1990 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 low-mileage first year 1990 ZR1 represents the first of the breed, a 375 horsepower stormer that's poised to become a smart investment in the coming years, particularly with all the awards it's already won.

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 detail, too. Regardless, this one is in great shape thanks to spending the past 25 years as a cherished collectable rather than a driver. Fit and finish are on par with other Corvettes of the era, and with so few miles, you know it's been protected inside every day of its life. Overall, 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 Torch Red leather interior is equally well-preserved, 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. 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 still sounds decent, although the real song you'll want to hear is the rippling shriek of the LT5 at full song, but even with that much performance on tap, the ZR1 remains a superb long-distance cruiser. Of course, everything works as it should and it includes both tops, painted and clear.

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. In truth, these engines are virtually indestructible so you shouldn't worry about the ultra-low mileage because it's only just now getting broken-in. The ZF 6-speed shifts easily and all the factory equipment, markings, and other details are still intact underneath. The exhaust which uses a center resonator to make it sound glorious at full boot, and the highly desirable A-Mold wheels wear correct 275/40/17 front and 315/35/17 rear Goodyear "Gatorback" radials.

This car has already won just about every big award such a machine can win, including the very prestigious and difficult-to-achieve NCRS McLellan Mark of Excellence and a National Top Flight award in 2013 with a 98.6% score. Complete with all the important documents, including a factory build sheet and window sticker, this ZR1 is the car to own if you want one of the very best in existence. Call today!