While the new-kid-on-the-block eighth-generation Corvette is garnering all the attention right now, back in the shadows lurks another potent punch from Chevrolet, its older sibling C6.
In fact, we think this sixth-generation ZR1 up for auction on Bring a Trailer looks pretty darn impressive, especially considering it’s now 11 years old.
The Blade Silver coupe also is complemented by touches of exposed carbon fiber on the roof, side skirts, and front splitter, and everyone in the know will instantly realize this is a mighty ZR1 thanks to the clear polycarbonate hood window that displays its monstrous 638-horsepower, supercharged 6.2-liter LS9 V8 for all the world to see. For us, the main drawback of the C4 ZR-1 is that basically, to the average person, it looked the same as the much cheaper base model.
This particular Corvette is virtually new, with just 1,100 miles on the odometer.
Interestingly, it listed for $121,425 when it was new – more than double the cost and half a second slower from 0 to 60 mph than the new C8, by the way.
Featuring the top-of-the-line 3ZR Premium Equipment that added $10,000 to the base price, this ZR1 is equipped with additional Ebony leather upholstery on the dash, door panels, and center console to create the nicest interior available during the C6 run from 2005-2013. Also included in that package were heated and power-adjustable sport bucket seats with memory settings, a Bose seven-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, universal home remote, power-telescoping steering column, and luggage shade.
Standard equipment on the ZR1 included carbon ceramic brake rotors with Brembo calipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, head-up display, cruise control, limited-slip differential, multi-function steering wheel, and full instrumentation including a 200-mph speedometer, a tachometer with a 6,500 RPM redline, and gauges to keep up with boost pressure, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and fuel level. We also love the blue brake calipers and the staggered-diameter chrome wheels.
Another key factor that will likely help the collectability of ZR1s is the six-speed manual transmission, the only choice available for this powerhouse sports car.
Now the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is all you can get in the new C8, though we feel it’s the best transmission we’ve ever driven.
One concern about this car is that it’s basically been sitting in someone’s garage for the past decade, so it’s likely that the tires are dry-rotted (dated from 2008 and 2009) and gaskets and rubber hoses would need to be checked. Of course, it’s likely a new owner wouldn’t put too many miles on the odometer since driving it too much would sadly hurt the investment value.
The new owner will get extensive documentation, including a copy of the window sticker printed on an aluminum sheet as well as the original paper version, a build sheet, factory manuals, a brochure, and additional literature.
About the only thing I don’t like about the sixth-generation ZR1 is the lack of removable roof panels, as the exposed carbon fiber roof is fixed in place, but if you don’t like for your hair to blow in the wind (or don’t have any), that may not be an issue.
Currently being auctioned off by a Marietta, Georgia dealership, this no-accidents-on-Carfax Corvette lists previous registrations in Pennsylvania, Florida, and Oregon.
The auction ends in three days, and the current bid has climbed to $62,000 – not bad for a supercar from that era. We tend to believe that the ZR1 will be the most collectible model from the sixth generation, especially now that the front-engine era has officially ended for Corvette.
So if you bought this car, would you drive it, or just look at it in your garage?
Source:
Bring a Trailer
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![[SPIED] Corvette ZR1 Mules Testing in Ohio Ahead of the NCM Bash](https://www.corvetteblogger.com/images/content/uploads/2024/04/042224_8-218x150.jpg "[SPIED] Corvette ZR1 Mules Testing in Ohio Ahead of the NCM Bash")
Cars, especially high performance models like this one, were built to be driven. Whenever I come across one of these older performance cars with virtually no miles on it I find myself wondering how the engineers and others who pour their heart and soul into designing and crafting these incredible driving machines feel when the product of their talents and efforts never gets to do what it was intended to do, but rather goes entirely to waste rotting away in someone’s collection.
Doug I could not agree more hate seeing a car like that move from the garage to the driveway so everyone who drives by can see it. My son just traded his CTS V Cadillac plus cash for a 2010 ZR1. I thought the caddy was fast the vet is nuts
Generally, I’m not too hot on the C6 primarily from a rear view that now looks like an “old” generation Corvette. But, this is a very nice car. I understand the confinement to the garage rather than piling up the miles. The owner has probably added $20K to his/her investment by doing so. This copy will make someone very happy, either in their garage or on the road.
I have owned a C5; a C6 & a C7
Corvettes are built to be driven, period !
Yep, I am on my 5th Corvette with a pristine 2011 GS 3LT manual in Crystal Red Met. I love this car but yes I would drive the hell out of this ZR1. They don’t like sitting around. Very nice.
Those cars are great highway cruisers! Took one from Ohio to Bowling Green down I-65 and enjoyed all 7 and a half hours of it!
A great car!!!!!!! nothing more to be said!!!!!!!
Just to complete the comment, YESSAA I would drive it. I have a 2006 Z06 with 52K miles and it’s been to Cali, Michigan, Florida and on the track many times!!!!!! You have to enjoy the cars you have or else it’s a waste of time and money to buy them!!!!
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