When it comes to the C4 Corvette, red and white are seemingly the go-to colors for one of the more mass produced generations of Chevrolet’s predominant sports car. The ZR-1 continued this tradition, with what seems like better than 65 percent of them being produced in red. This ZR-1 is said to be one of just 27 models produced in a color we don’t see that often: Charcoal Metallic, which the seller claims is the lowest production color of ’91. Find the Corvette here on eBay with bids to $18,600 and the reserve unmet.
There’s something about a car as powerful and sporting as a ZR-1 being clad in an understated color like this. You have to figure most people coming in to a Chevrolet dealer to buy one of these cars likely wanted to stand out a bit, so a subdued shade like Charcoal Metallic was likely not the first choice of most buyers (hence the low take rate from a production numbers standpoint.) With close to 60K, this ZR-1 has been driven, but still presents well.
You can see more evidence of actual use in the interior, where the trademark sport bucket seats are showing their age. The gray leather is cracked and there’s a small dime-sized tear in the driver’s seat that needs repair. The seller also notes the aftermarket radio has lousy reception but he has a stock headunit ready to go out for rebuild. He admits he placed an emphasis on mechanical refurbishment, so cosmetics and audio visual components weren’t as much a priority.
The list of recent maintenance includes a new clutch, fuel injectors, starter, and battery, performed by a previous owner. The seller had the oil pan gasket and serpentine belt replaced following an inspection, and recently also had an oil change and coolant flush performed. Buying a ZR-1 is a smart move in any capacity, but finding one in a rare color is a smart move – especially with a Buy-It-Now of $24,000.
I am truly surprised these haven’t caught on as something more special in the Corvette world. Maybe was the collaboration with Mercury marine, the engine is a masterpiece of design and technology for the era. Mercury was still building something quite similar last I read somewhere. Skid pad numbers were great no thanks to the Goodyear’s at the time. This is a bargain in the collector car segment and should come to be recognized as what a triumph it was to build a high performance sports car when few were able to do so. Didn’t call it King of the hill for nothing!
I think the ’90-’95 ZR1 is held back in the current collector market by a few factors. First, there were a lot of them made, nearly 7000 units, and the variations among them are mostly trim colors. Second, what was absolute leading-edge technology and performance is fairly mundane today. Consider that every Mustang GT built since 2011 has more tech (variable valve timing, for example) and higher horsepower and torque ratings. So does my BMW SUV. Who could have imagined in 1990 that SUVs would be available with more power than a C4 ZR1? The C4 ZR1 will have its day, but is has not yet turned into the blue-chip collectible everyone thought it would be at the start.
What I find so odd, my son is into Supras. He has a 1994 NA, RH drive that’s worth about $50-55k. The turbo versions are north of $100k. The Supra was meant to compete against the C4 Vette and it was a sales failure, but the prices keep climbing.
I don’t think the C4’s day will come. The last rolled off the assembly line 27 years ago, and there’s been no sign whatsoever of these increasing in desirability. I think this one’s high relative price has more to do with the general economy than it does any true increase. As Smokey points out, some of its contemporaries have gone up dramatically, and those increases began years ago. Even the GM F-bodies of this era are worth more than a C4.
Now that said, these will remain a nice entryway into the hobby, which we need. Not every car can command astronomical prices or be treated as an investment. So we really do need vehicles like this!
This was just featured on here and sold on ebay for $22k in late June.
https://barnfinds.com/1-of-27-1991-chevrolet-corvette-zr-1/
So I guess someone backed out of the deal, for whatever reason. Seems like a nice enough car, but I cannot help but wonder what the market for brown C4s will be like once the classic car market cools a bit.
There are only a very few qualified shops in the US that will work on the ZR1/LT5 engine. Puts a damper on desirability.
https://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=28634
Ooops, reserve wasn’t met. I think 22k would be a no brainer price for this for sure, though car values are inflated. It’ll be interesting to see if he gets more.
There was a whole lot more than met the eye with a ZR1. Starting at the doors the whole back half of the car was 4″ wider as I recall or was it 6″. Both the doors and quarters were widened, it was so subtle most people didn’t notice and would comment they just couldn’t see paying that much more. I managed service at a Chevrolet dealer and if given the chance I would explain all that came with the package. Just about everything underneath was heavy duty from the big fat Dana center section forward, many components were ZR1 only. For the times it was one hell of a car.
💯 Art 🏁
And this color is gorgeous.
Back on June 20 Jim O’Donnell wrote this one up, at that time the bidding surpassed the buy it now $$.
Having owned a relatively (32k) mileage’91 I can say they are a marvel, especially for the era when built.
However just getting in and out of the car takes some effort, especially once the laps around the sun pass #60…
These were always “supposed to” be the next big investment auto and just never did.
Out on the open road 150 feels so stable it’s almost surreal.
Nice colors on this one.
Anyone who owns or has owned a C4 knows what a bargain they are. Sure, the early ones can be a bit of a hassle and they are definitely hard to get into and out of. But no other car ever gave me the sensation of piloting an F-111.
It’s like the t-shirt my daughter made for me says, “Whoever says money can’t buy happiness never bought the right car.”
You know what the logo is…
Bidding at $19k take the money and run its already $7,000 over value
Your out of your mind!
Maybe for a regular C4 but not for a ZR1. Can’t hardly touch one for under 20k unless really high miles or body damage & HT is right on
Re-run.
I have an ‘89 C4 in Dark Charcoal Metallic. I think they changed the paint mix at some point, because mine was unavailable after June of 1989, and it faded miserably on the plastic front bumper, rear bumper, and side view mirrors.
It is several shades lighter than the vehicle shown here.
Mine also came with cloth seating in lieu of leather. I’ve always wondered what the production numbers were for that combination.
I had an 88 in Medium Charcoal Metallic….one of 600 or so. Probably my favorite color on any of the 50+ cars I’ve had.
Please. One of 27 painted this color that year. Not one of 27 ZR-1s…
I miss mine a 90 red ZR1, it’s not a bottom end horsepower car but it makes all that up as a top end missile if you have a highway long enough to take all what she dishes out, this car just wants more road and it’s so stable over a hundred miles an hour, never did go the listed maximum mph rating at 245 because no road here that would allow such after turning on the second fuel pump in 4th gear lol 😂 🍻🍻🙏💨
It was a Lingenfelter also
I think this one us a bargain at this price. Relatively low miles with only minor repairs needed. What can you actually buy now for 24k?
Other factors holding down the resale price are ZR-1 design is very similar to the base model, nothing distinctive, marginal build quality and cheap interior material relative to its price. Great motor and handling, but too much Chevy and not enough Corvette.
A recent 90s themed Motor Trend magazine has a good write up on the ZR1. Their comments are similar to what I see above; a great driving car that can compete with Italian exotics for way less money. They also commented on the not-so-exotic interior. Most people would see an older Corvette. Those in the know would see a very special car.
What scares me about the early ZR1 is the issue of popped piston wrist pins, my LT5 on my stock 1992 ZR1, had to be pulled at 40,000 miles due to a popped piston pin clip which was caught between the cylinder wall and piston rings and destroyed the cylinder wall, also had to replace the specific ZR1 windshield due to severe delamination and these windshields are no longer available anywhere.
Too bad these were not available as drop tops
I have an 89 Convertible, in Charcoal Metallic, with leather seats. I have a little fading om my mirrors. Paint every where else on the body is great.
I have an 89 Convertible, in Charcoal Metallic, with leather seats. I have a little fading om my mirrors. Paint every where else on the body is great.
You can say that again
Have a 90, standard issue, not a ZR1. I’ll be setting it free sometime soon, but I enjoyed it. I’m just too old and beat up to get in and out of it anymore. Two-seaters and arthritis are not a good match.
it maybe a nice color and it may be a good driving, handling car, but it’s the ugliest body style ever made for Corvette and that’s why it will never bring big money, just plain ugly!!!
And another Aztek driver checks in,,,
I know I’m weird but I love the looks of the C4 AND the Aztek!
SOLD for $22,801.
A great price on a 60k mile Z