We have discussed numerous times on these pages what a deal the first-generation Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 is. The “King of the Hill” will likely forever be the last affordable supercar, as we’ve passed the point of no return with values decreasing and seemingly holding at the $20,000 – $30,000 range – and that’s for a car with relatively few flaws. The example shown here on eBay has been with its current owner for 20 years, and shows little in the way of modifications. Bids sit at just $1,050 with the reserve unmet.
The ZR-1 was the proverbial shot heard ’round the world when introduced. It demonstrated how GM could build world-class performance cars that went head-to-head with the best that Europe had to offer. It was over-engineered to the point of absurdity, the kind of car the bean counters likely lost sleep over. When you consider what GM was spending at Cadillac for Allante production and then hiring the likes of Mercury Marine and Lotus to help design and build the Corvette’s engine, well…the finance guys couldn’t have been happy.
This ZR-1 has been used, with a tatty interior showing worn seat bolsters and a steering wheel with evidence of regular use. That’s what you want to see, however, as it’s better than buying a car that’s barely been driven, paying an excessive price, and then wondering what will immediately fail from lack of use. The seller reports that the ZR-1 has treated him well, running cool and confident in all conditions. Repairing the seat and replacing the bargain basement GM trim bits shouldn’t be a problem, which also points to why the ZR-1 isn’t worth more as a collector car.
Despite the marvelous 375 b.h.p. 4-cam V8, and the trick adjustable suspension, the ZR-1 still looked too much like a standard C4 Corvette on the outside (and inside, too.) The association with a mass production muscle car hurt the model’s perception as being truly special, or a standout. When you build a limited-production performance car, consumers expect some standout quality beyond the mechanical bits to make it seem “better” than the rest of the lineup. Thankfully, you can still experience the wondrous engine and chassis for a relatively modest purchase price if you can get past the fact that it looks like a C4.
The 1990 Z-R1 was a one year only car with the Siemens airbag system. They went to Bosch in 91-95 and NONE of the stuff crosses over. Worked on them new and it could be a 6-9 month wait for a failed front discriminating sensor alone. I wouldn’t touch it.
Not a 1990 Corvette fan. But it is 2026. I think that sensor, if needed, would have been replaced by now. Just saying.
Amazing to see a beateresque one that’s actually been driven! Most of these have like 400 miles on them and were purchased in lieu of a mutual fund (a very bad decision FWIW). I respect it for this reason alone.
C4s will always be cheap HP. The ZR1 is almost a sleeper car in the sea of C4s.
I work out with kids at the gym. Between them – 4 C5’s and one C4. God what a PITA they are. Electrical gremlins from hades. There is a reason they are cheap – then there is the plastic interiors and squeaks from hell.
I like these for track day cars. This one appears to be used for that purpose. Front tires have slight wear on the inside (a little negative camber anyone?) And the outer tread area is scrubbed off a little also. Plus, the rear tires are down to the wear bars in the center. ( a little rear tire scuffing and spinning? ) The car is used, but does not appear to to be abused. If in the market right now, I would consider the purchase also knowing a,set of new tires are in order.
Love the mechanicals, but hate the speedometer. The author has a good point, If this engine and drivetrain would have been in a Caddy or Buick, like the CTS-V, I wonder what would be priced higher, the Vette or the Buick/Cad?
Got to give it to the seller – a lot of the issues they mention are not usually noticed until the buyer takes delivery.
Miss my 90 “Chemi” Lingenfelter it’s gone for good it’s the only one of my cars I trusted at high speed on the freeway. I changed all the tires because the originals although looked like new I didn’t trust them at high freeway speeds. It ran very comfortable at high speeds more than any other car I ever owned! RIP 🪦
I remember when these came out they were absolute earth shakers but visually the only difference was the squarish taillights as opposed to the round taillights of the workaday Corvettes so they rarely draw a second glance at car shows or while cruising.
To wit, when these cars were only about 10 years old my brother and I were cruising Daytona during the Turkey Rod Runs and we pulled in to gas up his 67 fastback and a fella at the next pump had the ZR1 so I moseyed over to take a look but my brothers fastback had several admirers.
While we were talking he was lamenting that because his car was superior in every way except aesthetically. The butt-hurt was real.
Ended at $11,288.
Reserve Not Met.
41 bids.