1994 Corvette ZR-1 Triple Black, 6spd, low miles, expert owned/maintained, immac

1994 Corvette ZR-1 405hp, 6spd Targa Coupe
"TheKing of the Hill”

TheChevrolet Corvette (C4 for 4th generation Corvette)marked GM's return to higher performance engines, exemplified by the 375hp (280kW)LT-5found in the original ZR-1. The ZR-1 would set a new record for the highest 24 hour-5,000 mile land-speed by going over 175mph.

General Motorswith its subsidiaryGroup Lotus designed a new engine to fit in place of the L-98 V8 that was powering the standard C4.The result was the LT-5, an aluminum-block V-8 four overhead camshafts and 32 valves delivering 375hp (280kW) when atwide open throttle. In addition to the engine, Lotus helped GM design the ZR-1's upgraded braking and steering systems, as well as adjustable active ride control. The ZR-1 is way more than a modern-day muscle car with a big engine and no real capability on the track.

The challenge of building these engines went toMercury Marinewho shipped them to the Corvette factory in Bowling Green where the ZR-1s were being assembled. Common knowledge is that marine engines are far more durable than their land-based counterparts, which certainly is true on the ZR-1. (See the ZR-1's endurance wins further on.)

The ZR-1 “King of the Hill” as it was known, only came as afastbackcoupe (with a removable Targa section for open air driving). It is recognizable from other Corvette coupes by its wider tail section, 11" wide rear wheels and its new convex rear fascia with four square shapedtaillights.

The performance and rarity of the ZR-1 carried a huge price, almost twice the cost of a (250hp) non-ZR-1 and increased to $66,278; some dealers successfully priced units as high as $100,000.

After 1993, horsepower went up from 375 to 405. A total of 6,939 ZR-1s were manufactured over the six-year period. Not until the debut of the C5 platform Z06 in 2001 would Chevrolet have another production Corvette capable of matching the ZR-1's performance.

Not only was the ZR-1 was extremely quick (0-60mph in 4.4 seconds, and 180+ mph); the huge performance of the LT5 engine was matched by its robustness. A stock ZR-1 set seven international and world speed and endurance records. Talk about bulletproof.

This particular ZR-1 was owned by a renowned Corvette restorer and NCRS charter member. It has been religiously maintained and pampered for its low 35k miles. Common knowledge among collectors seeking cars that will be driven rather than only stored is that mid-30’s is the ideal mileage; neither too low to question its drivability, nor too high to reduce its value. Moreover, in the right hands, the car will have been properly sorted, as was this example with new tires, brakes, clutch, etc. In fact, when he had any downtime in his Vette shop, the original owner serviced his ZR-1.

For a significant piece of Corvette history costing little more than a stock C-4, why not own the “King-of-the-Hill” rather than the “Run-of-the-Mill”.

For more information, please call Michael at 631 553 5300.