- Seller: Ben H (Contact)
- Location: Hutchinson, Kansas
- Mileage: 38,000 Shown
- Chassis #: 1G1YZ23J5M5801548
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 5.7-Liter DOHC V8
- Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
At a quick glance, you might not realize just how special this beautiful C4 Corvette is. Not only is it a 38k-mile survivor, but it’s a ZR-1! The fourth-generation Corvette was already a serious performance upgrade over the previous generation in base form, but the ZR-1 package took the car to another level. It was wider, handled better, and most importantly, faster. It was also expensive compared to the standard Corvette, so they didn’t build many. If you’ve been looking for a clean C4 ZR-1, this one is being offered here as a Barn Finds Auction!
The ZR-1 was an extensive option that included a wider body, higher-performance tires, an impressive array of technology, and a highly tuned LT5 350 V8. All the changes added up to a car that could hit 60 miles per hour in under 5 seconds and a top speed approaching 180 miles per hour. A lot of engineering went into making the C4 capable of this level of performance while still being an easy-to-drive car. Chevrolet turned to Lotus for help developing the car’s engine, brakes, and suspension. The final product doesn’t look much different than a standard Corvette, but this is an entirely different animal.
The ZR-1’s interior isn’t all that different from a standard Corvette’s, but all ZR-1s came with leather sport seats, a Bose sound system, a 6-speed manual, a key to select engine performance, and controls for the FX-3 adjustable suspension. This example was optioned in black with a black interior, and it’s a great-looking combo. The interior presents as a 38k-mile car should, without signs of excessive wear or damage.
Here’s the ZR-1’s crown jewel, the Lotus-developed LT5. While it offers the same displacement as the standard 5.7-liter V8, that’s about all it shares. On top of its aluminum block are a pair of aluminum cylinder heads featuring dual overhead cams and a total of 32 valves. Bore, spacing, and stroke are all unique to the LT5, with the cylinders being treated to a coat of Nikasil. The intake was specially developed to maximize power throughout the RPM range. With the performance selection key set to full, this engine was good for 375 horsepower and 370 foot pounds of torque. It’s in good working order. An aftermarket exhaust and later style wheels have been installed, but the original exhaust, wheels, owner’s manual, and spare tune-up parts are included with it.
The ZR-1 really is an impressive machine, with performance on par with far more expensive and complicated exotic cars. It even shares technology with vehicles like the Porsche 959! Given the rarity and performance, it’s easy to see why these are headed up in value. This one is ready for a new home, so if you’d love to have it, cast your bids below. And leave any questions you might have in the comment section below.
Bid On This Auction
- RTR bid $17,171.00 2025-05-28 13:59:56
- FredMN bid $15,200.00 2025-05-28 13:51:19
- John J bid $14,700.00 2025-05-28 11:40:30
- RTR bid $14,141.00 2025-05-28 09:13:25
- Jim bid $12,845.00 2025-05-28 08:39:00
- RTR bid $12,345.00 2025-05-27 11:17:06
- Jim bid $11,700.00 2025-05-27 08:49:06
- RTR bid $11,111.00 2025-05-26 13:15:17
- Gerard Planche bid $10,000.00 2025-05-22 14:08:07
- MRR3943 bid $5,500.00 2025-05-22 09:12:01
- Jim bid $5,000.00 2025-05-22 09:08:41
- David bid $1,000.00 2025-05-22 08:44:36
So a 70 camaro/Corvette LT1 engine has the same horsepower? Sorry it’s just my brain. I still want one
I believe the ’70 Z28 LT1 was rated at 370hp vs 375 for the Vette bc GM/Chevy wanted the Vette #1???
Mongoose, close, but no cigar, The ’70 LT-1 in the Z-28 was rated at 360 HP and the same motor in the Vette was 370 HP.
The ZR-1’s power rating is net, whereas the ’70 LT1’s rating is gross. The LT1’s net is closer to 275hp.
I’m surprised it took until Josh’s comment to point out that HP ratings had changed drastically from the early 70s.
Having owned this same car, year, mileage, and condition except white w/ red interior, I can honestly say it’s the most stable vehicle I’ve driven at high (150+) speed.
In fact the faster it went the more planted it felt.
Just not many places for such driving anymore…
To the seller and any prospective buyer, good luck and enjoy this awesome piece of history.
Just double clutching E flat beautiful!
Isn’t this the Mercury Marine assembled engine? If it breaks, how do you fix it?
They don’t break because of they way they were designed, built, and tested by GM/Lotus/Mercury Marine. There are many examples listed on the ZR-1 Net registry that have over 200,000 miles on them.
Why does it only have 375 hp when a stock 2024 corvette with a lowly pushrod 350 has 490 hp?
Gosh, Gordo, do you think there were any advances in engine technology in 33 years?!
It Looks like it moved backwards to me, from dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, 7,200 redline to pushrods and 2 valves per cyl and 6,500 redline.
Where exactly do you think the extra 115hp came from?
Gee, G, 2024 Corvettes have 6.2 l engines, not 350s. Care to throw out more nonsense?
Gee, Jw, you are correct, the 2024 Yette was a 6.2L so I guess you are attributing the extra 115 hp to 28ci displacement increase and 33 yrs of engine tech advances, amazing what 33 years and a few cubic inches can do!
Now the real reason for the difference in power rating between the two is not 28ci or 33 yrs but the different rating method used, net or gross, thank you Josh for pointing that out.
I don’t believe “ the cylinder liners were treated to a coat of Nikasil”. If you have liners, you don’t need Nikasil. If you have Nikasil, you don’t have liners.
I would much rather have liners.
C4s will have their renaissance, just as C3s are enjoying theirs now. ZR-1s are obviously the pinnacle with the later 4-cam engines rated at 405 hp. The broader rear end accentuates the very best and most aggressive view of a C4 – the rear 3/4 shot. A high camera angle pic of the front 3/4 is a bit bland and uninspiring, but when you get down to driver’s-eye-level the back end of this car is truly sinister and intimidating, especially with those big meaty tires.
The combination of power and looks is intoxicating. As Billy Crystal famously said, “When you look good, you feel good!”
Billy Crystal actually said, “It is better to look good, than to feel good.”
I stand corrected. And it was Fernando Lamas who originally said, “It is better to look good than to feel good.”
what does it use for a distributor? not the pesky opti-spark?
No Opti-Spark on the LT-5.
If I was shopping a C4 it would hands down be a ’96 gran sport rather than a zr1. The LT4 is easy to maintain and modify if you wish, and the car itself is rare and a total standout in a sea of C4s. A few thousand $ and it’ll run right past a ZR1 and you can flog it without having to worry about finding exotic engine parts if you miss a shift.
You can get an LT-4 in any 1996 Corvette. Rumor has it they are conservatively rated at 330hp and are only available with the ZF-6 speed. There were only a 1,000 Grand Sport coupes and convertibles built and they don’t come cheap.
All I know who ever wins the bid is going to be a very happy camper!
One of the big wigs at a place I worked bought one new, drove it home from the dealer and parked it in his garage as an investment. Had around 30 miles on it. He traveled a lot for his position so he would be away for days or even a week at a time. Said he came home one night and the ZR1 was not in the same bay of the garage that he parked it in. Turns out his wife was driving it whenever he was away and had put a few thousand miles on it. He was pi$$ed, told here not to drive it again that she was hurting the value. Next time he returned after a few days away he opened the garage and there was a second ZR1. Asked the wife why and she said since she couldn’t drive his she just went out and bought another one.
An independent woman!