Car enthusiasts are quick to tell potential acquirers that their steed is a one of sumpthin, I guess with the pretext of supposed rarity and justification of their likely outsized price. Take today’s discovery, a 1991 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1, a car that carries its own existential value because of what it is – exotic for a ‘Vette. But this car is being heralded as one of twenty-seven because of its color. Hmmm, let’s look it over and see what’s what. Located in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, this Lotus-inspired ‘Vette is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $21,622 with the reserve not yet met.
There’s no denying it, this Chevy looks great, I’d rate it as a survivor. It has experienced only 58K miles, and according to “Corvsport” is one of 2,044 ZR-1 equipped cars assembled in ’91. The one in twenty-seven claim arises from its color, “Charcoal Metallic” which is a sorta brown shade – not exactly standard Corvette fare. All-in-all, it wasn’t a popular ‘Vette hue for ’91 with just 417 owners selecting it, the lowest of all ten colors available – I couldn’t authenticate the “twenty-seven” assertion for ZR-1 models. As for exterior attention needed, nothing is obvious – it’s good to go as is.
Of course, the standout feature of this Corvette is its Mercury Marine assembled, Lotus design assisted 375 net HP, 5.7 liter, DOHC engine. The seller ads, “Runs great, ready to go for new owner“. The 375 HP rating was heady stuff for ’91 as the fog of the smog-era malaise period was finally starting to lift and the ZR-1 subtly made it known that power and emission control was feasible in a single package. The listing mentions other maintenance done such as an oil change, coolant system service, and serpentine belt replacement as well as installing a new oil pan gasket – the fuel injectors have been swapped out too. A six-speed manual transmission provides the rear wheel hook-up and the seller tells us that the clutch is new.
The interior is pictured in snippets so one does not get a comprehensive look at the entire passenger cabin. The leather upholstery looks fine, however, though the seller mentions a quarter-sized hole in the driver’s seat and a non-original radio that has reception problems – he has the original unit but it needs to be rebuilt.
I am not specifically familiar with this generation of the ZR-1 Corvette but I have certainly encountered their sung praises as found published in many different journals. One of the biggest draws for me has always been this car’s subtle bearing – it quietly presents a strong image that the specialty engine can truly back up. As for that Charcoal Metallic, yup, it’s subtle, perhaps too subtle? What do you think, will a one of twenty-seven color choice provide any enhancement in this car’s sale potential and value?
As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beer-holder, or something like that. Aside from the gem of an engine sending the coolness factor off the charts there is the unique bodywork. The rear end is wider than the standard C4 to accommodate the wider rear tires. The rear 3/4 view of a C4 is one of its best and the massive a$$ accentuates this to a great extent. I loved my C4 and would have another if my wife would let me have 2 Corvettes.
A C5 Z06 will outperform a C4 ZR1 as will any garden variety C6 or C7, but I would sit in my garage with that massive clamshell hood up and gaze in wide wonder at that 4-cam motor and then take it out in the twisties for exercise.
My favorite type of Vette, a killer motor with subdued yet classy looks. The color is rich and deep in my opinion. This one is a winner👍🏼
Agree with the comments cool 😎 Corvettes. Love the all business look here, manual only and the hi-po ZR1 motor.
Oh dear. A dark brown C4. While the color may be interesting, I do not think this investment will age well at $20k+
It is nowhere near dark brown. BF should edit that statement or look a 1991 Corvette color chart
I have never felt color is a qualifying metric for One-OF-numbers. Engine,handling, Special Edition etc yes. One of small number in a certain color just means nothing in terms of value to me.
Well its not red,yellow, blue, or White. Seems to be the other colors I see for sale all the time in this body style but underneath that black paint that shows every speck of dirt on a nice day its still just a corvette. We are heading into the hot season here where daytime temps will be in the triple digits for a few weeks so a black car probably not the best idea
I think the color looks great on this car it probably dazzles in the sun
This seems like a bargain in a realdeal performance car, especially when compared to the dinglehoffer car (lol I know that’s not the name) from earlier. Sure it won’t go 190mph…but neither would you ;)
At least Lotus and Mercury Marine were mentioned. . . this time.
I had a 1991 Zr1 back in 1994. Red on Red It was a super cool sleeper and the engine sound was amazing esp on the higher RPM range. I brought it to Corvette’s are Carlisle and they had over 100 Zr1’s there. Many of them went on the Dyno and it was so neat to hear them red line and the valves float. Under appreciated car for sure and opening the hood would make me instantly smile. A buddy of mine had a 1990 Zr1 with the callaway supernatrual package and the callaway aerobody. That was a real cool Vette
I have a 1990 convertible in charcoal metallic. It doesn’t look black in person, but it does in pictures. It actually looks different colors depending on the background surrounding it and the light reflecting off of it’s surroundings.
Whenever I have it out, I tend to get compliments from complete strangers at stop lights or in parking lots.