1992 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1

Description

By now everyone's heard of the vaunted C4 ZR-1, and the details of its creation are the stuff of legend. Although the car basically doubled the price of a standard Corvette, it delivered world class driving dynamics for a fraction of what Ferrari and Lamborghini competitors cost. It showed the automakers that there was definitely a market for ultimate performance cars and, more importantly, showed the world that Detroit was definitely capable of competing with Europe's best performance brands. Today, we fondly reference cars like this pristine 1992 ZR-1 as the platform that broke the ice for killer American superstars like Chevrolet's own C7 ZR1 and Dodge's outrageous Viper GTS. And, as expected, this fanatically kept, 1,225-mile coupe is almost as crisp as the day it rolled off Bowling Green's storied assembly line. If you've been searching for an awesome Vette that's fun, reliable, documented and equipped with top-notch pedigree, you've found your next classic!

APPEARANCE

A plastic wrapped time capsule that was purchased from Hendrick Performance in late 2014, this razor-sharp Chevy is an immaculately maintained garage queen that mixes world-beating performance with a substantial sense of style! Original Bright Red 2-stage is a testament to the car's limited use and climate-controlled storage. Under that pigment, lightweight body panels, rolling a mere 250 miles prior to the current owner's purchase, display precise fit. And today, with the exception of a bit of common ZR-1 windshield haze, this Corvette appears assembly line fresh in virtually every way.

POWER

The aluminum LT5 V8 found under the hood of this virtually new Vette 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 LT5's unique intake and sculpted cam covers, emblazoned with the Corvette logo, for something any less than fantastic. And, aside from a set of Ethanol-tolerant injectors, this clean LT5 has been preserved in 100% showroom-fresh condition.

PERFORMANCE

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 rectangular tips. Torque meets the pavement through 17-inch alloys, which spin 275/40ZR17 Nitto NT555 Extreme ZRs in front of 315/35ZR17 Nitto NT555 Extreme ZRs. And those tires, fitted in August of 2014, replaced original Goodyears that are included with the car's sale.

COMFORT

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 clean 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.

PROVENANCE

This stunning, low-mileage Vette began life as a highly optioned coupe that was delivered to Charles Daher's Commonwealth Motors in Lawrence, Massachusetts. The car's original Window Sticker, which is included with our sale, lists the following roster of equipment.

1992 CORVETTE 2-DOOR HATCHBACK COUPE
5.7 LITER 32-VALVE DOHC V8
6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION
BRIGHT RED PAINT
RED LEATHER INTERIOR WITH ADJUSTABLE SPORT BUCKET SEATS

STANDARD EQUIPMENT:

• 5.7 liter V8 that utilizes multi-port fuel injection to create 300 horsepower
• 4-speed automatic transmission that's equipped with overdrive
• Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR)
• Power rack-and-pinion steering
• Power disc brakes
• Independent front suspension
• 5-link rear suspension that's complete with a fiberglass, transversely mounted spring
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• Air conditioning
• AM/FM stereo that's complete with both a clock and cassette player
• Cloth seats that include lateral support and adjustable backs
• Intermittent wiper system
• Power windows
• Power door locks
• Rear window defogger
• Electronic speed control that includes a resume feature
• Electric, heated outside mirrors
• 1-piece removable fiberglass roof panel
• Power-operated, retractable halogen headlamps
• Halogen fog lamps
• Remote hatch release
• Leather-wrapped sport steering wheel
• A combination of analog and digital instrumentation
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• Driver's side airbag
• Bosch ABS II anti-lock brakes
• Pass Key anti-theft system

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
• --- 6-way power-adjustable seats
• --- Tire pressure warning system
• --- Delco Bose Gold Series sound system that features CD and cassette players
• --- Solar glass
• Dual removable roof panels ($950)
• Bronze, removable roof panel ($00)
• 275/40ZR17 front tires ($00)

STANDARD VEHICLE PRICE: $33,635

TOTAL OPTIONS: $32,633

DESTINATION CHARGE: $550

TOTAL VEHICLE PRICE: $66,818

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VEHICLE SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

• A copy of the car's original Build Sheet
• A copy of the car's Manufacturer's Statement of Origin
• The aforementioned Window Sticker
• An LT5 V8 Service Manual Supplement
• Service records
• Both of the car's roof panels
• The car's original Goodyear tires
• Two sets of keys
• A CTEK battery tender

Throughout the Corvette's 65-year history Chevrolet has produced a plethora of special edition cars, but many of them were trendy stripe and decal kits that bordered on cheesy. This LT5-equipped 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!

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SUMMARY

• Immaculate ZR-1 survivor that's logged only 1,225 miles
• Original ZR-1 exclusive 5.7 liter LT5 V8 / 375 horsepower
• Original ZF 6-speed manual transmission
• Original Bright Red paint / Sale includes both of the roof panels
• Original Red leather interior / Factory air conditioning / Factory Delco Bose sound system
• Original 17-inch alloy wheels / Sale includes original Goodyear tires
• Sale includes: A copy of the car's original Build Sheet / A copy of the car's Manufacturer's Statement of Origin
• Sale includes: An original Window Sticker / Service records
• Lotus-tuned FX3 suspension
• Lotus-tuned power rack-and-pinion steering / Lotus-tuned 4-wheel power disc brakes