Vehicle Description
The C4 ZR1 was one heck of a car. The all-aluminum LT5 engine with
dual overhead cams and 32 valves was shockingly modern in the early
'90s, and it took more than a decade for Corvette performance to
really catch up. This expertly maintained 1991 ZR1 isn't one of
those zero-mile, don't-ever-touch-it-again collector's items, but
rather a smartly built supercar that can be driven every day.
Torch red always looks great on Corvettes, and the even though a C4
isn't exactly low-profile, the ZR1's performance potential was
masked by its rather familiar looks. The rear haunches were a few
inches wider to accommodate the fatter rear tires, and for the
first few years the convex rear fascia gave it away, but eventually
the garden-variety 'Vettes got that one, too. Regardless, this one
is in great shape considering that it has been enthusiastically
driven 22,728 miles instead of sealed in a cocoon for the past 25
years. Fit and finish are on par with other Corvettes of the era,
and there's just no sign that this one has been wrecked or abused.
Instead, it has a predatory look thanks to just the right stance
and unless you're paying attention to the tiny ZR1 badges, this one
will likely get the drop on you at a red light.
The beautiful red leather interior has been recently upgraded with
satellite radio, rounding out one of the most technologically
advanced interiors of the period. Once you master the controlled
fall that is how you enter a C4, you'll find it's a supremely
comfortable place to spend some time, and there's only modest wear
on the bolsters, which is typical of these cars. The ZR1 came
loaded with everything Chevy could throw into a Corvette and a
6-speed manual gearbox was the only choice. Instruments combined
analog and digital displays that are actually quite effective at
transmitting information at a glance, and the center stack is
filled with buttons and the all-important valet key that controls
the big horsepower. The original Delco/Bose stereo sounds decent
and pairs with controls in the center console for the satellite
radio, whose antenna is discreetly installed on the rear hatch.
There's also a smoked glass roof, which stores in back for open-air
motoring at its best.
The all-aluminum LT5 motor is perhaps history's most expensive
engine upgrade, but there are those who will say it was worth every
penny. Everyone knows the story, so let's focus on how well it
runs, how perfectly it's been maintained by its owner, and how
incredible it sounds at full throttle. Docile and tractable around
town, it howls like a banshee as it screams to redline unlike any
small block Chevy before or since. All the usual ZR1 maladies have
already been cured, including fresh injectors, secondary vacuum
solenoid, and rebuilt heads. In truth, these engines are virtually
indestructible so you shouldn't worry about the mileage because
it's just getting broken-in. The ZF 6-speed shifts easily and the
stock brakes are plenty strong, even for a car this fast. The
factory exhaust which uses a center resonator makes it sound
glorious at full boot, and the staggered aluminum wheels wear
correct 275/40/17 front and 315/35/17 rear Nitto radials.
Complete with all the important documents, including a window
sticker, this ZR1 is the car to own if you simply enjoy the art of
driving fast. Call today!