We always welcome input from our readers because we realize that you form a knowledgeable source of valuable information and varying opinions. Therefore, when Barn Finder Tony P spotted this 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 and posed the question of whether it could be the best one on the planet, we felt it deserved a closer look. Its presentation is almost impossible to fault, and the documentation mounts a strong case for the claim. Why not take a close look to see what you think?
Chevrolet offered 1990 Corvette buyers a choice of ten paint shades to cloak their new purchase, and the first owner’s choice increases the relative rarity of this classic. They selected Charcoal Metallic, and with only 878 cars rolling off the line in that shade, that represents a take-up rate of a mere 3.3% across the entire Corvette range. It would be fascinating to learn how many ZR-1s are in that total. The car’s presentation is exceptional, with no evidence of visible flaws or imperfections. The paint holds a mirror shine, and the beautiful 17″ wheels are in as-new condition. The glass is crystal clear and the badges are spotless. It is easy to appreciate how this Corvette scored a total of 99.6/100 in an NCRS Regional Top Flight Assessment. The documentation supporting that claim is included in the sale.
At first glance, the ZR-1’s specifications don’t seem radical compared to the regular production examples. However, since the package added an eye-watering $27,056 to this car’s sticker price, it was fair for buyers to expect something special for their bucks. Chevrolet collaborated with the Lotus Group to produce a 5.7-liter V8 that was extraordinary. This all-aluminum monster features quad-cams and 32 valves and was handbuilt by Mercury Marine due to the company’s extensive experience with the materials utilized. The results justified the effort, because the engine, which Chevrolet dubbed the LT5, produces 375hp and 370 ft/lbs of torque. However, the company didn’t stop there, creating what can be considered a total package. There was no automatic option, with the driver performing ratio changes via a six-speed manual transmission. The larger brakes feature Bosch ABS, and the 17″ wheels feature unique Goodyear tires. Is the ZR-1 fast? I think that the ¼-mile ET of 13.1 seconds and a top speed of 180mph answers that question fairly clearly. The seller doesn’t indicate how this classic runs or drives, but the fact that it has a mere 2,550 miles showing on its odometer suggests nobody has gone out of their way to wear out this classic. Those focused on documentation will welcome the original Window Sticker, “Pizza Box,” NCRS Certificates, and the extra original keys.
Standard Corvette interior features included air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, a complete set of window defoggers, cruise control, a leather-wrapped wheel, and a driver’s airbag. The first owner upgraded the A/C in our feature car to the optional electronic system, while the ZR-1 package added six-way power adjustment for the leather seats and a Delco Bose Gold Series stereo featuring a cassette and CD player. This interior is unmolested, and its presentation is all you would rightly expect from a classic with a four-figure odometer reading. The leather looks soft and inviting, with no wear on the prone outer seat bolsters. The carpet is spotless, and there is no evidence of cracked or damaged plastic.
So, do you believe that this could be the best 1990 Corvette ZR-1 left on the planet? The evidence suggests that is a contender, and the seller’s price indicates that they feel it is. They listed the Corvette here on Craigslist in Naples, Florida. Their price of $74,500 is a long way above the market average and $8,600 above what Hagerty quotes for a Concours vehicle. It is also worth noting that values have softened during the past year, although that trend has tapered in the last few months. Will they climb again? Sadly, I don’t own a crystal ball, so I can’t provide a firm answer to that question. The big question is whether you would roll the dice, hoping for a positive long-term investment. I will be fascinated to gauge your response.
A drop-dead gorgeous pinup! But the white 1 year older barnfind Phoenix Craigslist shown here earlier that needed a serious once over might be more fun to go out with. Not just the $70k less you’d spend to initially buy it, but that you’d be able to take it out anywhere you like without fretting whether someone had just left a dirty little handprint on it.
This car is a cut above what we normally see from a 1990 ZR1 but it is in mint condition. I’m more of a 85,000 mileage daily driver type for 20 grand lol I have champagne taste with a beet man’s income !
Nothing beats a good cold beet.
It’s a nice example of a ZR1, but is it the nicest left? Like the 78 Pace Cars there seems to be more ZR1’s out there that have never been driven, than ones people actually drove. 2,500 miles may be comparatively high for a ZR1, from what I’ve seen.
If an engine can be beautiful, the LT5 is it.
I had one just like it. Mine was car #2233/’90. There were only 189 Black over grey ZR-1’s in the 1990 batch of 3,0035 cars made that year. I was the second owner of the car; it had 7400 miles on it @ 14 years old when I got it. They are more fun to drive than look at. This is a “static collection ” piece. If you buy this and want to drive it you will need to go thru the list of TSB’s, all the hydraulic systems, new injectors (’90 & ’91 injectors are not alcohol resistant) probably has the first gen oil cooler lines which leak. That’s just for starters. I kept mine for ten years and 60,000 + miles, the more I used it the better it got. There is nothing like an LT5 @ 6500 rpms is 2nd gear thru some S-turns. It’s intoxicating.
I was a body tech (future certified master tech in collision)at a Chevrolet dealer when they came out. Lots of fanfare. That said I don’t remember the oil cooler lines being a problem. What was a problem were the injectors. Didn’t matter as ethanol hadn’t hit yet. They were prone to leaking internally into the engine. Biggest red flag for me for the 90 was the one year only airbag. First year was Siemens and Bosch from 91 forward. Good luck finding airbag parts.
Sounds (literally🎵) like a good time Tom. Love these cars. I remember the exhaust note well. Friend had one. Very Fast cars. 🏁
Full disclosure, I really do not like C-4s. I find them unattractive and for the most part, poorly built. That being said, a 99.6/100 NCRS rating is quite an accomplishment, and I will admit that it is actually a nice-looking car. I believe that even with everything that checks off on the plus side though, the seller is asking way too much money. They may get something close to that, but it certainly won’t be a bargain.
A nice car, true, but not the nicest. Too many miles for that title. At that price he’ll have it for a long time.
This is a truly nice car.
Having said that, my C5 is meant to be driven, which it is, as often as good weather allows.
I don’t understand why people purchase cars as an investment. There are many better ways to invest money.
Drive the darn thing!!
A very nice specimen, but way to pricey for a $36000 car… Hope the owner is attached to it, because they’re going to have it for a while..
There are still ZR-1s with delivery miles sealed in bubbles in climate-controlled storage waiting for the “big payoff,” so I doubt this is the best one left. The sad thing is, had these people taken the $60K in 1990 and invested it, they could buy this ZR-1, a new ZR-1, a BMW X5M for daily driving, and have a couple hundred thousand left over.
Some of the best and most honest advice that I’ve ever read on this website.. or any car site for that matter.
When the 16″ wheels came out they looked huge then when they busted out these 17″ they looked almost comical at the time.
It’s a pretty car, but as mentioned above – not a car you drive. I’ve had NCRS Top Flight cars. The joy was the journey getting to Top Flight. Then I didn’t want to drive them because of all the work and money spent. I agree that car with a lot more miles that you can drive is the kind of car I want, like my C7 Z06 with 42,000 miles and 79 911 SC with 124,000 miles.
@Scott- There are as many ways to participate in NCRS as there are owners and Corvettes. It is not mandatory to spend anything other than the entry fee to learn something about your car. How far an owner wants to go is entirely his/her decision. I had daily driver C3’s and C4’s judged. Never did better than 2nd Flight.
That fit and finish on the interior fittings. Whew!
I have to wonder, if that engine breaks, who can fix it?
It won’t break. The LT-5 engine was hand built after close-tolerance machining operations were completed. Then it was tested to verify operations. It is pretty close to bullet-proof. There are many examples of ZR-1s with over 200,000 miles on them. If the ZR-1 Registry is still alive and well, it had a list of +100,000 mile ZR-1s listed.
Another reason it won’t break is that it will never be driven, which is a real shame. Each to his/her own.
Oh come on. All engine’s break, every single one.
Motors were mostly assembled by woman. woman have more finesse.
Saw a couple of pictures attending service school. Pretty cool !!!
Good Mercury marine engine mechanic ought to do the trick.
Oh come on. All engine’s break, every single one.
Naples??
One must sleep before they dream…
di cosa stai parlando?