Quick! There’s still time to bid on this super-rare Callaway C12 owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr

Here’s something you don’t see every day: a one-of-19 Callaway C12 (Gran Turismo scholars will be familiar). And if that’s not special enough, this 25k-mile example was previously owned by NASCAR royalty, Dale Earnhardt Jr, and is now live on auction site Bring a Trailer.

Based on the C5-generation Chevrolet Corvette, the body has been completely overhauled with a lower, more chiselled shape, new lights at either end and a reforged exhaust system. A removable roof panel and 19in Azev alloy wheels were also fitted before a dark shade of ‘Mauritius Blue Mica’ was applied. Handsome, no?

There’s very little to suggest this once had commonality with the C5 until you dissect its engine: a 6.2-litre ‘SuperNatural’ V8 producing 482bhp and 466lb ft of torque. This power is channelled through a six-speed manual box, with support from a limited-slip differential and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres to translate it to the road. Alcon front brake callipers then sit behind the modern rubber to help counter the near-200mph top speed.

The cabin also remains in gorgeous condition, led by two-tone grey leather which runs from the seats right across the dashboard, while carbon fibre trim has been used sparingly throughout. The ad even states that all the electrics are working and have been recently overhauled, so there’s some peace of mind.

One quirky but wonderful touch you’ll spot is a signature from Dale Earnhardt Jr. himself, who scribbled ‘Enjoy the ride, I sure did’ along the headliner. One careful owner and all that...

At the time of writing, the bid sits at just over £57,000, but we expect it to get closer to - if not surpass - the £80,000 ($100k) barrier when the auction concludes in three days.