SUMMARY
6,584 actual mile survivorWhen it comes to collectible Corvettes, few names resonate like ZR-1. From exclusive C3s to hyphen-free C6s, "Z", "R" and "1" have always represented the pinnacle of Chevrolet performance. The C4 ZR-1 certainly tipped the price scales, but more than made up for it by wrapping advanced looks around a stunning, Lotus-developed V8. And this showroom-fresh coupe, a 1995 graduate that's endured a mere 6,584 sunny day miles, is a pristine example of the best and final hyphen cars. For those of you looking for a near perfect C4 to round out your Corvette collection, all hail this King of the Road!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Take one look down the sides of this razor-sharp coupe and you'll see a well-maintained garage queen that's assembly line fresh in virtually every way. Torch Red 2-stage shows just how far GM paint technology had come from the days of multi-colored Stingrays. The car's lightweight body panels display precise fit and exact finish under both glass and painted tops that function well and seal great. According to a clean CarFax, it's very unlikely that body has ever felt anything more aggressive than a soft detailing cloth. And when that level of ownership is combined with Bowling Green's top-notch build quality, it creates one seriously capable sports car that shows well and absolutely blisters the road!
ENGINE
The aluminum LT5 V8 found under the hood of this virtually new Corvette is a modern work of automotive art. Originally intended to be a simple set of 16-valve cylinder heads atop a basic Chevrolet small block, the Lotus engineers assigned to the project quickly realized there was no cost-effective way to build such a motley beast. Instead, they designed a world class V8, which shared basic dimensions with Chevrolet's storied small block, but exactly zero interchangeable components. The result is a 32-valve, 4-cam powerhouse that utilizes a trick dual-path induction system to create 405 horsepower and 385 lb./ft. of all-American torque. The much lauded aluminum specialists at Mercury Marine of Stillwater, Oklahoma assembled the aesthetically pleasing mill. And when fitted under the Corvette's clamshell hood, it became an ultra-performance world record holder. There's no mistaking the big engine's unique intake and sculpted cam covers, which are emblazoned with the Corvette logo, for something any less than fantastic. The current owner installed a proven Marc Haibeck ECM to improve both power and operation. And, more beautifully finished than any engine since the 1930s, the 20-year-old mill has been preserved in 100% showroom-fresh condition.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Behind that hot small block, a proven ZF 6-speed distributes power to a factory Corvette rear end. That combination works great in conjunction with the motor's ability to shut down half its intake runners, making this Vette plenty quick off the line and a joy to cruise on the highway. All ZR-1s have a Lotus-tuned FX3 double A-arm front and independent rear suspension, which features electronic traction control and driver-adjustable active ride control. 4-wheel, Lotus-tuned power disc brakes combine with Lotus-tuned power steering to keep all that power productive and pointed straight. Factory dual exhaust runs from original equipment manifolds into two rear-mounted mufflers that hang just before GM's familiar quad-outlet tips. And torque meets the pavement through a set of killer 17-inch alloys that spin super wide 275/40ZR17 Nitto NT555 Extreme ZRs in front of even wider 315/35ZR17 Nitto NT555 Extreme ZRs.
INTERIOR
Like its body, this C4's clean cockpit is well maintained in virtually every way. The plush driving environment kicks off with a pair of 6-way, power adjustable buckets that are stitched in Light Gray leather. In front of those buckets, a leather-wrapped and Corvette-branded steering wheel laps a conservative dash that's fitted with both clear analog and bright digital gauges. Inside that dash, the car's modern center stack anchors electronic climate control above a premium Delco Bose sound system, a simple black shifter and buttons for the adjustable suspension. Opposite that center stack, 2-tone side panels hang switches for both power windows and power door locks above sculpted armrests. And, at the back of those panels, a surprisingly spacious cargo hold features enough room for short, weekend road trips.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
This stunning Vette began life as a highly optioned coupe that was delivered to Roger Holler Chevrolet in Winter Park, Florida. The car's original window sticker lists the following roster of equipment.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT:
5.7 liter V8 that utilizes Sequential Fuel Injection to create 300 horsepowerOPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:
Federal emissions requirements ($00)STANDARD VEHICLE PRICE: $36,785
TOTAL OPTIONS: $32,208
DESTINATION CHARGE: $560
TOTAL VEHICLE PRICE: $69,553
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES
The car's original Owner's Manual and related accessory literatureThroughout the Corvette's storied history Chevrolet has produced a plethora of special edition cars, but many of them were little more than stripe and decal kits. The 405 horsepower ZR-1 is subtle, classy, and doesn't need to be plastered with stickers or huge badges to make its point. Whether this awesome C4 is your first Corvette, or just the newest addition to your fleet, it's the kind of high quality collector car that's guaranteed to put a smile on your face!