307-Mile 1972 Corvette ZR1 Up for Grabs this Weekend at Mecum Kissimmee

Mecum’s 3,000 plus car mega-auction kicked off earlier this week in Kissimmee, Florida. With well over 300 Corvettes on the docket, there’s no shortage of high-end cars to be had. Check out this super rare 1972 ZR1 with just 307 miles on it. Yes, just 307 miles since new.

The ZR1 option package made its way on to just 20 Corvettes in 1972. It was essentially a small block race car for the street.

The package contained the 255hp LT-1 engine, M-22 4-speed, aluminum radiator, F41 suspension with its special springs, shocks, and front and rear stabilizer bars, and J56 heavy-duty power brakes. A radio wasn’t available with the ZR1 package. This particular ZR1 is finished in Classic White with the Deluxe Saddle interior. To this day it’s never been registered and still resides on the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin.

This ZR1 was delivered through Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet in Rockford, Illinois on May 18th, 1972. It never underwent dealer prep and the owner, Guy Carpenter, trailered the car home. After that, the car lived in a garage until 2009. It was exercised sparingly in that time. Guy and his brother even carefully stored the original wheels and tires.

As you’d imagine the car remains in virtually “as-new” condition with its original paint, interior and essentially everything else including the air filter and tires. It’s run the gamut of Corvette awards including Bloomington Gold, Survivor, and Benchmark, NCRS Top Flight, Performance Verification, Duntov, and 4 Star Bowtie. Additionally, it’s won the MCACN Concourse Gold and Triple Diamond awards. It graced the December 2009 cover of Corvette Enthusiast magazine and participated in the Bloomington Gold Special Collection Grand Finale.

Documentation includes the window sticker, dealer order form, and invoice, as well as the owner’s manual and warranty book including the Protect-O-Plate.

We’ve seen this car in person a couple of times and it truly is a remarkable example. It’s easily one of the best original cars we’ve ever seen anywhere. Mecum has a pre-auction estimate of $400,000 – $500,000 on it. Is that accurate? We have no idea. You can’t shop cars like these. A “regular” 1972 ZR1 coupe will cost you maybe half of that amount. Does the pinnacle of originality, rarity, and pedigree up the ante that much? We’ll find out this Saturday when it rolls across Mecum’s red carpet in search of a new home.

Source:
Mecum Auctions

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