1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1

Description

SUMMARY

• 11,836 actual mile survivor
• 5.7 liter LT5 V8 / 375 horsepower
• ZF 6-speed manual transmission
• Sale includes: A ZR-1 Press Kit / The car's original Window Sticker / Both of the car's roof panels
• Late-model ZR-1 wheels / Original wheels included with sale
• Corsa exhaust system
• Lotus-tuned FX3 suspension
• Lotus-tuned power steering
• Lotus-tuned power disc brakes
• Delco Bose Gold Series sound system

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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 also 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 11,836 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!

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. Glossy Black 2-stage shows just how far GM paint technology had come from the days of multi-colored C3s. The car's lightweight body panels display precise fit and exact finish under either tinted glass or a painted targa. It's very unlikely those panels have 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 375 horsepower and 370 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. And, more beautifully finished than any engine since the 1930s, the LT5 in this ZR-1 is 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 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. Rowdy Corsa exhaust breathes through polished, quad-outlet tips. Torque meets the pavement through late-model ZR-1 5-spokes, which spin super wide 275/40ZR17 Sumitomo HTRs in front of even wider 315/35ZR17 Sumitomo HTRs. And, since authenticity is key with low mileage survivors, our sale includes the car's original wheels.

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 red 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 the Chevrolet Central Office in Warren, Michigan. 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 fuel 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
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• Intermittent wiper system
• Electronic speed control that includes a resume feature
• Air conditioning
• Side window defoggers
• 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
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• Pass Key anti-theft system
• Bosch ABS II anti-lock brakes
• Power disc brakes
• Electric, heated outside mirrors

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:

• ZR1 Special Performance Package ($27,016)
• --- 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
• --- Specific rear facia [sic] and stop lamps
• --- Performance Handling Package
• --- Specific side 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)
• Electronic air conditioning ($180)
• 275/40ZR17 front tires ($00)
• Blue, removable roof panel ($00)

STANDARD VEHICLE PRICE: $31,979

TOTAL OPTIONS: $28,111

DESTINATION CHARGE: $520

TOTAL VEHICLE PRICE: $60,610

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OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

• A ZR-1 Press Kit
• The car's original Owner's Manual
• The car's original ZR-1 accessory supplements
• The aforementioned Window Sticker
• A ZR-1 serialized leather portfolio
• Vintage ZR-1-themed periodicals
• A dash cover
• Extra floor mats
• Corvette sill covers
• A Mid America Mini Mask
• A roof panel case
• Both of the car's roof panels
• The car's original wheels
• Two sets of keys
• A K&N air filter

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 ever assembled.