1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

When the new ZR1 was introduced at the 1989 Geneva Auto Show, the sports car world took notice. Corvette Chief Engineer Dave McLellan stated, "The ZR1 makes the statement that we can do things today that no one even dreamed could be done ten or twenty years ago. We've achieved a spectacular level of performance and are still able to meet or exceed all government standards for fuel economy, safety, noise, emissions, and so on." The ZR1 engineering team proved that Detroit can indeed run with the best of the European sports cars offered by the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini.

The rear-drive Corvette ZR1 is powered by a 32-valve, 5.7L, port-fuel-injected V-8 engine with an aluminum block and aluminum heads. The engine was designed by GM's Group Lotus Division, was further developed by GM, and is built under contract by Mercury Marine in Oklahoma. A maximum 375 HP is achieved at 6,200 RPM, and the torque curve shows a maximum of 370 lb-ft at 4,200. The only transmission choice was a 6-speed manual. The ZR1 can accelerate 0-60 MPH in 4.5 seconds and from a stop to 100 in 10.4 seconds. Top speed, for the adventurous, was an amazing 175 MPH.

This first-year example is finished in the menacing combination of black paint over a black leather interior and shows a mere 260 miles on the odometer. Beneath the hood, the mechanical components wear their original factory finishes, and upon close examination, the inspection markings and tags from the assembly line are still visible beneath the Corvette. Documenting this special ZR1 is the window sticker, bill of sale, manuals, two keys, wheel lock kit, Corvette Music System Sampler, special Corvette ratchet, photos when the car was new and more.

The C4 ZR1 Corvette was extremely ahead of its time when it was released in 1989, and it was a level of innovation not usually seen from Detroit automakers. Reflecting on important milestones in Corvette history, the C4 ZR1 represents a major leap in performance and the first time it was taken seriously by its European competitors. This example, with its extremely low mileage and overall condition, will serve as an example worth of studying for years to come.