I am sure that many Barn Finds readers will agree that certain words and phrases are overused when describing classic vehicles. I am aware from your feedback that “patina” is one of them. Another one to make the list is “legendary.” However, when assessing the legacy of the Corvette ZR-1, it also seems the most appropriate. The ZR-1 represents a moment when Chevrolet blessed the C4 Corvette with the performance the badge richly deserved. This 1995 example is not only a stunning survivor but also has a genuine 12,312 miles on its odometer. The seller states that it has no issues and is perfect for someone seeking the best their money can buy. They have listed the ZR-1 here on eBay in Tyler, Texas. Bidding has reached $22,350, which is below the reserve.
Chevrolet offered 1995 Corvette buyers a choice of ten paint shades, although the two-tone combination of Dark Purple and White was reserved for the 527 buyers who ordered the Indy Pace Car Edition. This ‘Vette is 1-of-3,959 cars ordered in Code 41 Black. It was a popular color, ranking second to Torch Red among buyers. The presentation is first-rate and is consistent with the mileage claim. Cosmetic flaws appear nonexistent, with the paint shining deeply and the panels free of issues. It is unclear whether this classic has spent its life in its current location, but I expect that it would be rust-free if that is the case. The trim and badges are excellent, the glass is clear, and the beautiful 17″ aluminum wheels are spotless. If first impressions count, this Corvette looks like a winner.
The sticker price for a 1995 Corvette Coupe was $36,785, but the ZR-1 option added an eye-watering $31,258 to that figure. Ouch! So, what did the buyer receive for their cash? As with its less potent sibling, lifting the hood revealed a 5.7-liter fuel-injected V8. That’s where the engine similarities end. A collaborative effort between Chevrolet, the Lotus Group, and Mercury Marin yielded the potent LT5 motor. This all-aluminum beast features thirty-two valves, four camshafts, a forged steel crankshaft, and sixteen intake runners. The Corvette’s standard LT1 V8 delivered a respectable 300hp and 340 ft/lbs of torque. The LT5 was in a different league, placing 405hp and 385 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a unique six-speed ZF manual transmission. The mechanical upgrades didn’t end there, with the car featuring an FX3 adjustable suspension package engineered by Bilstein and larger anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes. It is fair to say that Chevrolet created a “total” package with the ZR-1, helping to explain why these cars are more popular today than when they were new. This Corvette has a genuine 12,000 miles on the clock, and the sale includes a wide selection of original documentation. It has been treated respectfully, and drives as nicely now as it did in 1995.
Chevrolet didn’t restrict the ZR-1’s upgrades to the drivetrain, loading the interior with creature comforts. This car features Tan leather trim, climate-control air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, power seat adjustment, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, cruise control, and a premium Bose stereo delivering music you can feel. The interior condition is extremely tidy, with the driver’s seat showing wrinkles on the outer bolsters. The pale carpet is remarkably clean, and since the ZR-1 left the showroom with so many creature comforts, the lack of aftermarket additions is unsurprising.
When launched in 1990, the Corvette ZR-1 proved extremely popular. The package almost doubled the sticker price of a Corvette, but 3,049 buyers handed over their cash to take one home. Sales fell during the following years, with 1993, 1994, and 1995 scoring the same tally of 448 vehicles. This final-year example is a beauty, and seems ideal for someone seeking a high-end driver. The reality is that, with values rising steadily, I believe bidding on this beauty will have to surpass $40,000 before it threatens the reserve. Will it get there? Considering the listing statistics, I believe it is possible. Do you agree?
Not a Corvette fan, however, if I was forced to have one it would be this one!
Nice, But Im not a vette guy….
I hope that some vette guy will chime in!
Well, I am a Corvette guy, and I love it! While not a monster by todays standards, it’s got good power and torque for this Y body platform. And it’s got the engine all other C4 owners envy. It would actually be a step up from my C5, but I’m not in the market for another C4.
I am also a Corvette guy, (owned 9 since ’67) and I am also not a fan of the C4 at all. That being said, this is a pretty serious automobile. While I most certainly wouldn’t trade my C5 FRC for it, I genuinely like this car.
I don’t agree with Adam that it will go over 40k, but I do believe that mid 30s is realistic. Nice car with some serious credentials.
Corvettes are different from other cars and opinions of them can be polarizing, especially those from people who’ve never driven one. If someone who’s owned a C4 tells you they hated it they have a legitimate gripe. They’re plasticky, difficult to get in and out of, and mostly hard to let go of. This car is 31 years old and state of the art then is not state of the art now.
I had a black ’95 coupe, automatic w/the LT-1. One day a couple of little rice racers chased me onto a long on-ramp to I-265. I don’t like being tailgated so I let the leader get real close and then I punched it, even though my wife was in the car – that’s how brave (or stupid) I was feeling. Predictably all 340lbs/ft kicked in at once and the ricers became specks in the rearview mirrors. They caught up with me later all smiles and thumbs up and went on their merry way.
The power was a little more than respectable.
I owned a ’90 ZR1 and it was a great ride. Problem was age got in the way and made it hard to exit after some time. This car is a beauty; only if waw younger! Still have the little plastic cars they gave when you bought one of these cars.