The C4 Corvette really came of age in 1990 when Chevrolet released the ZR-1 variant. It possessed the level of performance that recalled the badge’s glory days, and although it wasn’t cheap, it was warmly embraced by buyers. This 1991 example requires some cosmetic TLC, but with values on the rise, its price could make it a worthwhile project candidate and long-term investment prospect. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the ZR-1 listed here on Craigslist in West Seattle, Washington. The seller set their price at $14,500, but may consider trades for the right vehicle.
The C4 Corvette featured styling that drew almost universal praise from the motoring press and potential buyers upon its release. It retained hints of the badge’s heritage, but the entire package was fresh and modern. This 1991 Corvette is a perfect example of that approach, presenting respectably from a distance. The first owner ordered it in Code 41 Black, and with 3,909 buyers choosing that shade from the ten available on that year’s color palette, it finished second to White in the popularity stakes. The photos indicate that the car presents respectably from a distance, although the seller admits that it is suffering issues with the clear coat that were quite common. Unfortunately, that means that any cosmetic refresh will entail stripping away the offending clear before applying a fresh coat of paint. That will be a fairly intricate task, but if the buyer adopts a DIY approach, it will cost them more time than money. Otherwise, the panels look nice, there are no obvious issues with rust, and the trim and glass appear to be in good order.
It is fair to say that most people were underwhelmed by the C4 Corvette upon its release. They generally liked the looks, but performance represented a triumph of style over substance. However, a savior was at hand and would appear for the 1990 model year. General Motors had assumed control of the Lotus Group in 1986, calling upon its motorsport expertise to produce an engine worthy of the Corvette badge. Starting with a clean sheet of paper, the result was a 5.7-liter V8 carrying the LT5 designation. With an aluminum engine block, thirty-two valves, four camshafts, and fuel injection, it was a motor with genuine performance credentials. The Corvette’s entry-level V8 produced 245hp and 345 ft/lbs of torque. The LT5 pushed those figures to 375hp and 370 ft/lbs. A six-speed manual was the sole transmission offered, while the ZR-1 also featured a selection of suspension and brake upgrades that created a “total” package for the driver. Of course, this needed to be the case because ticking the ZR-1 box on the Order Form effectively doubled the price of the Corvette. This 1991 example is in excellent mechanical health, recently receiving headers, a new 3″ exhaust, and a tweaked ECU. It is a turnkey proposition that the new owner can enjoy immediately.
The color theme set by this Corvette’s exterior continues when we open the doors. Trimmed in Black leather, it is another aspect of this classic that appears presentable. There is slight wear on the driver’s seat outer bolster, but I think that the overall appearance would improve considerably with the application of a high-end conditioner. The remaining trim looks decent, there is no crumbling plastic, and no evidence of abuse. The ZR-1 wasn’t purely a performance package, with buyers receiving air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, power seats, cruise control, and a tilt wheel.
There is something undeniably attractive about purchasing a classic that can provide immediate motoring pleasure, which is the opportunity offered by this 1991 Corvette ZR-1. The new owner can revel in the performance that stems from motorsport history, attending to its cosmetic needs as time and circumstances allow. It is worth noting that we are heading into the dying days of summer, with winter just around the corner. Finding something productive to occupy the colder months is often challenging, but spending time in a workshop whipping this Corvette’s paint into shape would be productive and rewarding. Are you up for that challenge?
A lot of 400 horsepower sports car fun here for $14500. I say wrap it in any color you want and drive the heck out of it.
A true 400 hp performance car that you could drive the heck out of for 14K or less, or a 36 hp Meyers Manx for $25,000.00 that you could do what??? with??. And this gets one comment.
What is this world coming to…
Full disclosure, to say that I am not a fan of the C-4 Corvette would be a gross understatement, (although I do happen to own one, but that is a story for another time) All that aside, I think that the C-4 ZR-1s are pretty nifty, The body modifications improved their looks dramatically and the motor was an absolute stroke of genius. In my humble opinion, this particular car deserves some pretty serious attention. Someone looking to get into a true high performance ‘Vette could do much worse than this.
A ZR1 for less than $15K? (YesI know it needs paint) And the ads been up for 10 days? What am I missing? Even if you did nothing to the paint. This would make a great track day car! If I had a place to put it and had the cash free. (Still building my house) I would already be up there with cash in hand. And love every minute driving it home. I could even add an extra 50 miles to my trip and stop off at Thunderhill for a track day session. (No, I would want to check everything over first before flogging it at the track) I know that I’m in the minority, but I love C4s. And this is the best C4 that you can get.
The crappy ad with only 5 photos probably isn’t helping to move this car along to the next owner.
For the enthusiast who owns a body-shop or has a connection (paint), this is a no-brainer!
A great engine. Unfortunately, they’re more complex that the standard Corvette motor and there are a limited number of mechanics that can work on them. Also, a 35 year old limited production car with some parts hard to find. $14K is not “cheap.”
“Cheap” is not normally associated with a ZR-1. Paint failure is also not common on a well-cared for ZR-1. I would ask a lot of questions.
Clear coat failure on an earlier GM product is a given, not an anomaly.
False statement. Huge generalization, but absolutely untrue. I guess if you toss enough junk, eventually some of it might stick.
You are apparently not too familiar with with GM products.
High dollar clearcoat’s are lucky to last 10 years if left out in the sun
Exactly. My statement was based on the GM (Or any other brand) paint being “cared for”.
It is well documented that GM had major issues with their paint quality ( and particularly their clear coat) during the nineties and early two thousands. It had very little to do with care. Look it up I’ll wait.
@oldrodder- I will wait for you to stay on topic and show some data on C4 and/or specific ZR-1 paint failures. I believe there are two documented issues:
1) Photosensitivity on certain yellow versions in the mid 1990’s.
2) Copper metallic that was found to be difficult to apply at the factory and was discontinued also in the mid 1990’s.
I don’t know how many Corvettes you have owned. I have had a 1976, 1979, 1984, and currently own a 1995. I have had exactly zero paint issues with any of them. I will also clarify that all four were purchased from fellow NCRS members who have a habit of maintaining their vehicles to a pretty high standard. I also maintained the high standard of care.
Oldrodder maybe remembering the issues that both Ford and GM had with paint delamination. The paint manufacturers presented paint that only required a top coat. It didn’t work. I have an Explorer (1998) where the paint is popping off like an egg shell. (I believe that 1998 was the last year that it was used on non-metallic colors. This issue goes back to the early to late ’80s. While working at a Ford store. Ford would pay for a repaint within a certain time frame after the basic warranty had expired. The problem with that was the people that took care of their cars and kept them waxed. Didn’t have an issue until the “extended period” had expired. I always thought it was unfair. But Ford wouldn’t budget on that line in the sand. When I went to work at a GM store. The story was one of the plants that built Oldsmobiles had a plant manager that was a chemist. He said that the paint scheme wouldn’t work, so he refused to change the paint process. He almost lost his job over it. NONE of the cars built in his plant had paint issues. His cost per vehicle was higher. But the warranty rate was .much lower. The story goes that he retired a few years after “The Blow Up” over the paint. And the plant was changed over when he did retire. You see the same condition on white GM vehicles (non-metallic) paint. Still trying to get away with sub-quality paint.
Frank: I have owned 12 Corvettes beginning in 1967 and still own one today. I never said, or even implied that the GM paint problem was Corvette specific. If you will take the time to read what I said instead of lashing out at me and calling me a liar you will clearly see that I said “GM had a paint problem”, and it was a big deal. Chev was forced to extend their paint warranty by as much as 8 years, (although that was finally reduced to 5 years), GM was faced with a class action lawsuit over the issue, and major news originations covered the story extensively. I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings, but I would suggest that you clearly read what was said before engaging in personal attacks.