Apparently, a collector with a thing for Corvettes decided to buy a wide variety of C4 models and keep them in near-perfect condition. Going all the way back to the first production run of the C4 to the final edition of the classic ZR-1, all of these Corvettes are in time-warp condition and all of them are red. While I personally like a little more variety in a collection, you have to respect the commitment to seemingly collecting a low-mileage example of every significant C4. Find the collection here on Mecum.com where it goes up for auction on December 1-3.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Larry D. for the find. Now, it can be a few weeks between ZR-1 sightings on the local craigslist pages, but this collection features no fewer than six of the flagship Chevrolet sports car, all of them with under 20,000 original miles. I’m not sure that the Guinness Book of Records has a category for owning the most low-mileage ZR1s, but if there is such an honor, the owner of this collection would most certainly win. This 1994 ZR1 has a mere 11,676 miles on the clock and presents like a new car – because it essentially is. This one also sports a desirable black interior.
Speaking of interiors, one of the early C4s that is up for grabs sports this incredible lipstick-red cockpit. This color was pretty standard for the earlier production models, but what’s unusual is just how nice it still is. The door panels, carpeting, and leather seating surfaces all present as new, and the same goes for the dashboard and instrument binnacle that show off the assortment of digital gauge clusters. This particular C4 has just under 18,000 original miles and is optioned with the automatic transmission and glass roof panel, and represents the first year tuned port fuel injection was offered on a C4.
But even with its trick 4+3 manual transmission, the early models offered as part of this collection still aren’t as captivating as having this many perfectly preserved ZR1-s in one place. The ZR-1 was obviously the pinnacle of achievement for Chevrolet at the time, as it had finally built a sports car that could compete with the best of the best from Europe. Values have been rising, and while there’s always a “cheap” ZR-1 out there, it’s usually a basket case. The assortment of C4 Corvettes offered in this collection is incredible, and what they lack in variety they more than make up for in being some of the lowest-mileage and best-preserved C4s in existence.
That’s America, can’t have one Corvette, got to have 6. I know, some may say, if you don’t like America, and this is what America has become,,get out. While I have thought about it, it’s too late, and I’ll just watch it go down the tank, thank you. Somebody PLEASE tell an old fart, what is the need for 6 Corvettes? And who knows what else this spoiled brat has doubles and triples of? Why the distain? I feel, in a country like ours, once the greatest country where everyone had a chance, you can’t have someone with 6 Corvettes and others living in a box. It’s our society run amok.
“what is the need for 6 Corvettes?” H, Do not confuse need with desire.
And what about guitar hoarders that keep a climate-controlled room full of 1950s Gibson Les Pauls? Who needs 30 or 40 of those? But they can afford them, so be it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7-5io1muSQ
I have 5 Les Paul’s
They all have a different tone
so yeah I want more
I only have three Les Pauls, and one Corvette, so I have a lot of catching up to do!
I have 6 guitars and 4 drumsets, why? because I can.
Yep, put me in the too many guitars category too.
I love that Spinal Tap clip. The guitars came from Norman’s Rare Guitars and you can see Nigel wearing one of their shirts in a scene. Norman’s sell that shirt, so I have one. Wish I could afford any of his LPs.
Some folks just like to watch the world burn.
Howard- Just between us, I suggest it is time to chill. I turn 70 on March 1st 2023, so I think that puts us into the same cohort. I retired aboyt 2 1/2 years ago at the height of the pandemic, and besides being the dumbest thing I have ever done (You may have noticed there wasn’t too much to do then) , it gave me plenty of time to compare and contrast the past and think about going firmly into the 4th Quarter of Life. The clock is ticking, buddy and my first and final ride in the back of a Cadillac could be tomorrow. Who cares if the dude has 600 Corvettes? They aren’t parked next door to me or you.I will also bet you may have noticed for all the grouching and complaining we do, the world has yet to listen to us and apply any of our wisdom. Thanksgiving is coming and I am thankful for my wife of 43 years (Which has earned her Preferred Parking AND the all-day buffett in Heaven), our three sons, never seeing the inside of an Un-employment office, and good friends and neighbors. It may not be a great life, but it beats the alternative. Happy Holidays pal and I hope you have a good New Year. Cheers!
P.S. – I also know I talk a good game and it is tough at times to just let it go!
Howard: I’m sure Canada is waiting with open arms…..
Hey Howard,
There’s no reason for anyone to live in a box- maybe mental illness or drug addiction, other than that none that I can think of.
I am a blue collar car guy and I own 6 cars, one is a 1989 C4 convertible. I also raised 6 kids along the way, because America is a land of guaranteed opportunity, not guaranteed outcomes.
America is still the greatest place on earth and, in my opinion, we still build the greatest cars on earth!
Keep the faith brother!
America is still the greatest. Just in sad shape right now. Hurry up January.
Same reason, Howard, that every attorney or office manager wants to drive a road-mashing monster pickup truck they don’t need.
Howard . For each day of the week he drives one and on Sunday he stays home and washes them all.
Drive them?! Wouldn’t that add miles?
I don’t understand why you would have a bunch of cars
that all look pretty much the same,& all in the same color.
I would rather have a bunch of different cars & trucks
that I could enjoy & drive,without worry of depreciation.
Hey Howard there are 15 of these at Auction from this Owner, not just 6, but who’s counting. Whats fun here is, he seems to drive them about the same amount of miles per year. Got to love collectors.
Having owned a nice 30k mile ‘91 ZR-1 I’d say that one is plenty. I had my fun owning it about 2.5 years, and really wasn’t sad to see it go to make room for something more interesting.
Although a couple spirited runs well over 150 were memorable, there are very few places to pull that off anymore, and getting cuffed and stuffed isn’t something I’m interested in…
I think this one comes down to the obvious question of WHY? The only answer is ” because I can.” Its also the only answer that can have no argument.
My dad had one like these and had a terrible issue with the ignition coils going bad. I believe that that are a pain to replace.
I have one 1985 C4..in RED..of course!!!! Neat car!!!!
C4 geeks will note the delamination showing in some of the ZR-1 windshields. It occasionally gets to the point where it is difficult to drive the car on a sunny day. The only fix is replacement and there are currently no OEM replacements available although there are rumors of someone providing them in 2023. You can see the delam in some of the pictures especially near the roof pillars. Your ZR-1 “Fun Fact” of the day.
“To each – his own”
Need? NEED? I don’t any of the more esoteric items in my “go BANG” collection either. But they sure are fun.
6 Corvettes? To drive one every day of the week. Monday thru Saturday, take the day off on Sunday.
I thought one of the rules for Barn Finds was no political statements or rebuttles.
Man, lots of people attacking this guy for simply doing something he loved. He obviously enjoyed the cars as they are well presented and well looked after. Only thing I hope happens is some opportunistic person does not buy the whole collection and then look to flip for a profit. Hope they go to more of the same type of owner who appreciates the cars and looks after them
Lots of interesting options on this. The most collector cars I’ve ever had at one time is two as I’ve never had more indoor storage than a two car garage. Don’t know how I ever conned the wife into not having her half. I remember feeling conflicted at times as to which one to drive as me time was pretty scarce in those days. Obviously this collector had his thing. You know the old song with the line “do what you want to do”. I’m sure this person got a lot of enjoyment from their Corvette corral. So more power to them.
Howard, evidently you don’t or have ever owned a collector or hobby car. Who needs a collector car when people are living in boxes? Hopefully you are sincere in your crusade and live in a tiny, one room house. Anything more would be unnecessary and extravagant.
What the big deal I’ve owned 40 car in 45 years
only 40………..rookie!
Many people collect many things. I enjoy looking at (nice) cars and bikes more than looking at paintings. Cool collection, might be a chance to get a really sweet deal on one since there are so many
What I see here is the same reason I own 6 1959 Chevrolets.I like them! That simple! Ease up on the guy.
I cannot believe that we have critics of one of the greatest freedoms in the world: spend your money any way you choose.
If someone likes C4 Vettes and can afford them, why not? I once knew a guy that back in the early days of OPEC bought every Hemi vehicle he could get his hands on and stored them away in a shed. I envied him but then again, he made a good income and could afford them.
Personally, if I could afford a collection like that, I’d do it too. Happens I can’t so I just enjoy the fact that someone can.