One Owner 13K Mile Corvette ZR-1 Coupe LT5 V8 6 Speed

When Dave McLellan replaced Zora Arkus-Duntov as the chief engineer of the Corvette, he had some legendary shoes to fill. Assuming control in 1975, McLellan lead the brand through some of the darkest days of not only the Corvette but American performance in general. By 1990, change was on the horizon and at the forefront of that change was the mighty ZR-1. With a revolutionary Lotus-designed powerplant, cutting-edge technology and refined looks, the ZR-1 was destined to be a milestone in Corvette history. And, speaking of history, this factory-fresh ZR-1 backs just 13,425 original miles with some of the most thorough documentation imaginable. If you're in the market for a pristine example of one of the most desirable Corvettes ever produced, you've found your next classic!

This stunning, one family-owned Vette began life as a highly optioned coupe that was delivered to Sunset Chevrolet in Sarasota, Florida. Its original window sticker, which is included with our sale, lists the following roster of equipment.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT:

* 5.7 liter V8 that utilizes Tuned Port Injection
* 4-speed automatic transmission that's equipped with overdrive
* 275/40ZR17 Goodyear Eagle radials
* Independent front suspension
* 5-link rear suspension that's complete with a fiberglass, transversely mounted spring
* Power rack and pinion steering
* A combination of analog and digital instrumentation
* ----------
* Intermittent wiper system
* Electronic speed control that includes a resume feature
* Air conditioning
* Side window defogger
* Rear window defogger
* Power windows
* Power door locks
* Driver's side airbag
* Full center console
* Leather-wrapped sport steering wheel
* AM/FM stereo that's complete with both a clock and cassette player
* Cloth seats that include lateral support and adjustable backs
* Power-operated, retractable halogen headlamps
* Halogen fog lamps
* 1-piece, removable fiberglass roof panel
* Remote hatch release
* ----------
* Pass Key anti-theft system
* Bosch ABS II anti-lock brakes
* Power disc brakes
* Electric, heated rearview mirrors

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:

* ZR1 Special Performance Package ($31,683)
* --- 5.7 liter, 32-valve dual overhead cam V8 that's complete with Multi-Port Fuel Injection
* --- 315/35ZR17 rear tires
* --- Two 17x9.5 styled aluminum wheels
* --- Two 17x11 styled aluminum wheels
* --- Heavy duty brake system
* --- Electronic air conditioning
* --- Specific body panels
* --- Selective Ride and Handling Package
* --- Adjustable leather sport seats
* --- Power, 6-way seats
* --- Tire pressure warning system
* --- Delco Bose Gold Series sound system that features CD and cassette players
* --- Solar glass
* Dual removable roof panels ($915)
* 275/40ZR17 front tires ($00)
* Blue, removable roof panel ($00)

STANDARD VEHICLE PRICE: $32,455

TOTAL OPTIONS: $32,598

DESTINATION CHARGE: $530

TOTAL VEHICLE PRICE: $65,583

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. Silky Black two-stage shows just how far GM paint technology has come from the days of multi-colored Stingrays. The car's lightweight body panels display precise fit and exact finish under ancillary hardware that functions well and seals great. 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!

Walking around this Chevy, it's easy to appreciate how gently late-model C4s have aged. Roughly two decades after they debuted, the car's sharp lines still represent the Corvette brand incredibly well. At the front of its wet-looking body, a clean combination of halogen running lamps and amber turn signals frame a stamped Corvette tag panel that's free of chips or damage of any kind. Above that tag panel, a long hood, which mimics the cowl induction units found on classic Chevrolets, features a fresh black Corvette badge that's complete with a pristine mix of silver checkers, black checkers and a red Chevy bowtie. At the sides of that badge, the car's profile carries the same coke bottle shape of older Corvettes, except whittled down by years of gained aerodynamic knowledge. Embedded in that knowledge, a ring of body-color trim perfectly complements clear corner lamps, traditional Corvette gills, Satin Black door handles and body-matched mirrors. Inside those mirrors, original, chip-free glass reflects a small center high mount stop lamp and either a tinted glass roof or painted targa top. And at the back of the car's body, four trademark Corvette tail lights frame bold Corvette emblems, vertical reverse lamps and original, quad-outlet exhaust tips.

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 features a trick dual-path induction system, 375 horsepower and 370 lb./ft. of torque, all without any help from fuel supplements or any kind of forced induction. The aesthetically pleasing piece was assembled by Mercury Marine, whose specialization in aluminum casting won them the contract. 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. And, more beautifully finished than any engine since the 1930s, the LT5 in this ZR-1 is preserved in 100% showroom-fresh condition. Don't worry; the lightweight mill has definitely been operated enough to stay healthy, with its fluids being changed regularly. And nothing, from the bottom of its spotless hood to the top of its clean oil pan, shows any significant signs of wear and tear.

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 275/40 BF Goodrich g-Force Sports in front of even wider 315/35 BF Goodrich Comp T/As. The bottom of this Corvette is every bit as nice as its spectacular engine compartment and glossy exterior panels, showing minimal wear and almost no signs of weathering. The car's bright suspension bits contrast nicely to a clean floorpan. And its straight and solid chassis barely looks like its seen ANY time on the street.

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 black 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, monotone side panels hang switches for both power windows and power door locks above sculpted armrests. At the back of those panels, a surprisingly spacious cargo hold features enough room for short, weekend road trips. And naturally, all the amenities and conveniences you've come to expect in a modern ride are present and accounted for.

The sale of this investment grade ZR-1 includes:

* Factory paperwork
* Dealer paperwork
* Warranty paperwork
* An original window sticker
* An original owner's box
* An original Owner's Manual
* An original 30-day tag
* A marketing brochure
* Maintenance receipts
* A Service Manual
* An Electric Service Manual Supplement
* A copy of “Building The Next Corvette”
* Multiple historic publications
* An extra set of keys
* A few spare parts

The best aspect of owning a vintage ZR-1 is, whether you decide to drive it or stash it, you own a genuinely great car that's capable of being driven anywhere in comfort. While every subsequent generation of Corvette has shared the same set of goals, this one marks the first whole-hearted attempt at transforming the best American sports car into the world's best sports car. Don't miss your chance to bring home a fantastic example of possibly the most significant C4 Corvette ever assembled.