With the perspective of more than three decades, this first-year ZR-1 may not look much different from an ordinary C4 Corvette.
But this 1990 Corvette ZR-1 being offered for sale on craigslist for $19,000 in the San Jose, California area actually represented quite a technological leap for Chevrolet back in the day.
The ZR-1 featured the all-new LT5 four overhead cam, 32-valve V8 engine that was an unusual collaborative design of Chevy and Lotus, with Mercury Marine then responsible for the manufacturing and assembly at its Stillwater, Oklahoma plant. The finished product was finally shipped to Bowling Green where the ZR-1 was assembled.
The LT5 produced a whopping 375 horsepower, which may not sound that impressive these days, but back then the base Corvette delivered just 245 horsepower with its L98 engine.
Of course, all that power cost the 3,032 owners who bought one in 1990 quite the pretty penny – adding $27,016 to the base price of $31,979.
For the extra money, 1990 customers also received what was then unique wider bodywork (doors, rear quarter panels, rockers, rear fascia with rectangular taillights, and rear upper panel) that allowed the use of huge Goodyear Z-rated P315/35ZR17 tires on 11-inch wide rear rims. All ZR-1s were coupes with six-speed manual transmissions.
The seller says he found this one in 2021 after it had been stored for 17 years by the original owner. He describes his 40,000-mile ZR-1 as a “very clean, all original car … in very good condition.” Included will be the original window sticker and the ZR-1 “pizza box” with documentation.
Photos seem to verify his positive assessment of the car, with its Bright Red paint displaying a nice shine with no apparent body damage. The overall condition of the black interior is also consistent with such low miles.
If this ZR-1 proves to be as good in person as it is in photos, then someone is going to get a nice performance car at a very reasonable price.
Source:
Craigslist.org
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Very possibly too good to be true.
Just out of long term storage is a concern, but I would have to run a CARFAX and see what a in person inspection says.
It does look good, as long as it isn’t another Craigslist scam… but since I have also purchased some very nice cars from CL, I would withhold opinion until seeing the car in person.
I like the black interior. I get sick and tired of red/red C4s. Torch red interior is just SO red, it melts my retinas! The interior condition is excellent and the overall look is great.
If I was in the market, I would zip up and see what is what (I am in Los Angeles)! It would be worth at $100 round trip airline ticket to find out.
Why does it sit high in the rear? I’d be real careful on this one, IMHO.