This 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is a rare example of Chevrolet’s early 90s supercar, and surprisingly it’s sitting in non-op status according to the California DMV system. For a collector car, this is fairly unusual, as these are the types of vehicles that typically don’t fall into this category. Interestingly, the seller mentions that a previous owner was none other than Vic Edelbrock, Jr., who isn’t exactly a celebrity, but it’s a fun anecdote nonetheless. The Corvette does run and has under 18,000 original miles. Find it here on craigslist for $30,000.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Rex M. for the find. The ZR1 remains one of my bucket list cars to own someday, but I fear I’ve missed the boat in terms of it being a somewhat unloved and under-appreciated super car. They really did have every box checked in terms of being a game-changing sports car, from the outrageous performance to the Lotus-designed air management system to the FX3 suspension that shared many qualities with the Bilstein-designed system found on the Porsche 959. Electronic damping controls from the cockpit meant suspension settings could be modified with the touch of a button, and in the case of the ZR1, they were meaningful adjustments. The ZR1’s interior remains in excellent condition with no obvious flaws.
The engine featured four overhead camshafts and 32 valves, and could reach 60 miler per hour in under five seconds. The quarter mile blew by in 13.4 seconds, going on to a top speed of almost 180 miles per hour. They were seriously quick, but also not so over-the-top that you couldn’t drive in traffic, or simply use it for a quick run to the store. It was a usable supercar, much like the Porsche 911 Turbo or Acura NSX of the same era. This was honestly my favorite period for factory-built supercars, as cars like those I just mentioned were hardly lacking for performance but were also manageable from a cost of ownership standpoint and the complexity of systems and controls on board.
That’s not to say they were simple – hardly. But compared to some of the vehicles that represent the evolution of cars like the ZR1 today, the Corvette is blessedly simple. In the case of this example, there are quite a few questions that arise, namely why it fell into non-op status. And the seller simply says, “…it does run,” which isn’t exactly confidence-inspiring that it runs particularly well. The minor celebrity ownership could indicate it was part of a larger collection of vehicles that saw such little use, it began to suffer from the maladies of neglect. No matter what, it deserves to be refreshed and enjoyed, but with some degree of restraint as the sub-20,000 miles on the odometer practically guarantees it will be worth significantly more in the future.
The ask seems high for a car which will need refitting in order to be driven.
“but with some degree of restraint as the sub-20,000 miles on the odometer practically guarantees it will be worth significantly more in the future.” 100% wrong on that call. If someone pays $30,000 for ZR-Non-op” they had better be happy with with because they own it forever. Are you guys aware the 1995 ZR-1 has 405 HP and is already fitted out to handle ethanol blends? It is also part of the Class of 95/96 which are the best C4’s made during the model run. Do some research on ZR-1 pricing too while you are at it.
Median auction sale for these cars is $29,000. with a 14% gain over last year, according to ACC guide. You must be a rich man if you know the future pricing 100%.
Bought my 90 ZR1 with 20K miles five years ago for $16k. Great car, with no depreciation.
Enjoy! Great cars to drive. You bought that car at a great price.
Non-OP is a California DMV issue for cars that are not being driven. Does not mean the vehicle does not run just not registered for the street. I would say that C4s ZR-1s are starting to increase in value which is nice. 3 years ago this car was a $15k-18k car. As Mike1955 points out that Medium Auction price on these has moved up into the high $20K range so they are moving up in value at least slowly.
And it’s on Craigslist to boot! Run Away!!!!!!
Speaking in generalities like this don’t make sense.
I’ve sold several vehicles on CL and the buyers “Ran Away” with a great car. Cost me either nothing or $5 and minimal effort to post pictures and write some text.
Absolutely correct and I should have been more specific. I believe high end cars do not belong on CL. I am unable to understand why anyone with a special interest car would bother with CL. Do you really want to spend your time responding to silly offers and comments? In my opinion CL is a flea market . I have sold a few vehicles on that platform and I would never do it again. My opinion, and yep, I know what it’s worth.
Non-op is a good thing in California in terms of no back registration fees. It typically means the vehicle is in storage but doesn’t mean it doesn’t run and operate. Also the Edelbrock name does have celebrity status with car guys and gals. Not sure where you are getting your information from.
I’m in such a good mood today, I thought I would help you guys calibrate the pricing for “Non-op”. Currently listed on the ZR-1 Net Registry: 1993, Polo Green/Beige, 2 NCRS Top Flights, and 100% score on NCRS Performance Verification (Everything works down to the cigarette lighter!), 9,465 Miles and full maintenance history. $35,000. Hmmm, better color, lower mileage, 405 HP, NCRS Verification and I can drive it home. Decisions, decisions.
Non op status means the owner is paying the property tax portion of the fees but not the road tax. While it can’t legally be driven on the streets there will be no back taxes due upon transfer of title. Seems like a logical approach for a collector who plans to stash, not drive a vehicle, saving some fees. (More typically it’s used for projects that aren’t yet roadworthy.)
Good plan except a knowledgeable ZR-1 collector would have more sense than to pay $30,000 for a 1990 ZR-1 and stash it.
This might be a good pick up at 17 grand. I’m not sure about 30 .
Is it just because I’m getting old, but is the C4 a little difficult to get in and out of?
Yes, they are. I had a ’92 6 speed and entry/exit is a workout. It involves movement to and from a very low position with lower body strength and knee stress. The steering wheel isn’t much help, since it can’t routinely bear weight. It was a struggle ten years ago and I wouldn’t even consider it now. Unfortunate.
The C4 is the ultimate Grocery getter!!! Buy a gallon of milk on the way home, hold it in your left hand, straight out of the door and it counterbalances your weight so you can get out of the vette!!! Seriously, using your arms or items can make it a bit easier to get out. The thing is, when you are in and driving, who cares if it is a bit difficult to get out!!! Getting in and out is not what the experience of a C4 is about. It is about the driving!!!!!!
Looks like another Corvette parked next to it.
This is the thing with Vettes..either they are hammered into oblivion or they are well-kept, like this one. It’s probably worth the asking price, but I wonder if being “non-op” affects transferring a title to out of state? I wouldn’t mind making room for this car in my garage.
I am on my third corvette c4 c5 c7 all a pain to get in and out of. I am 6ft4 225.
These ZR-1’s have some very unique engine parts which can be very expensive to source, if they can be sourced at all…
The entire LT5 engine is unique. designed by Lotus and hand-built by Mercury Marine in Stillwater, Oklahoma.that is why it was a $23,000 option in 1990. They are also pretty much bullet-proof. there are many examples of them out there with over 200,000 miles on them.