Back in the late ’70s, I could have bought great C2 Corvettes all day long for $3,000 – but thought I had to have the latest, greatest new models instead. Gee, wonder which would have been the smartest investment?
Maybe it’s time for enthusiasts to jump on the C4 ZR1 bandwagon before it’s too late and the market prices out the common folks.
For example, this red-on-red 1991 ZR1 that’s been driven just 18,000 miles since new might be just the one for such an apprehensive gearhead, as it’s being offered on Craigslist out of the Watertown, New York area for $34,500.
Considering this car includes one of the greatest engines of the ’90s (and maybe even all-time), that doesn’t sound like a bad deal, especially since it originally listed for $64,753 after the $31,683 ZR1 Special Performance Package – nearly as much as the original Standard Vehicle Price of $31,683.
The ZR1 included plenty of options in that package, including styled aluminum wheels, heavy-duty brake system, electronic air conditioning, specific side body panels, selective ride & handling package, leather adjustable sport seats, six-way power seats, low tire pressure warning system, Delco Bose Gold Series music system with CD and cassette player, and solar glass.
But it was what resided under the massive clamshell hood that turned the ZR1 into a world-class supercar long before anyone ever thought of the C8.
Designed by Lotus and hand-built by Mercury Marine in Oklahoma, the ZR1’s mighty DOHC, 32-valve all aluminum V8 engine produced a whopping 375 horsepower at a time when the stock Corvette made just 250. That number eventually increased to 405 horsepower before the end of the ZR1’s run, and this one has had the complete induction intake upgraded, ported, and tuned for an even more impressive dyno reading of 420 horsepower, according to the seller.
Indeed, the seller describes his “King of the Hill” Corvette, as it was fondly nicknamed in those days, in “perfect” fashion: “Perfect Paint, Perfect Interior, Perfect Driver, Perfect Investment.”
Based on the photos, he seems to be right as he boldly proclaims “you won’t find a nicer ZR1 anywhere at this price, adding that you “must see this rare example” that “still has the brand new appearance everywhere” and “everything works as intended.” Furthermore, this Corvette is said to handle “exceptionally smooth with abundant power.”
Included with the sale are an Escort Max 360C Radar Detector, car cover, all original manuals, brochures, window sticker, build sheet, history and maintenance records, and even the original leather briefcase style presentation case, “all in new condition.”
So what do you think? Is it time you finally take the plunge and buy a fourth-generation ZR1?
Source:
Craigslist
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![[VIDEO] English 'Farm Find' C4 Corvette ZR-1 Rescued and Gets First Wash](https://www.corvetteblogger.com/images/content/uploads/2024/04/042324_15-218x150.jpg "[VIDEO] English ‘Farm Find’ C4 Corvette ZR-1 Rescued and Gets First Wash")
Interesting question as to what the future holds for what are currently regarded as investment-worthy Corvettes. Will desirable C4s like this one appreciate significantly in value over the next 30 or so years, as desirable C2s have over the last 30 years? Or will the current transition away from ICE to EV, and possibly even to self-driving vehicles, limit that appreciation? How easy will it be to find a gas station, or to get insurance for a human-driven vehicle, in 30 years? Will driving restrictions be applied to ICE vehicles that will render them little more than enthusiast playthings that need to be stabled at private driving facilities in the country and visited on weekends for a little exercise on the facility’s track/strip/road course? Only time will tell.
Craigslist is typically where you go to find a late model Oldsmobile with six figure miles that you can get into for less than the price of a NY-LA airline ticket. So it’s quite “curious” that an alleged time capsule ZR-1 like this would be listed there, and not on BaT, Hemmings, Cars and Bids, etc.
My 1995 with about the same exact miles is going on cars and bids. Mine’s in the purple. Hoping to hit over 40 but we will see fingers crossed 🫰
Craigslist? Honestly the seller is probably older, & probably a little more reserved. I noticed the NY tags immediately. I’m from NYC/ Long Island area myself. Watertown NY is up there, more country, close to Canada even. So I don’t see this being so suspicious. Honestly I probably would put mine on Craigslist, Ebay, Offer up, myself. Then again ebay would reach deep in both our pockets (seller & buyer), & I’ve heard some of these others are worse. Sure if you are rich it wouldn’t matter, & your selling some wild exotic or classic it may make sense, but even tho this is a gem, it still is a C4 Corvette, & even as a ZR1 doesn’t fall into that category for most. Ironically, many gems are still sold & found in the simplest way. Craigslist, some pictures in local stores, etc.
Now to what said by Doug R. Yes I absolutely understand & feel this. There is alot of interesting points made in his post. Hopefully I don’t get in trouble for identifying Doug as a him. And this fact only makes what he said about the future of cars even more scary.
@David Grant
You point out the fact that most people will simply see this as a pedestrian C4 Corvette, not realizing what a ZR-1 really is. That’s exactly why Craigslist is a poor choice of sales venue for this type of vehicle. It needs to be where the enthusiasts are, who really understand what the car is, and that’s going to be Bring a Trailer or Cars and Bids. Moreover, those forums also offer the reader comment section, where prospective buyers, knowledgeable enthusiasts, and sellers can really scrutinize a vehicle interactively. Without that functionality, it’s pretty hard to find a non-local buyer in today’s market who’s willing pull the trigger on a vehicle at this echelon, sight unseen, without any input from anyone except the seller over the phone.
Yes in fact the c4 should be going up in value here real soon I own a 87 Corvette with the greenwood pkg. It’s white and bad to the bone thank s everyone for reading this mike
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