4K Mile: 1994 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 RHD

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Right-hand drive vehicles are an increasingly frequent occurrence in automotive hobbyist circles with the influx of eligible Japanese market models available for importation. And while these cars and trucks represent the bulk of the vehicles that show up on local roads with the steering wheel on the opposite side, outliers do exist. I actually owned a British-market BMW for a spell that came here in the 1980s and retained its RHD setup – this is the next logical reason as to why you’d see a car set up this way. This 1994 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is well outside either of these scenarios, as it was converted in the U.S. to sell to the Australian market, but the post-conversion sale never transpired. Find this unusual ZR-1 here on craigslist with just under 4,000 original miles for $48,000.

So, let’s unpack this one: first of all, it’s a near-new ZR-1. Under 4,000 miles is incredibly low, and given how the price of this C4-based supercar has been on the upswing, I can guarantee you a collector is looking at this example and wondering how much money it will take to return it back to LHD. The seller claims the original conversion cost over $30,000, at which point I would have either found a different car or just bought a second home in the United States if I had that kind of money to burn. The ZR-1 appears to be in mint condition, and I could see its conversion back to LHD by a local buyer as likely as a muscle car enthusiast in a RHD country paying to import this one. It’s an interesting paradox of possibilities, with the least likely scenario being a domestic buyer shelling out that kind of cash to leave it as-is.

I need to know more about the scenario that unfolded with the Corvette not going to its intended home country. Did someone order this and get in over their heads? Did a U.S. company think there was an opportunity in becoming proficient with steering wheel conversions, using the Corvette as their poster carr?  Was there a resident of Australia living in the states who returned home and thought he could manage the steering wheel conversion from afar? Who knows, and it doesn’t really matter – but this thing is so random, it’s hard not to wonder. And where has it been sitting all the time with next to no miles and its minty leather interior still in great shape (although there’s some bagginess on the front “driver’s” seat.)

The engine bay is spectacular, with zero signs of use and/or messy oil changes. This is a showpiece, and it shows – the paint looks glossy in photos, the valve covers are cleaner than my dining room table, and the familiar yellow housings of the adjustable Bilstein shocks still present as-new. The seller is correct that this is a unique opportunity, but unfortunately, it poses some issues for the next potential owner. No matter how you slice it, there’s more work involved to get this car either to a country where it’s useful or for a buyer who can’t live without LHD. The other challenge is from a collectibility standpoint, RHD is generally a turn-off and a value-killer in the states unless it’s part of the experience, like a Japanese Kei car. For a venerable muscle car like the ZR-1, it can be a hard sell – especially when asking top dollar. Would you convert it or leave it alone?

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. nycbjrMember

    so many questions lol!!

    Primary!
    did they have to hack the dashboard to “switch” it? Its not like GM had RHD dashboards for these else they would be OEM!

    Like 2
  2. Harvey HarveyMember

    Just what a mail man/woman needs for speedy deliveries:-)

    Like 15
    • leiniedude leiniedudeMember

      Nice one Harvey! Be fun to try this RHD on the track.

      Like 4
    • Robert HagedornMember

      That’s exactly what I used to do. But the flat front of my vehicle made driving it a breeze.

      Like 0
  3. bobhess bobhessMember

    If it was me I’d be working the Japanese market to sell this car. Good questions on the dash. I’d think they would have had to make a mold and build one out of fiberglass or carbon fiber. Nice car.

    Like 4
  4. David

    Right hand drive just makes more sense

    Like 1
  5. Chris In Australia

    Vendor needs ( and perhaps is) advertise the **** of this thing on RHD countries. I’m sure there’s a buyer for this in Australia.

    Like 1
  6. mark smith

    There are thousands of conversions done in Australia as you cannot register LHD cars for the road unless they’re 30 + year old classics. It is a very complicated & expensive process. I wonder what is the quality of this conversion?

    Like 4
  7. Greg B GregMember

    Wow, you don’t see that in a ZR1 for 1994 every day. Wonder how many were built this way as a RHD? Not many I’m sure.

    Like 0
  8. Drake J Nailon

    I would buy this and leave as is. The uniqueness factor alone is amazing and I see no logic in converting it back. If it doesn’t work for you, there are several countries that would find buyers. Australia and Japan are only the most obvious. This would be a blast in South Africa or Great Britain!

    Like 3
  9. RBC

    Looks like a long reach to the shifter.

    Like 0
  10. Frank Sumatra

    RHD Corvettes will be built at the Bowling Green plant for the first time in 2023 model year.

    Like 2
    • PRA4SNW

      Build a RHD Corvette at the factory makes sense as the new Corvette has universal appeal.

      Like 1
  11. PRA4SNW

    Not related to this car, but during the height of 4 door Jeep Wrangler mania, I spotted a cluster of them at a local dealership, so stopped in to have a look.

    They were all RHD and appeared to be for sale to the public as they all had sticker prices on them and were displayed in the general new car population.

    Like 0
  12. Robert HagedornMember

    That’s exactly what I used to do. But the flat front of my vehicle made driving it a breeze.

    Like 0
  13. t-bone BOB

    Located near Flint, MI

    Like 0

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