Corvette ZR1s are sought-after collector’s items, so it’s not uncommon to see one with mileage on the lower side. However, if it’s got ridiculously low miles, the seller is usually quick to point it out. However, this ZR1 – which is listed as having 600 miles – is presented as your standard specialty car as opposed to perhaps being one of the lowest mileage “King of the Hill” muscle cars in existence. Find it here on eBay with a current bid of $38,995 and no reserve.
The ZR1 is undoubtedly one of the best collector car values out there, as evidenced by an example with supposedly just 600 miles on it slowly building bids up to the $40,000 mark. Who knows if the number is real, but the condition certainly seems to suggest it’s been loved. However, there is a potential fly in the ointment, which is that this was a Canadian market car at one time, according to the history report, which could indicate some wonkiness with the cluster.
Now, look at this cockpit: it certainly looks like brand new, doesn’t it? The Autocheck report doesn’t have much of any info on it outside of one registration event, which is another tell-tale sign of minimal use over the years. The leather is in spectacular condition, and you love to see these wearing the lipstick red upholstery with carpeting to match. The dash and associated plastics also show very little in terms of actual use.
In 2001, there was a “Canadian Renewal” noted on the Autocheck report, and that’s it for any meaningful history. The seller is located in Michigan so it certainly seems likely that it made the trip into the U.S. at some point with minimal fuss for a resident in that part of the world. Was the cluster swapped out at the same time to remedy the KMs to miles issue, or is this a real-deal low-mileage ZR1 that the seller has chosen not to hype up as such? Either way, it’s a very pretty specimen.
Very hard to tell from the images, but it looks as if the windshield does not have the “radar detector” cutout at the base of the windshield. The ZR-1 had a laminated windshield that helped keep the interior cooler, as the ZR-1 had a smaller air-conditioning system than the base Corvette due to packaging issues with the LT-5 engine. The lamination blocked garage door opener signals.That might not be the original windshield
Is that a targa top Frank ? Or glass roof hardtop. Wasn’t aware zr1 had that.
@Stan- Yes and yes. The C4’s have a single-piece removable top and there were optional bronze tinted or blue tinted roof panels in addition to the standard body-colored panel.
If it’s got 600 miles an inspection on site will tell the tale real quick.glwts.
Good looking Corvette. Big fan of white / red on cars. I know if this were my car and I was selling and I thought it to be a legit 600 miles, believe me, it would be duly noted in the write up. There would be no wondering. Makes me think, as Jeff noted, that the odometer cluster has been fussed with. Car looks clean enough but no up close shots of engine compartment or undercarriage to make a decent assessment. If I were bidding, I’d assume it’s not the original miles unless I could view the car in person.
Purchased a ‘91, same colors with 32k miles.
Put 600 miles on it the first day, another 650 the second driving it from Dallas to N. AZ.
Had a couple 150+ sections and was as stable as anything I’d ever driven before. My brothers new ZL1 Camaro definitely rivals it, and is MUCH easier to get in and out of…
This one, once the true mileage is determined, could bring $$$
@PaulG- “Drive ’em if you got’em!! My Arctic white/Torch red, base 6-speed would have over a 100,000 miles if it wasn’t tucked away six months a year.
Exactly! My 01 C5 convertible just hit 160.000 miles. They’re no fun sitting in the garage!
Nearly 40k for a C4. This is an absolute, stop the presses record. This could be one of those peak insanity things. Color me impressed, but the worm could be about to turn.
$40K is nowhere near the top 1990 ZR-1 price if the stated mileage is correct. A 495 mile 1990 sold for $72,000 last February.
Bick, a ZR1 is a Corvette in name only, a completely different animal, and the pricing reflects that.
New, they were nearly 60K, double what a regular C4 cost. It was truly a Ferrari fighter and to own one now is still going to cost you.
Here is a C & D review from back in the day: https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15141952/1990-chevrolet-corvette-zr-1-archived-test-review/
Someone else may be able to confirm whether the Canadian item is an issue or not. Earlier C4’s have an English/Metric in them and if this is available on this car then I don’t think it would be an issue, but that just something to consider.
The issue I have with this one is the same issue I’ve had with so many ZR1’s – the engine. There are so few people that know and are able to work on them that if something fails you have an expensive planter. My thoughts.
The car looks good not withstanding the question of the engine.
SOLD for $39,095.
Well-sold and well-bought at that price.
No matter the miles. It’s still just a c4. Another dime a dozen car.
ZR1, dime a dozen, okay, sure bud.
It may look subtle but the ZR-1 was actually a very special car.
Especially if one knows what to look for.
To change from KM to miles there’s a switch on the dash that changes it, that’s it.
@Rick- Sounds as if your comment is based on a fairly large sample size. Thanks for your research and time spent. Unfortunately we are not in need of your services at this time.