Low-mileage Chevrolet Corvettes are not uncommon. However, regardless of the odometer reading, the 1992 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 is uncommon. This Corvette was sent to us by a Barn Finds reader who found it here on eBay in Charlotte, North Carolina. The reserve appears to have been met after 28 bids have set the current price to $21,700.
The one-millionth Corvette to roll-off the assembly line was among the 20,479 Chevrolet built in 1992. About 70% of the buyers opted for the coupe version. That ZR1 option, however, is what makes this one unique. Selecting it nearly doubled the price of the coupe, making the base ZR1 require the buyer to part with roughly $65k, which, adjusted for inflation, is almost $120k today. As such, just 502 ZR1s were built throughout the model year.
We don’t get the backstory, but this is a one family owned Corvette that has been in the family of the seller since 1995. Presumably this ZR-1’s first 3 years were spent in a dealer’s showroom which is why it wasn’t titled until the seller took possession of it. In those 25 years it’s covered just 24k miles. The Bright Red paint was the most popular color choice for 1992 Corvettes but seems fitting. It lives up to its ‘bright” description as I don’t see any noticeable finish flaws in the 2-dozen included photos. Glass and body-colored roof panels are included in the sale.
I don’t know if you’ve ever poked around C4 Corvette classifieds, but the interior condition seems to often be a letdown. That is NOT the case here. The seller tells us this C4 has been stored indoors, under cover, in a climate-controlled garage its entire life and it shows. The black leather shows some creases, but no wear. Carpet, dash, and door panels all appear to be in excellent condition.
Under the hood is what really makes the ZR-1 the ZR-1. That is the 5.7-litre LT5 V8. Power is sent to the rear wheels by a 6-speed manual transmission. Rather than try to pick and choose what made this engine special, I’d recommend reading this write-up that details the uniquity of the LT5.
For awhile I’d say the C4 ZR-1s were nearly forgotten. However, recent interest in 1980s and 1990s cars may be changing that. So far this one is looking like a bargain. What’s your prediction for the hammer price?
Resale red! Let’s see if that can push it it over the $30,000 hump.
I am curious to see what this goes for. I had a 1991 red/red Zr1. I bought it in 1995 and had it for a few years. That sure was a fun car back then and i will be looking for another one at some point but it will have to be a 95 Zr1.
You better hurry, because these are now on there way up, I’ve been watching these for a while, and the worm has turned. I looked into one before I bought my 06 mustang GT convertible, but I went with something mass produced. Love these.
I will politely disagree. This car will be a $20K car at this time next year.
It is at the right price now. Any bids above are throwing money away. ZR-1s in this condition are not rare.
This one is the proper color.
One met a guy who worked on the Corvette assembly line. He said: “All Corvettes are Red, everything else is a mistake”. ;-)
Looks to be in great shape but I still would be concerned about someone to work on that engine if the need ever came up.
The main reason why i sold mine was because of the cost of a replacement engine back then. If memory serves me correctly it was around 20k for a crate LT5. You could shift at 8k so the chance for blowing the engine in my mind was high so after a few years of enjoyment i sold it. Enjoyed every mile i put on it but the worry out weighted the enjoyment!
Odd that this all aluminum motor would weigh 596 lbs
but an all cast iron small block weighs 575 lbs?!
http://www.gomog.com/allmorgan/engineweights2.html
SOLD for $23,100.
Well sold at that price.