1991 Chevrolet Corvette

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!