Every new Corvette ZR1 has an amazing hidden tribute to a living legend

When it comes to the Corvette ZR1, every little detail has been accounted for.

In fact, there’s even a dime-sized Easter Egg on each one that pays tribute to a living legend.

A living legend you have likely never heard of.

DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie

A retirement tribute to remember

The legend in question is Tadge Juechter.

He may not be a household name, but the car he gave the world certainly is – the Chevrolet Corvette.

He has been a big force within Chevrolet, spending decades cultivating the Corvette.

The 1,064 horsepower ZR1 is his final project as he is retiring on July 31.

To pay homage to his decades of work, Chevrolet is honoring him with a dime-sized Easter Egg on each ZR1 sold.

Where is this Easter Egg?

In an often overlooked spot – in that corner of the windshield where you see the certifications, the logo and other bits of writing.

A small image of Juechter is fixed there as well, immortalizing him in the car that is to be his swan song.

General Motors President Mark Reuss said of the tribute: “Tadge made our vehicles and our company better every day that he came to work, for nearly five decades, with his career culminating in the fastest, most powerful Corvette of them all.

“ZR1, and all Corvettes that follow, will wear this symbol commemorating his immense contributions and celebrating his legacy forever.”

Tadge Juechter’s work before the ZR1 came along

Juechter first joined GM back in 1977 at its Assembly Division in Lordstown, Ohio.

He would bounce between different positions before landing on the Corvette team in 1993.

By 1999, he was the assistant chief engineer of the Corvette, working beneath Dale Hill, who had led engineering for the C5 and C6 Corvettes.

It was under Juechter that the Corvette transformed into the powerful cars they are today.

So powerful in fact, that they need a mule car built just to test out the ZR1’s capabilities.

NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick praised Juechter in particular: “I’ve known all the executive chief engineers and they all have tremendous talent.

“I am not going to say one is better than the other, but the leap from the C7 to the C8 (mid-engine) was huge, and he’s the one responsible for that.”

Tadge Juechter has his say

In a statement, Juechter said: “It’s been the honor of a lifetime to work at this company, leading the men and women who have brought to life one of the most iconic and recognizable vehicles in recent American history.

“Their tenacity and ability to push what is possible with every variant and generation of Corvette was inspiring to see.

“I know the future of the nameplate is in the right hands.”

Once he steps down, Tony Roma will be taking his place.

Roma is best known as the man behind the Cadillac Celestiq.

Juechter has left big shoes to fill, but Roma is no novice when it comes to the world of cars – take a closer look at the Celestiq here.