Adventures in Oz With the Corvette Z06

GYMPIE, Australia — Remember the name Performax International. We're talking about a small Australian importer that has pulled off a rather remarkable feat: It has built what is claimed to be the world's first right-hand-drive conversion of the Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Furthermore, the company, formerly known as Corvette Queensland, already has sold three copies to Australian enthusiasts since December and reckons it can build and sell up to two dozen a year. Including taxes and the cost of the four-week conversion, the asking price Down Under is U.S. $189,000 — nearly three times the Z06's $70,000 U.S. sticker.

Performax also offers RHD conversions of the standard C6 Vette coupe and convertible, priced from around U.S. $140,000, and is reportedly working on a conversion of the Ford Mustang GT. The latter model is expected to reach Aussie dealerships in spring 2008, priced at "only" U.S. $80,000.