The Corvette ZR-1 is still out there – still affordable – and examples like this clean 1990 example remind us yet again you don’t have to look too hard to find a great sports car value. The so-called “King of the Hill” has always been looked upon favorably by enthusiasts, which makes it even stranger that it hasn’t become a more sought-after collectible. Regardless, this car with a reasonable 56,800 miles on the clock is listed here on craigslist for just $20,000, which seems like an incredibly sound deal for all parties. It sports the later ZR-1 wheels, which is likely the only upgrade I’d make to an otherwise stock car.
When I went deep into the rabbit hole of considering ZR-1 ownership, I did learn a few things that I previously was unaware of. The biggest surprise (to my uneducated self) was the differences in bodywork between a ZR-1 and standard C4. The ZR-1’s track is much wider than the everyday C4, which is obvious when you look at it – but this impacts components like the doors, rear fenders, rear fascia, and taillamps, all of which are unique to the ZR-1. The only reason this bears mentioning is that if you damage the car in such a way that those panels are ruined, you could have a bit of a time finding replacements. Fortunately, this ZR-1’s bodywork appears to be in fine shape.
I briefly considered buying a ZR-1 that had been damaged in a track day excursion, which necessitated understanding just how tough it would be to track down the necessary components. The other interesting detail is the windshield: functionally, the windshield is the same as every other C4, but the ZR-1 has a space in the upper tint band reserved for hanging a radar detector, as it came from the factory. Among purists, finding an original ZR-1 windshield with this little detail intact is essential for the car to be considered correct, but you can also replace it with any windshield from a C4 if the original is damaged. Despite having some miles on the clock, the interior of this ZR-1 looks reasonably tidy, and the glass is in good shape.
The seller doesn’t tell us much we don’t already know about the ZR-1’s impressive performance and engineering, and while these are generally reliable sports cars, some highlights of service history would be helpful. Of course, that’s also the beauty of the ZR-1, as it typically just needs normal maintenance like fuel injector service, spark plug replacements, and fluid changes. The tires are massive and will eat up some budget, but overall, they are delightfully easy to live with. The seller’s asking price seems reasonable, but you’re going to have to pay under his rational terms given it sounds like he’s been scammed a few times in the past. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Rocco B. for the find.
If it were closer I’d have a hard time passing!
It was the USA’s 🇺🇸 exotic street fighter for the time. Wickedly fast and equipped for a track, with a big top-end. 🏁
A beauty but i just wonder if anything goes screwy with the motor. Finding a knowledgable tech even at a GM dealership might be an issue i might be wrong also.
@robert proulx I’d be more worried about finding parts for the motor! You don’t need to worry about finding anybody to work on it if you can’t get parts lol. Very cool cars though, I’d love to have one some day if parts were available somewhere.
@Ryan and Robert- The engine will be the least of your worries. The LT-5 is pretty much bullet-proof. There are a 100 other things that will bug you before the LT-5- Electrical gremlins, Bose stereo system failures, windshield tinting delamination, headlight motors, fuel injector nozzles not designed for ethanol blends, etc. Basically anything besides the Lotus-designed, Mecury Marine-built engine.
I have wanted one for decades now and I always manage to talk myself out of one. The mileage is nothing to be a concern, but ask a lot of questions and visit the ZR-1 Net Registry for the best information.
& R12 a/c refrigerant which is no longer 69c a can!
These and the 96 Grand Sports are the top of the food chain for C4 corvettes. They are great buys especially at this price range.
I will politely disagree on the possibility of finding a worthy ZR-1 or Grand Sport at the price range stated here. $30-40K for either model. I would also suggest the 93-95 ZR-1s, with the upgrade to 405 hp are the only ones worth pursuing. Just my opinion. I could be wrong.
I love the ZR1’s but not so thrilled with the C4 body. Now if I could transplant that entire drivetrain and suspension into my C3, THAT would be a car worth its weight in gold. Well maybe silver anyway.
1990 ZR-1 is the one to stay away from. They were a one year only car with a completely different airbag system. Parts were non-existent by 92 if you had one. As I recall the clutch setup was different also. I was working on them when new.
I wouldn’t trust the air bags even on any 20 yr old vehicle, let alone one that’s 35 yrs old! The rubber membrane inside has got to be all cracked/dried out.
I worked at the Corvette plant from 76/06 I worked my into the Repair area. naturally after adjusting a door or a hood fit, you want to take down the track had inside of the. One track for Squeak & Rattle & the other was about wide open, Those cars were scary quite & they weren’t even broke in They were fun,
Did you know Gordon Killebrew?