Sometimes, there is a tell-tale sign that a car is simply not going to over-perform in the coming years as it relates to value. The C4 chassis Chevrolet Corvette has long been a bargain, but sadly, far too many were made for it to ever be considered particularly rare or hard to come by. The ZR-1 has stayed above this fray owing to its blistering performance and greater perceived scarcity, but we’ve said for a while it seems to struggle to break out of the low $30,000 range in terms of asking price. This 1990 model listed here on eBay goes even further to cement its perception as a discount super car with an asking price of just $15,500.
Ultimately, that’s a good thing for anyone looking to break into the hobby with a very legitimate collector vehicle; it’s not good news for anyone who paid over $40,000 in some of the recent “frothy” years of the collector vehicle marketplace. The seller’s car doesn’t have any glaring faults, either, aside from some cosmetic flaws and annoying electronic glitches. Overall, it’s a solid driver, and one that would still be an absolute hoot to rip around in. Mileage isn’t bad, clocking in at just over 81,000. The seller would do himself a big favor by sourcing the original wheels, in my opinion.
The interior looks good, not great, and it’s hard to keep GM interiors of this era presenting as absolutely pristine owing to the low-rent materials they were using at the time. While the miles aren’t incredibly high, it’s also not enough of a time capsule to avoid the inevitable signs of wear and tear. As I’ve learned over the years, when you’re selling a car that some collectors associate with being a bit of an item, they usually want to find a car devoid of scratches and stress marks on the leather. I’ve never subscribed to this notion, as I’m buying the car for the experience. I’m confident at this price, the seller will find a buyer with the same philosophy.
The listing notes a few faults. The seller notes that the “INFL Rest” light comes on over 5 miles per hour, which is likely a faulty sensor that needs replacement. The front tires are shot but the rear tires are new; perhaps the seller was trying to keep his costs of ownership as low as possible, but that strikes me as slightly cheap (just throw four new tires on, man!) The good news is the glorious LT5 engine is in good tune, and the asking price in no ways affects your ability to dip into all 375 horsepower and 370 lb.-ft. of torque on a daily basis. Is this ZR-1 the bargain of the summer?
If I had the money right now I’d snap it right up.
A super car ???
The airbag light will be a major issue on a first year 1990. One year only system. When the 91’s were released the system was completely new. It was impossible to find replacement parts for repairing the 90 system 3 months later. I believe the 90 was a Bosch setup. Think of if it like “betamax vs. VHS.”
Seems like a great deal for a decent driver. This is the one you buy and enjoy.
The C4 is a basket of electrical glitches with no support in replacement parts.
Period.
General Motors has a nasty habit of not supporting it’s cars or customers. It is a disgrace when you can buy parts for a German car that is 60 years old but not for a 30 year old GM car.
Good example is the Gran National that has many parts that are not available any longer from GM.
Agreed! I recently bought a 2004 C5 base model (one-owner w/79k, 1st Corvette/fast ride EVER), & planned to keep it all OEM; it hasn’t worked out that way! 22-yr-old “top model” enthusiast ride, & had to buy an aftermarket oil press. sensor…!?
With a little work you can turn this cars performance into something interesting. Exhaust, performance chip and some minor porting can produce 400-425hp. Install a 4:11 and you have some real giddy up!
That price sounds great for a ZR. However, there are a few concerns here.
I’m not sure what a “State Title Brand – Odometer Brand” means, but that needs to be investigated before money is spent.
There have been 9 owners, and I don’t see any evidence in the vehicle report where this car sat in a barn for 12 years. But, I guess the phrase “storage in a barn for about the last 12 years” could mean that it was just parked there, protected from the elements.
Google seems to say that the title designation is the same as TMU.
A c5 or c6 in the same price range gets you a better car with same power or more , an LS engine ,
less glitches , better parts availability and a TRUNK !