One of the more underappreciated classics of the modern era continues to be the Corvette ZR-1. Still, that doesn’t mean good examples go cheaply, as this extremely low mileage model goes to show us. The ZR-1 featured here has just 2,700 original miles, likely making it one of the lowest mileage ZR-1s in existence. The seller notes there are no modifications and that the Corvette has been magazine featured more than once, which is believable based on the condition seen here. Find the ZR1 here on craigslist with a price of $62,000.
The ZR-1 was a technology tour-de-force when it was introduced. While every muscle car these days seems to be in an arms race with its European counterparts, the Corvette was truly staking out new territory when the ZR-1 was introduced. The C4 was hardly a competitor for the likes the 911 and NSX, but with the ZR1, Chevrolet finally built a modern performance car that could go toe-to-toe with its European opponents. To this day, it remains an extremely capable performer, but we don’t see them too often at track days or other events where high performance vintage models gather.
At the same time, even though $60,000 is an impressive sum for an early 1990s GM product, the ZR-1 still hasn’t become an untouchable collector car. While this one is likely the best of the best, you can find an “average” ZR-1 for sale in the low $30s or high $20s. That’s a screaming deal, especially considering even with all of its high-tech computer controlled systems, the ZR-1 remains relatively affordable to maintain, especially compared to a Porsche 911 Turbo of the same era. The NSX, however, will give it a serious run for its money in both the performance and values categories.
The seller notes the ZR-1 was made in the final month of production, and that it comes with its window sticker, build sheet, and original keys. The listing shows several certificates indicating the ZR-1 has received multiple “Top Flight” awards from the NCRS, and really, I wouldn’t expect anything less for a time-warp survivor like this. The asking price may seem like all the money, but if you’re regretting that you didn’t buy a ZR-1 when it was new, this may be your last chance to correct your mistakes – at least until another almost-new ZR-1 appears. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Pat L. for the find.
A car with these few miles and condition will likely never see the road again. The engine is a work of art but due to the limited production and age, there are few people capable of working on it. Personally if I was going to buy a ZR1 I’d look for one with a few more miles and definitely a lower cost so I could put it on the road. Problem here is I don’t think there’s any knowledgeable person within a hundred miles that has the experience and knowledge to work on that engine. I’d pass on this one.
We put ond in ’60 Corvette. Had to have many upgrades,really hard to work on. Many vacuum lines and the starter are under the intake. I think the pulley system is unique too. Stout package though as you can imagine with Art Morrison chassis and all the bells etc!
Before putting one on the track — and they were pretty good at it when new — my major concern would be parts availability. With so few (~7,000) of the first-gen models being built, I’d be afraid that engine would get relegated to coffee-table duty if something broke….
The same would apply in real-world use, too, come to think of it. The ones I drove struck me as being as rev-happy as an Alfa Veloce, and since they were loaned to me I didn’t worry much about anything going sour. Owning one would be a different story.
And what a shame that is! I always felt — and still do — that the ZR-1 was Corvette’s Ultimate Driving Machine, a Grand Tourer with long, long legs and excellent in-town manners.
I have a friend who raced one in the day with it being a race car beater. I can’t imagine just looking at it and not driving the sh__ out of it. I guess there are plenty of cars like that right now. If it’s investing you’re interested in don’t pull your money from the market just yet.
So pretty! I would love one of these… They came out when I was 17 so yeah this would be a hoot!
My 90 ZR1 with 22,000 miles cost me $18,000. Great car, I’ll risk the parts/mechanic availability!
My bucket list car
If you’re scared to drive it, sell it!
I’m driving mine when I can. They are fizzling out on the collector market. Run em hard if you got one-
Located in Glen Cove, NY
Just like what was mentioned before no engine parts available.A simple thing like a water pump will give you a major headache trying to find one.Maybe they should have put some in boats to. Might have helped with getting more parts available.
I just pulled one up on eBay for $95. Took exactly 22 seconds. Not that hard.