Two Corvette ZR1s Stolen from GM’s Bowling Green Plant, Both Recovered originally appeared on Autoblog.
The Corvette world was shaken over the weekend when two brand-new C8 ZR1s were stolen directly from GM’s Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky — only for both to be recovered in dramatic fashion. The incident adds to a growing list of high-profile performance car thefts, raising questions about security at one of America’s most storied automotive facilities.
The Theft and the Pursuit
The theft happened just after midnight on August 8, when the two ZR1s — still wrapped in their protective factory film — were driven away from the plant. One, finished in Arctic White, was intercepted locally after running over spike strips in Bowling Green.
The other, in Sebring Orange, led police on a multistate chase into Indiana, reportedly reaching speeds of up to 180 mph before being found in Martin County. Both cars were returned to GM undamaged, a relief given the ZR1’s rarity and value.
Arrests and Ongoing Search
Authorities have arrested 20-year-old Daedrin Cook of Detroit, charging him with grand theft auto, evading police, wanton endangerment, and participating in organized crime. He’s currently being held in the Warren County Regional Jail.
The second suspect — believed to have been behind the wheel of the orange ZR1 — remains at large. This is the second time in 2025 that Bowling Green has been hit; a similar incident earlier this year saw eight Corvettes stolen.
A Plant with History
The Bowling Green facility has been the Corvette’s home since 1981, building every generation from the C4 onward. The ZR1, Chevrolet’s ultimate performance model, has just set a blistering Nürburgring lap record alongside the track-only ZR1X, cementing its status as the fastest American car to officially lap the Green Hell.
Losing even one to theft is a blow — especially with production volumes expected to be extremely low.
Performance Car Theft on the Rise
High-performance models are increasingly targeted by thieves. Just days before the Corvette heist, new data revealed the Camaro ZL1 as America’s most-stolen vehicle, underscoring the appeal of powerful V8 machinery to criminals.
While modern security systems make theft harder, these incidents show that determined thieves still find ways to exploit vulnerabilities.
Looking Ahead
Chevrolet has been investing in both future performance and security. Its recent California Concept Corvette created by its UK design team, hints at the next design direction for America’s sports car inputting futuristic styling.
But for now, the focus in Bowling Green will be on preventing further breaches — and ensuring the rare ZR1s reach their owners without taking a detour through a police impound.
Two Corvette ZR1s Stolen from GM’s Bowling Green Plant, Both Recovered first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 12, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
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