At the intersection of American muscle and science fiction legend, one Corvette blurs the line between road and starship. Now on display at the National Corvette Museum, the 1965 Corvette featured in the 2009 reboot of Star Trek brings cinematic flair and Corvette heritage together in a way only America’s Sports Car can.
This screen-used stunt car plays a pivotal role in the early moments of Star Trek (2009), as a young James T. Kirk sends it screaming across the Iowa countryside with a hover-bike cop in pursuit. The sequence is high-octane and pure adrenaline, ending with Kirk leaping out just before the Corvette launches into a quarry. While its fate in the film was dramatic, the actual car survives to tell its story.
As a 1965 model, this Corvette showcases mid-year updates including blacked-out horizontal grille bars, a reimagined fender design with three vertical louvers, and the introduction of four-wheel disc brakes—a performance milestone for the era. That same year also marked the return of Rochester fuel injection, making the ’65 Corvette a benchmark in Sting Ray evolution.
A deleted scene from the film expands the narrative. The Corvette once belonged to George Kirk, James’ late father. After George’s death, the car ended up with James’ uncle—until the future Starfleet captain found the keys and made the car his own, if only for one final ride.
Now, thanks to a generous loan from Ray Zielinski, this iconic Corvette is part of the Museum’s collection of historically significant vehicles. It’s a reminder that Corvette’s cultural impact doesn’t stop at racetracks or road tours. It spans generations, genres, and galaxies.
The 1965 Star Trek Corvette is a must-see for fans of performance, pop culture, and everything in between. Visit the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and stand face to face with a Corvette that boldly went where no car had gone before.
