There was a time when seeing a Corvette ZR-1 at no reserve would cause major waves in the car collecting community, but no more. Seeing all but the most desirable C4 Corvettes offered at no reserve isn’t exactly uncommon, which makes cars like this 1991 ZR-1 one of the absolute best values on the used performance car marketplace right now. This one even wears sharp colors of white over red leather, and of course, it’s equipped with a manual transmission. To top it all off, the odometer shows just over 16,000 miles. Find it here on eBay with bidding at $24,100 and located in Escondido, California.
Hagerty Insurance recently penned an article about the way 1990s American performance cars are lagging their import peers in terms of value right now, and this ZR-1 is case in point. Even if bidding goes over $30,000, it’s still a far cry from the $50,000 and up that cars like the Acura NSX and Toyota Supra are commanding. And honestly, given the ZR-1 was tracking cars like the 911 Turbo as its rival – and was by and large successful at measuring up – it’s really not fair to compare it to the likes of Supra. The ZR-1 was full of supercar technology and features, yet it remains eminently attainable for non-millionaires.
Now, I get it – some of you are super adverse to ever setting foot in a C4 Corvette – but once you get past the chintzy cockpit design, there’s little else to take issue with. The ZR-1 was loaded up with adaptive suspension (not entirely different from what was used in the Porsche 959), bigger brakes, six-speed manual gearbox, upgraded cooling system, power sport seats – the list goes on and on, which helps to demonstrate how significantly the ZR-1 was overhauled (with the help of Lotus) compared to the standard C4. The seller notes that other features, like the digital gauge cluster and Bose sound system, are still intact and working.
The ZR-1’s horsepower numbers may not seem exceptional in today’s horsepower-crazed landscape, but “The King of the Hill” still eclipsed 60 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds and blew threw the quarter mile in 13.4. Those numbers are still quite respectable today, and the annual budget for maintaining a C4 ZR1 is likely much lower than that of its German counterparts. The seller doesn’t go into great detail about any major flaws or maintenance history, instead focusing on features and whether different pieces of the original equipment list are still functional. Still, it looks like a solid car, and it’s hard to beat the no reserve offer for a genuine ZR-1.
“Chintzy” interior? Why do you say that?
Might have something to do with the 3 gallons of Armor All that the seller put on those seats.
Owned this same car but w/ 33K miles.
ALL the writers said this was the next big appreciating Corvette.
I bought it cause I liked it, paid 20K drove it sparingly for a few years and sold it for 20K
I enjoyed every aspect except ingress & egress…
I had a chance to pick up one a couple of years ago, but didn’t. Biggest issue I have is the motor itself. What I found was engine parts for the LT5 engine were very hard to find. The second and more important issue was I was not able to find a competent mechanic anywhere in the area capable of working on it competently. Pure and simple, IMO it’s the engine that makes the ZR1 special and if it’s not running you have a very expensive planter on your hands. If you are able to maintain the engine, it would be a blast to own; unfortunately I’m not able to do that at this time. IMO the ZR1 was the top of the food chain at the time, and they are impressive to see and hear. Hope someone that can maintain it gets it.
Almost identical to one which just sold on BaT for $32,750, just with 3,000 fewer miles.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1991-chevrolet-corvette-46/
The BaT car was better presented, and of course was on BaT, where people just seem to bid a lot for cars. But same color combo, similar low miles, and same year. Interesting!
Sold.
The next generation C5’s and later C6’s are a much better bang for the buck. Even run if the mill LS powered versions outperform this generation of ZL-1. They aren’t nearly as impressive when the hood is opened, but the newer LS powered Corvettes engine related mechanicals aren’t nearly as expensive or off putting to mechanics. There is a reason these typically sell in the sub-$20,000 range, even for all but the nicest low mileage examples.
Steve R
@Steve- A “sub-$20,000 range” ZR-1 would most likely come in crates and bushel baskets. I understand the concerns about the LT5 engine, but a well-maintained ZR-1 will come with a bullet-proof engine. I would be more concerned about the GM parts such as the special windshield, the unique body parts such as the ZR1- only doors, and back fenders, plus any of the GM build-quality issues.
Look at completed listings on eBay. It’s not perfect, but is a gauge as to how the state of the market. Currently, it says otherwise.
I also base my opinion on the experience a friend recently had. He bought a ZR-1 new and still owns it. He rarely drives it and decided to list it for auction on eBay, it has roughly 40,000 miles and has been garage kept since new. It barely broke $19,000, it’s still sitting in his garage, as he’s moved on and bought a Harley.
Steve R
$28K. Well bought. I was looking for another 69-72. I might go for one of these instead.
IMO A boring looking car and terrible looking wheels is why they don’t appreciate and I am a Vette owner but would never own a C4.