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 related 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 to the point of weighing 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 speciality 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?
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