and wire headlight guards.

Underneath, though, it remains pure C5 Z06: a 5.7‑liter LS6 V8 paired with a six‑speed manual and limited‑slip differential, good for 405 horsepower and 400 lb‑ft of torque. The car rides on 17‑ and 18‑inch chrome multi‑spoke wheels and retains the Z06’s upgraded suspension, brakes, and handling systems.

Inside, the cabin mixes eras — black and red leather seats, a head‑up display, Kenwood digital stereo, and Bose sound system. The odometer shows 14,000 miles, about 1,000 added by the current owner since 2018.

As with most AAT conversions, opinions are divided. Commenters on Bring a Trailer debated everything from airflow to authenticity:

arcturus noted that the new body panels block airflow to the rear brakes and argued that “an original 2003 Z06 in pristine condition is a better investment than the AAT version.”

pigman countered that “black paint makes it even better,” adding that you buy this car “because you want it, not because you think everyone else is going to love it.”

RWD‑FTW chimed in with a pragmatic take: “You don’t mess with a Z06.”

Even Ken Lingenfelter’s name surfaced in the discussion — this particular car reportedly originated from his collection in Michigan, one of only seven Z06 conversions AAT ever built.

The AAT 1953 Commemorative Edition remains one of the more polarizing Corvette reinterpretations — a mix of craftsmanship, nostalgia, and questionable market appeal. Whether you see it as a creative tribute or a high‑end kit car, one thing’s certain: it’s a conversation starter.

And in black, it might just be the best‑looking one yet.

Source:
Bring a Trailer

Related:
Corvettes for Sale: Restored 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe Offered on Craigslist
Corvettes for Sale: Numbers Matching 1973 Corvette Coupe with 454/Auto Transmission
Corvettes for Sale: Senior-Owned 1998 Corvette with 42K Miles on VetteFinders.com

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