The Corvette ZR-1 remains a bargain of incredible proportions, and I’m beginning to wonder if it will perpetually be a $35,000 car. The market for these impressive machines heated up a bit like so many others over the last few years but it didn’t stick; that is, the prices didn’t continue to elevate once the car world settled back down. My gut tells me these may see another spike when consumer confidence returns, but in the meantime, cars like this 1990 ZR-1 here on craigslist still represent terrific value.
The seller is asking $34,000 for this Dark Red Mica example, which has just over 35,000 miles on the clock. The color is very attractive, a nice change of pace from the bright red we typically expect with this model. Like so many other C4 ZR-1’s, it is in excellent condition with no discernable flaws. What’s interesting about this 90s performance icon is many of them seem to have this sort of mileage, indicating they were used regularly as a weekend driver, not kept under wraps with delivery miles only – which is likely an unofficial barometer about how enjoyable they are to drive.
The interior is in excellent shape, with black leather being the choice of most enthusiasts. You didn’t get anything particularly earth-shattering in the cockpit in terms of additional features compared to a standard Corvette, but that’s not a bad thing considering how good this interior still looks. The cheapness of GM plastics at the time is impossible to escape, but that’s neither here nor there; you won’t care much about the way the dash feels in a car that was capable of maintaining a ridiculous average speed across hours of track driving.
The ZR-1 was a powerhouse at the time of not only performance but also technology, with trick suspension tuning that made it one of the more sophisticated muscle cars you could buy. Compared to an Acura NSX or a Porsche 911, it is a significant bargain, especially considering you can get into a low-mileage example for well under $40,000. Personally, I believe you should buy a car like this in the most intriguing color scheme you can find, so this one checks a few additional boxes for me courtesy of its paint job. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Rocco B. for the find.
WTH..How do you set the hand brake…I guess after you get out of the car
Back in the 80s, my wife was considering trading her 5 Series BMW in on a Porsche 944. We went to the dealer, got ready for a test drive. She opened the drivers door, and saw the parking brake handle between the drivers seat and the door (like the C4). That was a hard pass. No deal.
Fast-forward to the early 2000s. This time she was interested in a mint ,red C4 convertible. When she saw the parking brake between the door and the seat (again), that killed the deal. She later got a C5, which she still has, and still enjoys.
As for ZR-1s, although they are very good performers, the buyers pool is limited. They look basically the same as any other cheap C4, and the C5s are arguably a better car for same (or often less) money.
I am sticking to my C2s.
After the parking brake is set it lies flat. You pull it up again to release it.
These cars have a feature that releases the E-brake apply ratchet once the brake has been set. All that’s done next is to just push the lever back down to its at-rest position.
The guy that took the picture would have set the brake after he got out and just neglected to push it back down.
I have one of these cars…
The Porsche 914 is the same way. Actually there a a second hinge in the lever but the effect is the same and it lies flat when engaged.
I’ve owned three Corvettes in the past, two of the C4 vintage (unfortunately, no ZR1s) manual 6 speed transmissions. The hand brake handle pulls up to set the brake and freely falls back to the resting position to get out of the car. To release the brake, once seated back in the car, the handle freely moves back up to where you feel tension where it was set. Apply slightly more pull pressure to push the release button at the tip of the handle and release the brake handle back to original down position. There is no climbing over the brake handle required. to exit or enter the vehicle.
It would be nice to know where this car is located. Getting up close and personal with a 34k expense is always a good idea. Going to CA to do it could be a chore.
That’s easy, just click on the Craigs list ad link:
Rio Communities, NM 87002
The lack of availability of some of the engine parts unique to the ZR-1 will continue to hold prices about where they are in my opinion.
What’s not available engine wise?
There is not a part of this engine you can not source.
Heads, cams, and intake are all unique to the ZR-1 and my understanding is that replacements are virtually nonexistent.
The LT5 engine is the most reliable piece of the C4 ZR-1s. There are multiple examples of them still being driven with over 200,000 miles on them. They were hand-built and fully tested before being shipped to Bowling Green. 35,000 miles is the sweet spot. As noted, it has been driven enough to ensure it can continue to be driven. A buyer should verify that the fuel injectors have been changed out to work with ethanol-based fuel blends that were not used in 1990.
For those who are unaware.
Mercury marine built the zr1 engines. GM designed it with lotus. ? and then subbed it to mercury marine for the build.
I have had 7 c4s. 3 of which purchased new. 84,85 and 86 and can tell you that back then they were a hot car.
My first was a z51. Nothin special compared to the c7 version that i have now. The other subject is speed. They were one of the the fastest production car around with a mesely 205hp. The handling and ride were of decent quality compared to the c3s that I had prior..
Impo the c5 ragtop is a great riding car for the dough.
Can’t they just be changed and no changed out? Grrrr
Always thought it really odd to have the parking brake located between the seat and door. Does anyone really know why they chose to locate it here ? Great looking Corvette otherwise, especially the color. Very nice !
The LT5 engine can be problematic IMO. There’s no one around here I know of that can fix them, you’d have to have it flat bedded to someone knowledgeable to work on them. As far as the parking brake goes, that’s easy. You set the brake while in the car. The handle raises and lowers so you put it down while exiting and entering the car.
I just looked at the Craigslist ad. The common problem areas apparently have been addressed. Good mileage, great color.
What would be the 1/4 mile time on this guy? Pretty car!
In the mid 12 sec range at about 112 mph. Top speed around 178-180. Pretty impressive for 1990 and priced at $65,000 (Before greed took over)
Looks like it bottomed out on something. Beautiful car though!
I’m disappointed the BF review didn’t include engine background and transmission type. Usually these features are listed, and this time they had something worth commenting on.
I was thinking the same thing. I had to hit the listing to find out specs. Weird to rave about a cars performance but not put any specs in the write up
This had impressive specs in 1990…385 hp, but no longer supercar by today’s standards. Not even really high performance today, when base V8 Camaros (430 hp) and Dodge Charger R/Ts (500+ hp) are much faster. In 2020, I paid less than this ($30k) for my V12 Ferrari with lower miles…and that car has doubled in value in 3 years!
This is a $25k car, not $34k…IMHO.
This had impressive specs in 1990…385 hp, but no longer supercar by today’s standards. Not even really high performance today, when base V8 Camaros (430 hp) and Dodge Charger R/Ts (500+ hp) are much faster. In 2020, I paid less than this ($30k) for my V12 Ferrari with lower miles…and that car has doubled in value in 3 years!
This is a $25k car, not $34k…IMHO.
The LT5 motors cost GM between $24,000 and $27,000 each. Then add in the car.
The ZR-1 option cost the customer $27,000 over the price of the car.
Someone mentioned not supercar performance… Mid/Low 12 second Quarter Mile times (any determined folks put ’em well into the 11’s with sticky rubber) and top speed in the 180’s? Have you ever been beyond 140?
Be honest! OK.. I suppose Lamborghini and Ferrari are no longer in Super Car status?!? Porsches must be in 💩 box territory then. 🙄 Jeez… Who knew? Is it safe to say the price is coming down on 512BB, Testarossa or Countach since the performance is passé?
It almost seems like some people simply got it out for C4 Vettes. Doesn’t matter how well it performs. There will always be a “yeah but x-x or x” whatever thrown in there to justify their dislike.