UPDATE – The seller has lowered their asking price, so be sure to take another look here on eBay.
Less than a day ago, we discussed the virtues of a C4-era Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 that was a driver. A modern supercar you could buy for less than the cost of a new minivan, albeit with some potential risks as it relates to parts availability and mechanics who could work on the exotic powerplant. This 1991 ZR-1 shatters all logical boundaries when it comes to whether you should take the plunge, as it is a major project car. Listed here on eBay for $12,000 or best offer, would it make sense to restore this one mechanically and otherwise leave it rough and ratty?
It’s risky enough to make you wonder whether this ZR-1 is just a parts car at this point. The body is so, so rough, which isn’t an issue if you’re not concerned with appearances. But most of us considering a specialty hobby car are concerned with how it looks, so it seems to me most buyers with an eye towards getting this ZR-1 running again would instantly be counted out based on looks alone. While there’s part of me that believes a few of us would simply try and get it running and drive it as-is, that’s a small pool of buyers.
The interior is equally trashed, with plenty of work to be done related to dry leather, worn plastics, and I’m sure cracked and damaged surfaces everywhere. This looks like a car that has been left out in the sun for decades, which doesn’t do low-quality 90s GM plastics any favors. The seller doesn’t reveal how this ZR-1 got so bad in the first place, but it was clearly neglected for many, many years. The only good news about the interior is that almost any C4 with a black interior in good condition can donate its trimmings to bring this cabin back to life.
Surprisingly, the engine compartment is the area of the car that looks to be in the best condition – cosmetically, at least. The plug wires even look relatively new. There’s no evidence of modifications, so it’s not as if this car was turned into a track rat early in its life and abandoned. So, what gives? How did this ZR-1 end up in such rough shape? It is located in Georgia, and if it’s been in the Southeast all of its life, the exterior condition is certainly believable if it sat exposed in Florida for decades. Would you take this ZR-1 all the way back, drive it as a 90s rat rod, or use it for parts?
Okay i might sound severe here but i see two words like dad use to say. ” money pit “. If a person is already a body man with experience in prep and paint ok but has anybody seen the price of a paint job recently. As per the innards to redo the seats and trim also. Again there is a faithfull following of Corvette Clubs and aftermarket to cater all of this. Correct me of i’m wrong but even in the 90’s i read that not all GM dealerships ( and i understand ) had someone familiar with the LT5. Lets say that if the mechanicals were perfectly maintained it’s still a.leap of faith
I see vette cart written all over this…
The seller states in his ad to look up the going rate for a LT5 engine. eBay has a re-buildable core for $9,500 and two other runners for more than the asking price of his car.
The car needs paint, but the interior doesn’t look “equally trashed”. It looks dirty.
Let’s don’t, and say we did.
Just get it driving and daily it. Have fun going to work.
This car is a complete mess looks like it was never taken care of and with over 120,000 miles good luck with that engine. Even half the asking price is too much needs four new tires, seats and carpet also a complete paint job. Year ago I got a chance to drive a 1993 ZR-1 for a couple of weeks it was and they still are amazing cars. I do not understand how someone can let one of these cars get this bad.
Tony Angelo @Stay Tuned on Youtube just purchased a ZR1 with issues and will be (I assume) introducing some videos on what he finds and fixes. Currently his car is smoking from one bank of cylinders.
Could be some inspiration and technical information for someone willing to buy the Ebay Corvette.
I’ll give the seller $500 for if it he pays to have it shipped to me. LOL! Good luck!