One of the great things about being a Corvette enthusiast is that there’s room for everyone at the table.
If you’ve got $200,000 burning a hole in your pocket, the upcoming 2026 ZR1 will gladly take it. But if your budget is a little more grounded — and your tastes lean toward the analog era — the C4 ZR-1 remains one of the best performance bargains in the Corvette universe.
Case in point: this 5,000 mile 1990 ZR-1 currently up for grabs on Bring a Trailer. With four days left, bidding has climbed to $34,000, a fraction of what today’s mid engine supercars command. And this one is about as close as you’ll get to buying a new ZR-1 in 2026.
The seller purchased the car on BaT in 2017 and has added roughly 3,300 miles since. In preparation for the sale, they drained and cleaned the fuel tank and replaced the tires, spark plugs, fuel pump, fuel sender, air filters, and battery — all the right things you want addressed on a low mileage car.
Finished in Polo Green Metallic over Saddle leather, this ZR-1 carries all the hallmarks of the early C4 super Vette: the wider tail, the convex rear fascia, the squared off taillights, and the unmistakable stance that separated it from the standard Corvette.
The exterior includes both removable roof panels, pop up headlights, fog lamps, fender aero vents, and heated power mirrors. The seller notes minor blemishes on the lower front panel, but overall the car presents extremely well.
Under the hood sits the legendary 5.7 liter LT5, the all aluminum, DOHC V8 co designed with Lotus and hand built by Mercury Marine. Rated at 375 horsepower and 370 lb ft of torque, it remains one of the most legendary engines in Corvette history.
Recent maintenance includes new intake manifold gaskets (2020), a fresh battery, new filters, and a full fuel system refresh. Power goes to the rear wheels through the ZF six speed manual, and this example includes a 1st to 4th skip shift bypass.
Inside, the Saddle leather sport seats look as crisp as you’d expect from a 5,000 mile car. Amenities include power adjustable seats, air conditioning, cruise control, onboard computer, tire pressure warning system, and Delco Bose Gold Series sound system with CD and cassette.
The digital/analog hybrid gauge cluster works properly, and the seller addressed a warning light issue during their ownership. The driver side horn unit was replaced in 2024.
This ZR-1 comes with a deep stack of goodies: window sticker, owner’s manuals, service records, period literature, four sets of keys, spare parts, car cover, clean Carfax, and clean Georgia title.
The original sticker price? $60,590 — a huge number in 1990, as one commenter noted.
BaT commenters are already adding their two cents worth:
Crovet: “C4s don’t get the love they deserve… a blue collar Singer, if you will.”
Jeisner12: “Love the color combo… as close as it gets to buying one brand new.”
Rainman870: “Wow, $60,000 in 1990. Huge number back then.”
Whether you’re shopping for a six figure C8 ZR1 or a classic C4 ZR-1, the beauty of Corvette ownership is that the fun doesn’t depend on the price tag. This Polo Green time capsule proves it — a rare, low mile example of one of the most important Corvettes ever built, offered at no reserve and still sitting at a very approachable number.
If you’ve ever wanted to experience the LT5 magic for yourself, this might be the moment.
Source:
Bring a Trailer
Related:
Corvettes for Sale: 1981 Corvette Ramp Truck Offered on Facebook Marketplace for $7K
Corvettes for Sale: 1955 Corvette Restomod Project Offered on eBay
Get Your Bids Ready for These Stellar Corvettes at GAA Classic Cars’ February Auction
Subscribe Now:
