Rare 1970 Corvette ZR1 Convertible Heading to Russo & Steele’s Monterey Auction

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Rare 1970 Corvette ZR1 Convertible Heading to Russo & Steele's Monterey Auction


Some lucky person is going to become the fifth owner of an important piece of Corvette history next month.

Russo and Steele will be offering a legendary 1970 Corvette ZR1 convertible at its 16th annual Monterey, Calif. auction set for Aug. 18-20.

Basically, the ZR1 might be described as an LT1 on steroids. Only 25 customers (out of 1,287 LT1 buyers) checked the box for the ZR1 Special Engine Package in 1970, likely because it could not be ordered with convenience options like power windows, power steering, air conditioning, a rear-window defogger, wheel covers, or a radio.

What the ZR1 did have was the LT1 solid-lifter small block engine, along with a heavy-duty L88 starter and other features of the L88 such as a lightweight flywheel, the Muncie M22 Rock Crusher 4-speed manual transmission, RPO J56 heavy-duty brakes, transistorized ignition, a special aluminum radiator, heavy-duty springs and shocks, and bigger front and rear sway bars.

Rare 1970 Corvette ZR1 Convertible Heading to Russo & Steele's Monterey Auction


This particular ZR1 – which is Classic White with a blue interior and white soft top – included tilt-tele steering and a 4.11:1 Positraction differential. Better yet, it was originally prepped and sponsored by Corvette racing legend Dick Guldstrand for SCCA solo competition for then-owner George Lynch.

During its racing days, the car was even on the cover of Sports Car Magazine!

Only three other people have owned the car since Lynch, and just a year ago, it earned NCRS Top Flight honors (racking up a phenomenal 98.3 out of 100 points!) after undergoing an extensive mechanical restoration and detailing by The Corvette Shop in Costa Mesa, Calif.

Rare 1970 Corvette ZR1 Convertible Heading to Russo & Steele's Monterey Auction


The car includes the original purchase order and Protect-O-Plate and copies of shipper papers, ownership history, and judging sheets.

“The word exceptional is not overused with this car,” Russo and Steele says in its description of the ZR1. “An amazing well-presented ZR1 Corvette, it is both a unique investment opportunity and a highlight of any serious collection.”

In other words, be prepared to open your wallet very wide, but we’d have to say rightfully so for such a spectacular vehicle.

Rare 1970 Corvette ZR1 Convertible Heading to Russo & Steele's Monterey Auction Rare 1970 Corvette ZR1 Convertible Heading to Russo & Steele's Monterey Auction Rare 1970 Corvette ZR1 Convertible Heading to Russo & Steele's Monterey Auction
Rare 1970 Corvette ZR1 Convertible Heading to Russo & Steele's Monterey Auction Rare 1970 Corvette ZR1 Convertible Heading to Russo & Steele's Monterey Auction Rare 1970 Corvette ZR1 Convertible Heading to Russo & Steele's Monterey Auction
Rare 1970 Corvette ZR1 Convertible Heading to Russo & Steele's Monterey Auction Rare 1970 Corvette ZR1 Convertible Heading to Russo & Steele's Monterey Auction Rare 1970 Corvette ZR1 Convertible Heading to Russo & Steele's Monterey Auction
Rare 1970 Corvette ZR1 Convertible Heading to Russo & Steele's Monterey Auction Rare 1970 Corvette ZR1 Convertible Heading to Russo & Steele's Monterey Auction Rare 1970 Corvette ZR1 Convertible Heading to Russo & Steele's Monterey Auction


Source:
Russo & Steele via AutoCherish.com

Related:
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Mecum to Offer Rare 1972 Corvette ZR1 at Indianapolis Sale
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